Match Review

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Win 3-1 in Front of Sellout Crowd on July 4th

Colorado Springs, CO (July 4, 2021) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC won 3-1 powered behind three first half goals on the Fourth of July in front of a sellout crowd of 8,023 fans at Weidner Field.

The Switchbacks started the game fast when a golden opportunity fell to Deshane Beckford from close range ten minutes in, but he just couldn't get enough contact on the ball to direct it on target. The Switchbacks would find the lead six minutes later as Michee Ngalina played a low cross into the box that Beckford would direct inside the far post for his third goal for the Switchbacks.

Jose Torres played a line breaking pass to find Beckford inside the left side of the penalty area as the Jamaican forward played a slick pass to find Hadji Barry from six yards out as he perfectly timed his run to score his 11th goal in 10 games to start the 2021 season.

The Monarchs cut the deficit in half in the 28th minute as Douglas Martinez found space on the right side of the field before squaring the ball to Aris Briggs who finished from close range.

However, the Switchbacks would restore their two goal lead when Sebastian Anderson played a corner kick from the right side to the near post where Michael Edwards turned his header into the back of the net for the defender's first goal for the Switchbacks.

The hosts stayed on the front foot in the second half as Barry hit a shot first time from the top of the penalty area that would only miss the bottom left corner by mere inches.

After a foul near the edge of the box, the Monarchs were gifted an opportunity to get a second goal, this time from the penalty spot. Noah Powder stepped up to take the penalty as he placed it to the right side of the goal, but Sean Melvin read the shot and came up with a huge save diving to his left.

That would be the final action of the game that saw the Switchbacks win their fourth game in their last five in front of the largest crowd in Switchbacks history.

"I was impressed with the way we started the game, with the number of chances we created throughout the game," said Switchbacks Head Coach, Brendan Burke. "I thought there were three or four more goals in the game for us, so we're still a work in progress and we need to be a little sharper in the final third, but our front three are deadly and they did a great job again tonight. They were all involved in at least one if not two of the goals, so I'm just really happy with how those guys are playing. And everyone else deserves a ton of credit for putting them in good positions over and over again. The team's clicking, we're four out of our last five now, so this is what we’ve been waiting for."

The Switchbacks FC are on the road next to take on New Mexico United on Friday, July 9 at 7:30pm MT at Isotopes Park. The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field on July 17 against San Antonio FC with gates opening at 11am for a 12pm kick off. This game will be nationally broadcasted on ESPN 2. Tickets are available HERE.

Colorado Springs, CO (July 4, 2021) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC won 3-1 powered behind three first half goals on the Fourth of July in front of a sellout crowd of 8,023 fans at Weidner Field.

The Switchbacks started the game fast when a golden opportunity fell to Deshane Beckford from close range ten minutes in, but he just couldn’t get enough contact on the ball to direct it on target. The Switchbacks would find the lead six minutes later as Michee Ngalina played a low cross into the box that Beckford would direct inside the far post for his third goal for the Switchbacks.

Jose Torres played a line breaking pass to find Beckford inside the left side of the penalty area as the Jamaican forward played a slick pass to find Hadji Barry from six yards out as he perfectly timed his run to score his 11th goal in 10 games to start the 2021 season.

The Monarchs cut the deficit in half in the 28th minute as Douglas Martinez found space on the right side of the field before squaring the ball to Aris Briggs who finished from close range.

However, the Switchbacks would restore their two goal lead when Sebastian Anderson played a corner kick from the right side to the near post where Michael Edwards turned his header into the back of the net for the defender’s first goal for the Switchbacks.

The hosts stayed on the front foot in the second half as Barry hit a shot first time from the top of the penalty area that would only miss the bottom left corner by mere inches.

After a foul near the edge of the box, the Monarchs were gifted an opportunity to get a second goal, this time from the penalty spot. Noah Powder stepped up to take the penalty as he placed it to the right side of the goal, but Sean Melvin read the shot and came up with a huge save diving to his left.

That would be the final action of the game that saw the Switchbacks win their fourth game in their last five in front of the largest crowd in Switchbacks history.

“I was impressed with the way we started the game, with the number of chances we created throughout the game,” said Switchbacks Head Coach, Brendan Burke. “I thought there were three or four more goals in the game for us, so we’re still a work in progress and we need to be a little sharper in the final third, but our front three are deadly and they did a great job again tonight. They were all involved in at least one if not two of the goals, so I’m just really happy with how those guys are playing. And everyone else deserves a ton of credit for putting them in good positions over and over again. The team’s clicking, we’re four out of our last five now, so this is what we’ve been waiting for.”

The Switchbacks FC are on the road next to take on New Mexico United on Friday, July 9 at 7:30pm MT at Isotopes Park. The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field on July 17 against San Antonio FC with gates opening at 11am for a 12pm kick off. This game will be nationally broadcasted on ESPN 2. Tickets are available HERE.

