Colorado Springs, CO (May 11th, 2024) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks came out victorious against Hartford Athletic Saturday night, earning two goals, one of which was a penalty, and a clean sheet as they faced off against many familiar faces.
With six old Switchbacks players on the roster for Hartford (plus one on the technical staff), as well as going up against former Head Coach and GM Brendan Burke, tonight’s match was bound to be intense and fast paced from the jump, and both teams didn’t disappoint. Combined, the two teams made almost four hundred passes and seven shots in just the first half, five of which belonged to the Switchbacks. The first action of the night came from COS in the 24th minute, as #99 Maalique Foster made an incredible no look forward pass to teammate #20 Yosuke Hanya, who snagged the ball and netted a beautiful goal in the bottom left corner of the net, winging it just past the Hartford goalie, #40 Renan Ribeiro.
With only one goal on the board coming into the second half, Hartford began playing a more aggressive ball, looking to equalize. Despite their increased possession though, that aggressive play would be their downfall, as a foul on #20 Hanya in the box by Hartford’s #4 Jordan Scarlett awarded a penalty kick to the Switchbacks. Taken by #9 Ronaldo Damus in the 80th minute, the Switchbacks doubled their score as Damus earned his fourth goal this season, and his 2nd PK in as many games.
The Switchbacks held out for the final ten minutes of the match and emerged victorious after playing three games in eight days, two of which took place on the road.
Mark your calendars for May 17th as the Switchbacks return to Weidner Field to battle Rhode Island FC for Armed Forces night! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE.
