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Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

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Vargish's View: Colorado Springs Switchbacks End 2019 With Road Trip

Fresh off a 2-0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy II, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC head to the Great Pacific Northwest this Saturday evening to face the Tacoma Defiance at Cheney Stadium.

Former California Polytechnic State University Mustang Justin Dhillon is Tacoma’s leading goal scorer with twelve goals in the 2019 USL Championship season.  Dhillon notched a brace last Saturday as the Defiance defeated Fresno FC 4-1 at Chukchansi Park in Central California in a performance that earned Dhillon a place on the USL Championship Team of the Week.  Alfonso Oscampo-Chavez and Danny Leyva also scored for the Defiance, who are now unbeaten in their last two games. Tacoma will face a short turnaround after Saturday’s match against the Switchbacks as Head Coach Chris Little’s team will make their way to the Land of Enchantment for a match on Wednesday, October 16th against New Mexico United at Isotopes Park.

On June 8th, the Switchbacks ran away 3-0 winners against the Defiance at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, behind goals from Jordan Burt, Logan Dorsey, and Ish Jome.  “It will be a hard-fought game,” said Switchbacks captain Jordan Burt. “It’s a great field up there – I’m looking forward to it. We just watched film; we played really well against LA.  We need to go out and do it again this weekend.” 

Fresh off a 2-0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy II, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC head to the Great Pacific Northwest this Saturday evening to face the Tacoma Defiance at Cheney Stadium.

Former California Polytechnic State University Mustang Justin Dhillon is Tacoma’s leading goal scorer with twelve goals in the 2019 USL Championship season.  Dhillon notched a brace last Saturday as the Defiance defeated Fresno FC 4-1 at Chukchansi Park in Central California in a performance that earned Dhillon a place on the USL Championship Team of the Week.  Alfonso Oscampo-Chavez and Danny Leyva also scored for the Defiance, who are now unbeaten in their last two games. Tacoma will face a short turnaround after Saturday’s match against the Switchbacks as Head Coach Chris Little’s team will make their way to the Land of Enchantment for a match on Wednesday, October 16th against New Mexico United at Isotopes Park.

On June 8th, the Switchbacks ran away 3-0 winners against the Defiance at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, behind goals from Jordan Burt, Logan Dorsey, and Ish Jome.  “It will be a hard-fought game,” said Switchbacks captain Jordan Burt. “It’s a great field up there – I’m looking forward to it. We just watched film; we played really well against LA.  We need to go out and do it again this weekend.” 

Matt Hundley and Saeed Robinson each scored terrific goals on Saturday evening at Weidner Field which led the Switchbacks to a 2-0 win over the LA Galaxy II and earned goalkeeper Andre Rawls a place on the USL Championship Team of the Week.  “I expect a tough game on Saturday – no one wants to be in last place,” said Saeed Robinson. “Tacoma could play some MLS players and we know they’ll be ready. I wouldn’t say I’m trying to impress anyone – I’m trying to play to the best of my abilities and do what I can to help the team win the last two games of the season.  It felt great to score against LA; especially after missing a couple really good chances, so there was a sense of relief and it gave me great energy.”

“Firstly: just familiarity.  Get to know the players, get to know the staff, obviously get settled,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Alan Koch when asked about his focus for the final weeks of the 2019 USL Championship season.  Koch will take charge of the Switchbacks for the first time during Saturday’s match in Tacoma. “We’re certainly not going to reinvent the wheel in the next two weeks, but slowly start to put in place some of my philosophical ideas in terms of how we want to play.  I was very happy with how the guys played and the plan Wolde put in place for the game on Saturday, so that gives us a bit of positive momentum and we’ll try to build on that and just enjoy the next two weeks with the guys while we’re evaluating and assessing. I think that’s the most important thing: evaluate and assess so we can build toward next year.”

“It was huge to get the win on Saturday especially as we need that boost and energy to finish the season,” said Rony Argueta.  “We definitely saw the energy of trying to impress the new coaching staff versus the Galaxy. The team was motivated and we played with positive energy and we need that again on Saturday.”