Brendan Burke – Head Coach
Overall thoughts on the game:
"I was impressed with the way we started the game, with the number of chances we created throughout the game. I thought there were three or four more goals in the game for us, so we're still a work in progress and we need to be a little sharper in the final third, but our front three are deadly and they did a great job again tonight. They were all involved in at least one if not two of the goals, so I'm just really happy with how those guys are playing. And everyone else deserves a ton of credit for putting them in good positions over and over again. The team's clicking, we're four out of our last five now, so this is what we’ve been waiting for."

On the strong performance and bouncing back from the OC game:
"We're trying to get to the point where this is a really tough place for anyone to play, and I think with the Orange County game there was a lot of frustration and disappointment with a number of factors with that game, so that kind of fueled the little bit of energy we needed to get through that quick turnaround."

Michael Edwards:
On the momentum that drove them to three goals in the first half:
"You definitely don’t want to lose two in a row, so we believed in each other and we came into this game knowing we needed three points to get top three in the table. We were able to do that, and so we look good going into the match going into New Mexico."

On his first USL goal:
"Yeah it felt great. We worked on that play, that run all week in training. We practiced with us all to make the near post run, and luckily I was able to get on the end of it."

Sean Melvin:
On the mentality involved to get a win after OC late last week:
"I think just a positive and aggressive mentality. We wanted to come out early and strong, and I think we were able to accomplish that. We've got a good group of guys and good attitude, good commitment, we just push for every game and every minute and we were able to do that tonight."

On his PK in the second half:
"It’s a bit of a guess but I mean an educated one. We watch film a lot, and you kind of know the other players that are on the field. You know he’s left footed, and you try to see what kind of player he is throughout the game, if he cuts across himself, if he goes for power, that kind of thing, and you just make an educated guess best you can, and I was lucky to get it tonight."

Brendan Burke – Head Coach
Overall thoughts on the game:
“I was impressed with the way we started the game, with the number of chances we created throughout the game. I thought there were three or four more goals in the game for us, so we’re still a work in progress and we need to be a little sharper in the final third, but our front three are deadly and they did a great job again tonight. They were all involved in at least one if not two of the goals, so I’m just really happy with how those guys are playing. And everyone else deserves a ton of credit for putting them in good positions over and over again. The team’s clicking, we’re four out of our last five now, so this is what we’ve been waiting for.”

On the strong performance and bouncing back from the OC game:
“We’re trying to get to the point where this is a really tough place for anyone to play, and I think with the Orange County game there was a lot of frustration and disappointment with a number of factors with that game, so that kind of fueled the little bit of energy we needed to get through that quick turnaround.”

Michael Edwards:
On the momentum that drove them to three goals in the first half:
“You definitely don’t want to lose two in a row, so we believed in each other and we came into this game knowing we needed three points to get top three in the table. We were able to do that, and so we look good going into the match going into New Mexico.”

On his first USL goal:
“Yeah it felt great. We worked on that play, that run all week in training. We practiced with us all to make the near post run, and luckily I was able to get on the end of it.”

Sean Melvin:
On the mentality involved to get a win after OC late last week:
“I think just a positive and aggressive mentality. We wanted to come out early and strong, and I think we were able to accomplish that. We’ve got a good group of guys and good attitude, good commitment, we just push for every game and every minute and we were able to do that tonight.”

On his PK in the second half:
“It’s a bit of a guess but I mean an educated one. We watch film a lot, and you kind of know the other players that are on the field. You know he’s left footed, and you try to see what kind of player he is throughout the game, if he cuts across himself, if he goes for power, that kind of thing, and you just make an educated guess best you can, and I was lucky to get it tonight.”

Man of the Match// Sean Melvin
Scoring Summary// COS: Beckford (16'), Barry (22'), Edwards (32') | SLC: Briggs (28')
Saves// COS: Melvin (4) | SLC: Dewsnup (6)
Discipline// COS: YC: Mahoney (83'), Edwards (87'), Mayaka (90+1) | SLC: YC: Bance (30'), Saucedo (38'), Ilioski (65'), Sobowale (82')

Man of the Match// Sean Melvin
Scoring Summary// COS: Beckford (16′), Barry (22′), Edwards (32′) | SLC: Briggs (28′)
Saves// COS: Melvin (4) | SLC: Dewsnup (6)
Discipline// COS: YC: Mahoney (83′), Edwards (87′), Mayaka (90+1) | SLC: YC: Bance (30′), Saucedo (38′), Ilioski (65′), Sobowale (82′)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Attend Fort Carson Homecoming Event

On Friday, July 2nd, volunteers from the Colorado Springs Switchbacks staff attended the Homecoming Celebration hosted by Fort Carson. Military families from all over Colorado Springs gathered to celebrate the arrival of a platoon of soldiers returning from a one-year deployment overseas.

