Colorado Springs, CO (April 1st, 2026) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC battled until the final whistle, securing a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spokane Velocity, 1 (4)–1 (2), to advance in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Switchbacks FC opened their second-round campaign with a strong first-half performance, holding 88.9% passing accuracy and completing 18 crosses compared to Velocity’s one. Defensively, the team recorded two tackles and three interceptions.
#24 Talen Maples broke through in the 45′ after #10 Adrien Perez delivered a ball from the right side of the 18-yard box back to the top of the area. Maples met it with a one-touch, left-footed strike, firing through defenders and into the bottom-left corner to give Colorado Springs a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Possession shifted between the two sides until the 87′, when Spokane’s #7 Joe Gallardo Jr. delivered a free kick from outside the 18-yard box to #80 Andrew Booth, who headed the ball into the top-right corner. Despite a touch from goalkeeper #1 Christian Herrera, the equalizer stood, leveling the match at 1-1 and forcing extra time.
In the first half of extra time, the Switchbacks maintained control with 83.2% possession, creating nine crosses and earning four corners. In the second half, Colorado Springs recorded a 79.1% passing accuracy and completed three successful tackles. However, neither side found a winner, sending the match to penalty kicks.
Colorado Springs’ #90 Khori Bennett opened the shootout, calmly converting to the left as the goalkeeper went the opposite direction. Spokane’s first attempt from #16 Anuar Peláez was denied by Herrera.
Switchbacks’ Perez followed with a powerful left-footed strike into the right side of the net to extend the advantage. Herrera came up big again, saving Spokane’s next attempt from #4 Michael Fitch.
Maples stepped up next but saw his attempt hit the left post. Spokane’s #14 Mark Hernandez converted to keep his side in contention.
Colorado Springs’ #20 Yosuke Hanya responded with a composed finish to the left, just out of the goalkeeper’s reach. Spokane’s #77 Andre Lewis converted his attempt, sending it left as Herrera went the opposite way.
With the match on the line, #17 Sadam Masereka stepped up and calmly buried the final penalty, sealing the shootout victory and sending the Switchbacks into the next round of the Open Cup.
Next round of the Open Cup will be announced tomorrow, Thursday, April 2nd.