The Seattle Sounders – the Major League Soccer parent club of the Tacoma Defiance – will have the upcoming weekend off before they host FC Dallas in Round One of the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs at CenturyLink Field in downtown Seattle on October 19th.

Matt Hundley and Saeed Robinson each scored terrific goals on Saturday evening at Weidner Field which led the Switchbacks to a 2-0 win over the LA Galaxy II and earned goalkeeper Andre Rawls a place on the USL Championship Team of the Week.  “I expect a tough game on Saturday – no one wants to be in last place,” said Saeed Robinson. “Tacoma could play some MLS players and we know they’ll be ready. I wouldn’t say I’m trying to impress anyone – I’m trying to play to the best of my abilities and do what I can to help the team win the last two games of the season.  It felt great to score against LA; especially after missing a couple really good chances, so there was a sense of relief and it gave me great energy.”

“Firstly: just familiarity.  Get to know the players, get to know the staff, obviously get settled,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Alan Koch when asked about his focus for the final weeks of the 2019 USL Championship season.  Koch will take charge of the Switchbacks for the first time during Saturday’s match in Tacoma. “We’re certainly not going to reinvent the wheel in the next two weeks, but slowly start to put in place some of my philosophical ideas in terms of how we want to play.  I was very happy with how the guys played and the plan Wolde put in place for the game on Saturday, so that gives us a bit of positive momentum and we’ll try to build on that and just enjoy the next two weeks with the guys while we’re evaluating and assessing. I think that’s the most important thing: evaluate and assess so we can build toward next year.”

“It was huge to get the win on Saturday especially as we need that boost and energy to finish the season,” said Rony Argueta.  “We definitely saw the energy of trying to impress the new coaching staff versus the Galaxy. The team was motivated and we played with positive energy and we need that again on Saturday.”

The Seattle Sounders – the Major League Soccer parent club of the Tacoma Defiance – will have the upcoming weekend off before they host FC Dallas in Round One of the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs at CenturyLink Field in downtown Seattle on October 19th.

“For the most part Tacoma are a relatively young team,” said Head Coach Koch on Tuesday morning at the Pride Soccer Complex in Colorado Springs.  “They can be a hybrid obviously on how many players come down from the first team. They’ve picked up some very good results so they’re going to come to the game with a lot of confidence too, but for the most part of this phase of the next two weeks we’re really just going to be focusing on ourselves as much as possible and seeing what’s working and what’s not working and then get to the end of the season and really reflect and then work on making sure we have the right plan for next year.” 


The Switchbacks will finish their season with a visit to San Antonio FC in the Alamo City on October 19th at Toyota Field.

“For the most part Tacoma are a relatively young team,” said Head Coach Koch on Tuesday morning at the Pride Soccer Complex in Colorado Springs.  “They can be a hybrid obviously on how many players come down from the first team. They’ve picked up some very good results so they’re going to come to the game with a lot of confidence too, but for the most part of this phase of the next two weeks we’re really just going to be focusing on ourselves as much as possible and seeing what’s working and what’s not working and then get to the end of the season and really reflect and then work on making sure we have the right plan for next year.” 


The Switchbacks will finish their season with a visit to San Antonio FC in the Alamo City on October 19th at Toyota Field.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Goalkeeper Andre Rawls Named toUSL Championship Team of the Week

Colorado Springs, CO (October 8, 2019) – The USL Championship officially announced today that Andre Rawls was named to the Team of the Week Bench for week 31 of the 2019 season. This is Rawls' second time being named to the Team of the Week in 2019.

Rawls made the Team of the Week by posting five saves to earn his sixth shutout of the season in the Switchbacks 2-0 victory over LA Galaxy II.

Colorado Springs, CO (October 8, 2019) – The USL Championship officially announced today that Andre Rawls was named to the Team of the Week Bench for week 31 of the 2019 season. This is Rawls’ second time being named to the Team of the Week in 2019.