Nearly 1,000 people gathered on Friday, where the families were greeted with games, food live music, and more to celebrate the homecoming. With the weather cooperating, guests were able to enjoy backyard games like cornhole and frisbee as well as explore the military vehicles parked on site.

A chili cook-out/competition preceded the event, and the festivities continued long into the afternoon.

Ziggy made an appearance as well, delighting kids and adults alike and helping create photo memories to remember the event.

A chili cook-out/competition preceded the event, and the festivities continued long into the afternoon.

Ziggy made an appearance as well, delighting kids and adults alike and helping create photo memories to remember the event.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Fall at Weidner Field to Orange County SC

Colorado Springs, CO (July 1, 2021) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC fell to Orange County SC 2-0 at Weidner Field on Thursday night.

On a rainy night, the Switchbacks started bright as Deshane Beckford created space on the left side of the penalty are before hitting a low shot to the left post that was turned wide by Abraham Romero. Michee Ngalina created another opportunity for the Switchbacks down the right side of the penalty area as he played a cross to Hadji Barry but Barry couldn't direct the driven cross on target.

Orange County got on the board first in the 18th minute as Brent Richards played a cross to the head of 6' 6" Eero Markkanen as he directed the ball inside the right post from six yards out.

Barry went close to an notching his 11th goal of the season in the 24th minute with a curling effort that was turned wide of the right post by Romero, while Beckford also fired wide of the left post for the hosts a few minutes later. The Switchbacks created another opportunity as Ngalina beat a defender on the dribble near the left touchline and played a pass to an outreaching Sebastian Anderson who directed his shot just wide of the right post.

The Switchbacks were looking to equalize in the second half as Ngalina got behind the Orange County defense and played a pass to Barry running into the penalty area but the pass was just too far out of Barry's reach. With just 14 minutes remaining, Barry played Ngalina into the right side of the penalty area but his shot struck the base of the near post before going out for a goal kick. Jimmy Ockford came up for a corner kick in the final minutes of the game as he rose up over a defender near the right post and directed his header downwards and just wide of the post.

Orange County found a second goal in the 90th minute as Eric Calvillo pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area before squeezing a shot by Sean Melvin to double the visitor's lead before fulltime.

The Switchbacks FC are back at Weidner Field to host a 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular show after the game against Real Monarchs SLC on July 4. The game is presented by Phil Long Dealerships, who are providing seat cushions to the first 500 fans in the gates at 4pm MT, with kickoff set for 6:30pm MT. Tickets are available HERE.

Colorado Springs, CO (July 1, 2021) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC fell to Orange County SC 2-0 at Weidner Field on Thursday night.

On a rainy night, the Switchbacks started bright as Deshane Beckford created space on the left side of the penalty are before hitting a low shot to the left post that was turned wide by Abraham Romero. Michee Ngalina created another opportunity for the Switchbacks down the right side of the penalty area as he played a cross to Hadji Barry but Barry couldn’t direct the driven cross on target.

Orange County got on the board first in the 18th minute as Brent Richards played a cross to the head of 6′ 6″ Eero Markkanen as he directed the ball inside the right post from six yards out.

Barry went close to an notching his 11th goal of the season in the 24th minute with a curling effort that was turned wide of the right post by Romero, while Beckford also fired wide of the left post for the hosts a few minutes later. The Switchbacks created another opportunity as Ngalina beat a defender on the dribble near the left touchline and played a pass to an outreaching Sebastian Anderson who directed his shot just wide of the right post.

The Switchbacks were looking to equalize in the second half as Ngalina got behind the Orange County defense and played a pass to Barry running into the penalty area but the pass was just too far out of Barry’s reach. With just 14 minutes remaining, Barry played Ngalina into the right side of the penalty area but his shot struck the base of the near post before going out for a goal kick. Jimmy Ockford came up for a corner kick in the final minutes of the game as he rose up over a defender near the right post and directed his header downwards and just wide of the post.

Orange County found a second goal in the 90th minute as Eric Calvillo pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area before squeezing a shot by Sean Melvin to double the visitor’s lead before fulltime.

The Switchbacks FC are back at Weidner Field to host a 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular show after the game against Real Monarchs SLC on July 4. The game is presented by Phil Long Dealerships, who are providing seat cushions to the first 500 fans in the gates at 4pm MT, with kickoff set for 6:30pm MT. Tickets are available HERE.

