COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (May 13th, 2023) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks fell to Memphis 901 FC in a scrappy match, as Memphis managed a last minute goal despite being down a man.
Memphis 901 FC took the early lead in the 9th minute as #20 Nighte Pickering managed to outpace the defensive line and make a last minute cross to #9 Luiz Fernando directly in front of the goal.
The Switchbacks had their chance to equalize only ten minutes later as several head balls off a corner kick from #17 Jairo Henriquez put the ball on the head of #9 Romario Williams who popped the ball in the net right over the head of the goalkeeper.
The boys in black and blue had a another chance with a momentum shift in game when Memphis player #7 Bruno Lapa received a red card after aggressively kicking a Switchbacks player from the ground after losing the ball. Despite the advantage the scoreboard would remain 1-1 going into the first half, with both teams holding nearly identical possession percentages at 51% for the Switchbacks and 48% for Memphis.
The second half started with some fire, and the Switchbacks had several chances on goal in the first few minutes of the match, including one big one in the box. Tyreek Magee made his Switchbacks debut, subbing on in the 57th minute for Patrick Seagrist. By minute 75 the Switchbacks held 66.7% of possession, laying the pressure on as they tried to earn the lead.
Switchbacks goalkeeper #1 Christian Herrera had an incredible save in the 78th minute, keeping the score 1-1, and #99 Maalique Foster had a shot on goal in the 85th that clipped the upper right corner of the cross bar, heading back out to play rather than into the net.
Unfortunately Memphis 901 FC managed a second goal in the final minutes of play, chipping the ball in over the head of Herrera after he was pulled out to the 18 yard box for a defensive play. The Switchbacks were unable to equalize in stoppage time, and the final score was 2-1 for the home team.
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks spend the rest of May on the road as they take on Loudon United and Tampa Bay Rowdies in the next two weekend matchups. They’ll return home to Weidner Field on June 2nd for one of our most popular matches: Galactic Night, as they take on Oakland Roots SC. For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE.
Match Statistics:
Saves: COS: Herrera: (4) MEM: Hamid (3)
Goals: COS: Romario Williams (22′) (A: Echevarria); MEM: Fernando (9′) (A: Pickering); Fernando (88′)
Discipline: COS: YC: S. Williams (32′); Henriquez (36′); Seagrist (57′); Chapman (86′) MEM: YC: Smith (45′ +4); Kelly (53′); RC: Bruno Lapa (34′)