Colorado Springs, CO (July 4, 2026) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC earned an impressive 3-1 win at home over Phoenix Rising FC.
Phoenix opened the scoring early when #11 Gunnar Studenhofft lofted a high-arching shot that went over the head of Switchbacks goalkeeper #1 Christian Herrera and across the goal line, putting the visitors ahead 1-0 in the 4’.
The Switchbacks found the equalizer in the 34’. #8 Frank Daroma Found #10 Adrien Perez, who fired a strike from outside the box and into the back of the net for his second goal of the season to make it 1-1 heading into the half.
Colorado Springs wasted little time taking the lead after the break. The Switchbacks were awarded a corner in the 48’ which was taken by Perez, who found #23 Garven Metusala in front of the net as he welcomed himself back to Colorado Springs with a header that got past Phoenix goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky to put the Switchbacks ahead 2-1. This marked Metusala’s first goal with the club.
The Switchbacks picked up an insurance goal in the 79’. #18 Aidan Rocha made a pass through two Phoenix defenders to Perez, who dribbled the ball into the box and calmly drove the ball off his left foot, finding the bottom right corner of the net for his second goal of the night, and giving the Switchbacks a 3-1 lead.
Colorado Springs controlled most of the match, taking 21 shots with 11 shots on target and finishing with 64.7% possession. An aggressive offensive performance paved the way to a win and three points.
The Switchbacks head on the road to battle Orange County SC in the last match of the group stage in the Prinx Tires USL Cup on July 11. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage, and be sure to follow us on social media @switchbacksfc or visit our website for the latest news and information.