Brendan Burke
Overall thoughts on the game:
"I couldn't be happier with my team. We're a thin squad, but we're rotating and we trust everyone in the group and I thought they performed tonight. I thought we carried the game for the vast majority of it. We played a team that was committed to getting their entire group behind the ball and they did a great job of that, so credit to them, but I thought the guys performed well, we just didn't have that final pass, the final touch. But I thought we had 8 to 10 clearcut goal scoring chances and on an average night three or four of those are goals."

On the quick turnaround to the game on the fourth:
"I do think it can help. I just said to the guys, you performed. Down to a man, there was nobody that was poor tonight and you shouldn't walk away feeling that way. We have to control what we can control so it's about taking care of their bodies, and getting good rest. But it can help definitely I mean when you have that taste in your mouth, when you create that much and then walk away with nothing, you want nothing more than to get back on the field. I'm sure half those guys, mentally anyways, would want to get back on that field tonight if we let them.

Phillip Mayaka:
On playing a really tough defensive team:
"I mean we are a transition team, and they kind of sat back and we didn't have a chance to do more of that transition, we kind of kept the ball trying to play through them.But they were so compact so we had to come out and try and get some crosses in but we didn't manage to do that today."

On the fans turning out despite the weather:
"First of all I just want to say thank you because they took time from their day and they came out for us. It was raining and they stuck with us and they gave us all the support we needed. Sorry for the disappointment, but we're going to bounce back and give you three points next game."

Matt Mahoney:
On bouncing back with such a quick turnaround:
"I think it's the best thing to be able to have a short turnaround and be able to come back on Sunday. There's less time to think. I know after our first loss against San Antonio at the beginning of the season we had two weeks and that was brutal, so I say just learn from it, it is what it is. We were on a good streak so unfortunately tonight was a night we lost, but now we have a chance on Sunday again against a 2 team to go out and hopefully get a good win."

On playing in the rain:
"Honestly I didn't think it affected us too much, if anything it probably could have helped us. You know with turf it get's a little slick but I think with the athleticism we have on our team I think we could have done a little better. But after they got that goal they sat back and so it was hard to break them down and get in behind, and they did a good job at studying our strikers. We still had a chance to score, unfortunately some nights they don't go in, and the other team had only maybe two or three chances and they scored. Sometimes that's how the game goes so luckily we have a game on Sunday to regroup in a couple days and hopefully go get another win."

Brendan Burke
Overall thoughts on the game:
“I couldn’t be happier with my team. We’re a thin squad, but we’re rotating and we trust everyone in the group and I thought they performed tonight. I thought we carried the game for the vast majority of it. We played a team that was committed to getting their entire group behind the ball and they did a great job of that, so credit to them, but I thought the guys performed well, we just didn’t have that final pass, the final touch. But I thought we had 8 to 10 clearcut goal scoring chances and on an average night three or four of those are goals.”

On the quick turnaround to the game on the fourth:
“I do think it can help. I just said to the guys, you performed. Down to a man, there was nobody that was poor tonight and you shouldn’t walk away feeling that way. We have to control what we can control so it’s about taking care of their bodies, and getting good rest. But it can help definitely I mean when you have that taste in your mouth, when you create that much and then walk away with nothing, you want nothing more than to get back on the field. I’m sure half those guys, mentally anyways, would want to get back on that field tonight if we let them.

Phillip Mayaka:
On playing a really tough defensive team:
“I mean we are a transition team, and they kind of sat back and we didn’t have a chance to do more of that transition, we kind of kept the ball trying to play through them.But they were so compact so we had to come out and try and get some crosses in but we didn’t manage to do that today.”

On the fans turning out despite the weather:
“First of all I just want to say thank you because they took time from their day and they came out for us. It was raining and they stuck with us and they gave us all the support we needed. Sorry for the disappointment, but we’re going to bounce back and give you three points next game.”

Matt Mahoney:
On bouncing back with such a quick turnaround:
“I think it’s the best thing to be able to have a short turnaround and be able to come back on Sunday. There’s less time to think. I know after our first loss against San Antonio at the beginning of the season we had two weeks and that was brutal, so I say just learn from it, it is what it is. We were on a good streak so unfortunately tonight was a night we lost, but now we have a chance on Sunday again against a 2 team to go out and hopefully get a good win.”

On playing in the rain:
“Honestly I didn’t think it affected us too much, if anything it probably could have helped us. You know with turf it get’s a little slick but I think with the athleticism we have on our team I think we could have done a little better. But after they got that goal they sat back and so it was hard to break them down and get in behind, and they did a good job at studying our strikers. We still had a chance to score, unfortunately some nights they don’t go in, and the other team had only maybe two or three chances and they scored. Sometimes that’s how the game goes so luckily we have a game on Sunday to regroup in a couple days and hopefully go get another win.”