Rawls made the Team of the Week by posting five saves to earn his sixth shutout of the season in the Switchbacks 2-0 victory over LA Galaxy II.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 31

GK – JT Marcinkowski, Reno 1868 FC
D – Onua Obasi, Ottawa Fury FC
D – Chiro N'Toko, El Paso Locomotive FC
D – Abdoulie Mansallay, Charlotte Independence
M – Harry Forrester, Orange County SC
M – Gordon Wild, Loudoun United FC
M – Jose Anguinaga, Phoenix Rising FC
M – Irvin Parra, Las Vegas Lights FC
F – Thomas Enevoldsen, Sacramento Republic FC
F – Ben Spencer, Phoenix Rising FC
F – Justin Dhillon, Tacoma Defiance

Bench: Andre Rawls (COS), George Campbell (ATL), Karl Ouimette (IND), Magnus Rasmussen (LOU), Robbie Kristo (NC), Sebastian Velasquez (ELP), Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (TAC)

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 31

GK – JT Marcinkowski, Reno 1868 FC
D – Onua Obasi, Ottawa Fury FC
D – Chiro N’Toko, El Paso Locomotive FC
D – Abdoulie Mansallay, Charlotte Independence
M – Harry Forrester, Orange County SC
M – Gordon Wild, Loudoun United FC
M – Jose Anguinaga, Phoenix Rising FC
M – Irvin Parra, Las Vegas Lights FC
F – Thomas Enevoldsen, Sacramento Republic FC
F – Ben Spencer, Phoenix Rising FC
F – Justin Dhillon, Tacoma Defiance

Bench: Andre Rawls (COS), George Campbell (ATL), Karl Ouimette (IND), Magnus Rasmussen (LOU), Robbie Kristo (NC), Sebastian Velasquez (ELP), Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (TAC)

The Switchbacks close out the 2019 season with two consecutive road games. The first comes on October 12th against the Tacoma Defiance and the Switchbacks will close out their season in Texas against San Antonio FC on October 19th.

The Switchbacks close out the 2019 season with two consecutive road games. The first comes on October 12th against the Tacoma Defiance and the Switchbacks will close out their season in Texas against San Antonio FC on October 19th.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Complete Sweep of LA Galaxy IIin Home Finale

Colorado Springs, CO (October 5, 2019) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defeated the LA Galaxy II 2-0 in the final home game of 2019 in front of a sell-out crowd of 5,008 people at Weidner Field on Saturday night.

Andre Rawls came up with a huge diving save in the third minute before pushing Kai Koreniuk's shot onto the crossbar to keep the game scoreless early. The hosts got on the board in the 29th minute when Shane Malcolm's cross went all the way through the box for Matt Hundley to score his first professional goal. Saeed Robinson doubled the Switchbacks' lead before halftime after his first effort was saved and his rebound shot hit the underside of the crossbar in spectacular fashion as he was falling down from a tight angle. The Switchbacks' would grind out the 2-0 result in the second half to complete Andre Rawls' sixth clean sheet of the season in Saturday night's five save performance from the goalkeeper to sweep the LA Galaxy II in 2019.
 

"Coming out of the get-go, we came out on the front foot. We really wanted to prove ourselves out there and give the fans who have been supporting us through this whole year a little treat." said Andre Rawls. "It was good to be able to pull a 2-nil win out here in front of them. They've been great this whole year, supporting us when things haven't gone so well. But they've been there bringing the noise and support and we loved it. To be able to give them a victory at the end of the season here has been real good."


The Switchbacks close out the 2019 season with two consecutive road games. The first comes on October 12th against the Tacoma Defiance and the Switchbacks will close out their season in Texas against San Antonio FC on October 19th.

Colorado Springs, CO (October 5, 2019) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defeated the LA Galaxy II 2-0 in the final home game of 2019 in front of a sell-out crowd of 5,008 people at Weidner Field on Saturday night.