Man of the Match// Philip Mayaka
Scoring Summary// COS: None | OC: Markkanen (18'), Calvillo (90')
Saves// COS: Melvin (2) | OC: Romero (4)
Discipline// COS: YC: Torres (71'), Mayaka (74') | OC: YC: Alston (3'), Romero (77')

Man of the Match// Philip Mayaka
Scoring Summary// COS: None | OC: Markkanen (18′), Calvillo (90′)
Saves// COS: Melvin (2) | OC: Romero (4)
Discipline// COS: YC: Torres (71′), Mayaka (74′) | OC: YC: Alston (3′), Romero (77′)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Host Colorado Springs Executive Association Breakfast

On Wednesday, June 30th, The Colorado Springs Switchbacks hosted the Colorado Springs Executive Association for their weekly networking breakfast.

Over 80 Execs enjoyed breakfast in the Sky Club at Weidner Field and watched a presentation by the Switchbacks Director of Ticketing, Josh Middleton. After the presentation all members in attendance were given a private tour of the brand-new stadium. Breakfast was provided in house by Levy’s catering services.

Guests had a wonderful time and multiple people requested that future events be held at Weidner Field.

Everyone in attendance left with positive reviews, and conversations are eager about when they can host their next event with the stadium.

On Wednesday, June 30th, The Colorado Springs Switchbacks hosted the Colorado Springs Executive Association for their weekly networking breakfast.

Guests had a wonderful time and multiple people requested that future events be held at Weidner Field.

Everyone in attendance left with positive reviews, and conversations are eager about when they can host their next event with the stadium.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Host CHSAA Girls' Soccer Championships at Weidner Field

On Saturday, June 26th, the Switchbacks hosted the CHSAA Girls’ Soccer Tournament at Weidner Field. Two teams from each the 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A divisions across Colorado gathered for a day of games starting at 8 AM.

The tournament lasted all day, with the final game ending at close to 7 pm. The four games ended in state champions for each division: the Dawson School Mustangs (2A), the Kent Denver Sun Devils (3A), the Holy Family Tigers (4A), and the Broomfield Eagles (5A).

Tickets were sold right up to the day of the tournament, and over 1,000 attendees came throughout the day to cheer on the various teams.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Win Third Straight After Another Comeback Victory

Colorado Springs, CO (June 25, 2021) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC won their third game in a row on Friday night, defeating New Mexico United 3-1 in a comeback victory at Weidner Field.

New Mexico got on the board first in the 19th minute from a corner kick that was played on the ground to the top of the penalty area. After a dummy run, the ball fell to the left foot of Josh Suggs who curled the shot to the top left corner of the goal.

Later in the half, Hadji Barry and Michee Ngalina combined on the left side of the penalty area before Ngalina hit a low shot to the bottom right corner, but Alex Tambakis made a foot save to deflect the ball out for a corner.

Just before the hour mark, the Switchbacks found an equalizer as Ngalina timed his run to get into the left side of the penalty area to slide for a tap-in finish for Deshane Beckford at the back post. The Switchbacks found a second goal to flip the script of the game when Sebastian Anderson played an inch perfect pass to Hadji Barry six yards out from goal as he deflected the ball inside the left post. That goal would mark Barry's seventh consecutive game with a goal for the Switchbacks.

With just under 20 minutes remaining, New Mexico had a cross get deflected and find Isidro Martinez who put a shot back across the frame of the goal for Anderson to make a sliding clearance off the goal-line to preserve the Switchbacks lead.

The Switchbacks closed the game out in the 82nd minute as Andre Lewis played a pass with his first touch into the path of Barry who won his footrace to get onto the ball and slot his shot right by Tambakis and into the back of the net. Barry now has ten goals in his last seven games, making him the first player to reach the double digit mark in the USL Championship this season.

Tonight's win means the Switchbacks are now riding a five game unbeaten run with three straight wins to move into third place in the Mountain Division.

The Switchbacks FC are back at Weidner Field for their next two games next week. The Switchbacks are getting the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration started on June 1 vs Orange County SC, with gates opening at 6pm MT for the match presented by Diversus Health, mental health and well-being for all. Tickets are available HERE.

The Switchbacks are hosting a 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular show after the game against Real Monarchs SLC on July 4. The game is presented by Phil Long Dealerships, who are providing seat cushions to the first 500 fans in the gates at 4pm MT, with kickoff set for 6:30pm MT. Tickets are available HERE.

Colorado Springs, CO (June 25, 2021) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC won their third game in a row on Friday night, defeating New Mexico United 3-1 in a comeback victory at Weidner Field.

New Mexico got on the board first in the 19th minute from a corner kick that was played on the ground to the top of the penalty area. After a dummy run, the ball fell to the left foot of Josh Suggs who curled the shot to the top left corner of the goal.

Later in the half, Hadji Barry and Michee Ngalina combined on the left side of the penalty area before Ngalina hit a low shot to the bottom right corner, but Alex Tambakis made a foot save to deflect the ball out for a corner.

Just before the hour mark, the Switchbacks found an equalizer as Ngalina timed his run to get into the left side of the penalty area to slide for a tap-in finish for Deshane Beckford at the back post. The Switchbacks found a second goal to flip the script of the game when Sebastian Anderson played an inch perfect pass to Hadji Barry six yards out from goal as he deflected the ball inside the left post. That goal would mark Barry’s seventh consecutive game with a goal for the Switchbacks.

With just under 20 minutes remaining, New Mexico had a cross get deflected and find Isidro Martinez who put a shot back across the frame of the goal for Anderson to make a sliding clearance off the goal-line to preserve the Switchbacks lead.

The Switchbacks closed the game out in the 82nd minute as Andre Lewis played a pass with his first touch into the path of Barry who won his footrace to get onto the ball and slot his shot right by Tambakis and into the back of the net. Barry now has ten goals in his last seven games, making him the first player to reach the double digit mark in the USL Championship this season.

Tonight’s win means the Switchbacks are now riding a five game unbeaten run with three straight wins to move into third place in the Mountain Division.

The Switchbacks FC are back at Weidner Field for their next two games next week. The Switchbacks are getting the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration started on June 1 vs Orange County SC, with gates opening at 6pm MT for the match presented by Diversus Health, mental health and well-being for all. Tickets are available HERE.

The Switchbacks are hosting a 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular show after the game against Real Monarchs SLC on July 4. The game is presented by Phil Long Dealerships, who are providing seat cushions to the first 500 fans in the gates at 4pm MT, with kickoff set for 6:30pm MT. Tickets are available HERE.

Brendan Burke
Overall thoughts on the game:
Yeah I'm just so massively impressed with our ability to dig down and find the energy. After playing two and half days ago with travel, playing with ten men for 60 minutes and then to be able to come back in a game like that against, for my money, the best team we've seen so far in this division, New Mexico deserves a ton of credit. They just grind through you, they win duels, they do a great job of getting around the ball, but I'm just so so happy with where this group is at, and the fact that we have room to grow and now we can trust so many players in the squad to step up in big moments.

On being able to bounce back to get two come from behind wins in a row:
"I think it's the character of the group. It's quickly becoming the DNA of the group. There's always belief that we can score goals because of the talent level up front and how industrious we are in the center and midfield, and the fact that we have 6 center midfielders who can rotate through, and that's missing Zandi whose right at the top of the group for me too. I'm just so happy for the guys and they deserve a day or two off after a week like that."

On what it means to get this division opponent win:
"It's a six point game for us. And they took that win away from us before, and that wasn't forgotten, and that wasn't unmentioned pregame. So I'm glad that we found a way to dig down, and found the energy to win this game after such a tough game on the road on Tuesday."

Hadji Barry
On what fuels the momentum to get 10 goals in 8 games:
"I mean, things are just going my way right now. I'm putting in the work in training, and my teammates believe in me and my coach and coaching staff have been believing in me. So I'm just going out and giving it 110% and things are working out for me."

On gaining control in the second half:
"I think this is the third game in a row that we've been going in down a goal, that shows how resilient we are, we're just not giving up you know? And it's a good effort man, good effort by the team, by the coaching staff and everybody involved."

Sebastian Anderson
On getting a comeback victory against New Mexico :
"It means the world man, it's crazy because you know they beat us 3-1, but we came out here knowing that we needed to get three points. We wanted three points we wanted revenge at them and we went out and did that."

On his assist for the second goal:
"I had time and space on it, so I took a touch, picked my head up, saw Hadji just splitting those defenders right in between them. So I just curled one in behind and he was there to finish it."

Brendan Burke
Overall thoughts on the game:
Yeah I’m just so massively impressed with our ability to dig down and find the energy. After playing two and half days ago with travel, playing with ten men for 60 minutes and then to be able to come back in a game like that against, for my money, the best team we’ve seen so far in this division, New Mexico deserves a ton of credit. They just grind through you, they win duels, they do a great job of getting around the ball, but I’m just so so happy with where this group is at, and the fact that we have room to grow and now we can trust so many players in the squad to step up in big moments.

On being able to bounce back to get two come from behind wins in a row:
“I think it’s the character of the group. It’s quickly becoming the DNA of the group. There’s always belief that we can score goals because of the talent level up front and how industrious we are in the center and midfield, and the fact that we have 6 center midfielders who can rotate through, and that’s missing Zandi whose right at the top of the group for me too. I’m just so happy for the guys and they deserve a day or two off after a week like that.”

On what it means to get this division opponent win:
“It’s a six point game for us. And they took that win away from us before, and that wasn’t forgotten, and that wasn’t unmentioned pregame. So I’m glad that we found a way to dig down, and found the energy to win this game after such a tough game on the road on Tuesday.”

Hadji Barry
On what fuels the momentum to get 10 goals in 8 games:
“I mean, things are just going my way right now. I’m putting in the work in training, and my teammates believe in me and my coach and coaching staff have been believing in me. So I’m just going out and giving it 110% and things are working out for me.”

On gaining control in the second half:
“I think this is the third game in a row that we’ve been going in down a goal, that shows how resilient we are, we’re just not giving up you know? And it’s a good effort man, good effort by the team, by the coaching staff and everybody involved.”

Sebastian Anderson
On getting a comeback victory against New Mexico :
“It means the world man, it’s crazy because you know they beat us 3-1, but we came out here knowing that we needed to get three points. We wanted three points we wanted revenge at them and we went out and did that.”

On his assist for the second goal:
“I had time and space on it, so I took a touch, picked my head up, saw Hadji just splitting those defenders right in between them. So I just curled one in behind and he was there to finish it.”

Man of the Match// Hadji Barry
Scoring Summary// COS: Beckford (59'), Barry (69'), Barry (82') | NM: Suggs (19')
Saves// COS: Melvin (3) | NM: Tambakis (4)
Discipline// COS: YC: Mahoney (49'), Barry (83'), Ockford (88'), Mayaka (90+1') | NM: YC: Tinari (28'), Martinez (90+2)

Man of the Match// Hadji Barry
Scoring Summary// COS: Beckford (59′), Barry (69′), Barry (82′) | NM: Suggs (19′)
Saves// COS: Melvin (3) | NM: Tambakis (4)
Discipline// COS: YC: Mahoney (49′), Barry (83′), Ockford (88′), Mayaka (90+1′) | NM: YC: Tinari (28′), Martinez (90+2)

10-Man Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Stun Austin Bold FC in Statement Comeback Win

Photo Courtesy of Austin Bold FC

Colorado Springs, CO (June 22, 2021) – Down a man for over an hour and down a goal, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC recorded an iconic 3-2 comeback win on the road to Austin Bold FC on Tuesday night.

"Tonight was a statement win," said Switchbacks Head Coach, Brendan Burke. "We still have a long way to go as a group and a club, but we are going to swing away no matter the circumstances. We can't wait to see how this group matures over the course of the season."

Austin got on the board first from a free kick in the third minute that Fabien Garcia curled over the wall and into the net. The Switchbacks would answer quickly after Austin goalkeeper, Hugo Fauroux, tripped up Hadji Barry near the endline after Barry beat him to the loose ball. Barry would send the goalkeeper the wrong direction on the ensuing penalty kick, placing the ball into the bottom left corner.

Owayne Gordon had a free run at goal for Austin in the 30th minute as Lamar Batista caught up and tackled him on the edge of the penalty area. Gordon felt the contact and went down into the penalty area to draw a penalty kick and a red card to Batista. Sean Okoli put his penalty kick into the bottom left corner to give the hosts the lead.

Down a man, the Switchbacks created another opportunity before halftime with a turnover high up the field. Barry picked up the loose ball and found Michee Ngalina on the right side of the penalty area who crossed the ball to Andre Lewis but his shot was saved by Fauroux.

The Switchbacks continued to press in the second half and it paid off as Ngalina once again found space on the right side of the penalty area to place a ground cross to the penalty spot. Barry was the first to react as he blasted a right-footed shot into the roof of the net for his second goal of the night. That goal was Barry's eighth of the season as he now has sole possession of first place in the Golden Boot race.

In the 79th minute, Austin had a cross whipped into the box that found Okoli on the back post but his downward header was kept out by Switchbacks goalkeeper, Sean Melvin.

In the final seconds of regular time, Philip Mayaka picked up a loose ball and drove to the top of the penalty area as Jose Torres forced another turnover in Austin's half. As he reached the top of the penalty area, a defender poked the ball away from Mayaka right to the foot of Dantouma "Yaya" Toure who hit a powerful shot first time into the back of the net to cap off a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory for the Switchbacks.

The Switchbacks FC are on the road on Tuesday as the club takes on Austin Bold FC at 7:00pm MT on June 22. The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field on Friday, June 25, against New Mexico United with gates opening at 6pm MT. The match is presented by Southwest Airlines with a Fireworks show directly following the match. Tickets are available HERE.

Colorado Springs, CO (June 22, 2021) – Down a man for over an hour and down a goal, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC recorded an iconic 3-2 comeback win on the road to Austin Bold FC on Tuesday night.

“Tonight was a statement win,” said Switchbacks Head Coach, Brendan Burke. “We still have a long way to go as a group and a club, but we are going to swing away no matter the circumstances. We can’t wait to see how this group matures over the course of the season.”

Austin got on the board first from a free kick in the third minute that Fabien Garcia curled over the wall and into the net. The Switchbacks would answer quickly after Austin goalkeeper, Hugo Fauroux, tripped up Hadji Barry near the endline after Barry beat him to the loose ball. Barry would send the goalkeeper the wrong direction on the ensuing penalty kick, placing the ball into the bottom left corner.

Owayne Gordon had a free run at goal for Austin in the 30th minute as Lamar Batista caught up and tackled him on the edge of the penalty area. Gordon felt the contact and went down into the penalty area to draw a penalty kick and a red card to Batista. Sean Okoli put his penalty kick into the bottom left corner to give the hosts the lead.

Down a man, the Switchbacks created another opportunity before halftime with a turnover high up the field. Barry picked up the loose ball and found Michee Ngalina on the right side of the penalty area who crossed the ball to Andre Lewis but his shot was saved by Fauroux.

The Switchbacks continued to press in the second half and it paid off as Ngalina once again found space on the right side of the penalty area to place a ground cross to the penalty spot. Barry was the first to react as he blasted a right-footed shot into the roof of the net for his second goal of the night. That goal was Barry’s eighth of the season as he now has sole possession of first place in the Golden Boot race.

In the 79th minute, Austin had a cross whipped into the box that found Okoli on the back post but his downward header was kept out by Switchbacks goalkeeper, Sean Melvin.

In the final seconds of regular time, Philip Mayaka picked up a loose ball and drove to the top of the penalty area as Jose Torres forced another turnover in Austin’s half. As he reached the top of the penalty area, a defender poked the ball away from Mayaka right to the foot of Dantouma “Yaya” Toure who hit a powerful shot first time into the back of the net to cap off a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory for the Switchbacks.

The Switchbacks FC are on the road on Tuesday as the club takes on Austin Bold FC at 7:00pm MT on June 22. The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field on Friday, June 25, against New Mexico United with gates opening at 6pm MT. The match is presented by Southwest Airlines with a Fireworks show directly following the match. Tickets are available HERE.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks help celebrate Fathers Day at the Hotel Elegante Fathers Day Brunch

On Sunday, June 20th, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks helped to celebrate the fathers of Colorado Springs at Hotel Elegante’s Father’s Day Brunch.

Dozens of families gathered to celebrate dad with a decadent menu that included a made to order omelette bar, carved prime rib, a pasta station, mimosas and more.

Also in attendance was the Switchbacks mascot Ziggy, who delighted both the parents and kids with his exuberance and classic antics.

On Sunday, June 20th, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks helped to celebrate the fathers of Colorado Springs at Hotel Elegante’s Father’s Day Brunch.

Dozens of families gathered to celebrate dad with a decadent menu that included a made to order omelette bar, carved prime rib, a pasta station, mimosas and more.

Also in attendance was the Switchbacks mascot Ziggy, who delighted both the parents and kids with his exuberance and classic antics.

Switchbacks Entertainment Host Large Scale Corporate Event for LRG Group

On Saturday, June 19th. Switchbacks Entertainment hosted the Laura Rodriguez Group at Weidner Field for their company’s Family Day event.

LRG put on the event for their employees and their families, as a thank you for their hard work during the year and to celebrate their community post pandemic. Over 500 employees, friends and families gathered at Weidner Field to enjoy a day of good food, drinks, and on field activities.

LRG provided several field inflatables to entertain the families, including: a two-story slide, a hamster style ball battle, an inflatable obstacle course, a bouncy house, and more. A local children’s tae kwon do group gave a few on field performances, and several local businesses had booths with giveaways for the families in attendance.

Switchbacks Entertainment and Weidner Field can provide events as small as a 15-person luncheon, to as large as a 15,000-person concert. With four concerts already under their belt, and two more concerts plus a Brewfest planned for September, Switchbacks Entertainment is eager to continue showing off the potential of Weidner Field as the perfect event venue for all occasions.

On Saturday, June 19th. Switchbacks Entertainment hosted the Laura Rodriguez Group at Weidner Field for their company’s Family Day event.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Celebrate Science with a Robot Soccer Game at the Space Discovery Center

On Saturday, June 19th, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks attended a workshop like no other. The Space Discover Center held a summer workshop for children that encourages exploration of science in all its different forms, including a lesson in physics and robotics by playing a soccer game solely with the use of a coded Spheros robot.

Members of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks staff played with and against children ages 5 to 14 as they used coded iPads to control their individual robots. The game provided an opportunity to show children an often overlooked element of science discovery, while the Switchbacks provided a lesson in the teamwork required to be a successful soccer team.

Match Review

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