Andre Rawls came up with a huge diving save in the third minute before pushing Kai Koreniuk’s shot onto the crossbar to keep the game scoreless early. The hosts got on the board in the 29th minute when Shane Malcolm’s cross went all the way through the box for Matt Hundley to score his first professional goal. Saeed Robinson doubled the Switchbacks’ lead before halftime after his first effort was saved and his rebound shot hit the underside of the crossbar in spectacular fashion as he was falling down from a tight angle. The Switchbacks’ would grind out the 2-0 result in the second half to complete Andre Rawls’ sixth clean sheet of the season in Saturday night’s five save performance from the goalkeeper to sweep the LA Galaxy II in 2019.
 

“Coming out of the get-go, we came out on the front foot. We really wanted to prove ourselves out there and give the fans who have been supporting us through this whole year a little treat.” said Andre Rawls. “It was good to be able to pull a 2-nil win out here in front of them. They’ve been great this whole year, supporting us when things haven’t gone so well. But they’ve been there bringing the noise and support and we loved it. To be able to give them a victory at the end of the season here has been real good.”


The Switchbacks close out the 2019 season with two consecutive road games. The first comes on October 12th against the Tacoma Defiance and the Switchbacks will close out their season in Texas against San Antonio FC on October 19th.

Wolde Harris – On his thoughts on the team's performance tonight: "I think both teams had opportunities early. That's the way football is in the first 15-20 minutes of the game, you have to be on your toes to be proactive and not reactive. I'm happy of the fact that the guys didn't mentally switch off. That's something that we talked about in pregame. Putting a complete performance together is more so on the concentration and focus side than on the physical side, it's really mental. If they can be in tune with each other mentally for most of the time, then I think we can keep compact defensively and offensively we will make better decisions on the ball. I think that's what transpired today. Mistakes are always going to happen in the game, it's really about how you respond."

On Matt Hundley's performance and scoring his first professional goal: "I'm extremely proud of Matt. He hasn't always had the best performances, especially over the last couple of games, he's been up and down. Obviously going from one team up with the Rapids back to here and back and forth isn't easy for a kid his age psychologically to stay on top of his game. But I'm proud that he came out tonight and gave the effort. He was in tune with what everybody was doing. He got the opportunity early and he missed, but he didn't put his head down. He looked forward to the next opportunity and was able to concentrate and execute that next opportunity and put it in the net. I'm proud of him and I'm happy for him, but I'm more happy for the entire team with a great team performance."

On teenager Sebastian Anderson's performance: "Being in that environment every day, he’s used to a high level of play and a higher level of competition. So with him coming in, he added a lot to the team in terms of his knowledge, his experience at the MLS level. Obviously, he wanted to play and it showed."

Matt Hundley – On the team's performance tonight: "I thought it was very positive because it was our last home game so we could send the fans off with a positive message going into next year. Getting a win after such a long stretch is a relief. Tonight was definitely a very positive message."

On his first professional goal: "It was more of a relief, to be honest. It's been too long, I know I can get more out of myself. It was just a relief to finally open my account before hopefully more to come."

Andre Rawls – On his overall thoughts on tonight's performance: "Well-timed and well deserved, I thought. Coming out of the get-go, we came out on the front foot. We really wanted to prove ourselves out there and give the fans who have been supporting us through this whole year a little treat. It was good to be able to pull a 2-nil win out here in front of them. They've been great this whole year, supporting us when things haven't gone so well. But they've been there bringing the noise and support and we loved it. To be able to give them a victory at the end of the season here has been real good."

On his five save performance to earn his sixth clean sheet of the season: "I had a busy first 15-20 minutes or so but then the defense took over and it was a pretty low-key night after that. But it's good, obviously we love to win. But for us defenders, we love a clean sheet too and it was really good for us."

Wolde Harris – On his thoughts on the team’s performance tonight: “I think both teams had opportunities early. That’s the way football is in the first 15-20 minutes of the game, you have to be on your toes to be proactive and not reactive. I’m happy of the fact that the guys didn’t mentally switch off. That’s something that we talked about in pregame. Putting a complete performance together is more so on the concentration and focus side than on the physical side, it’s really mental. If they can be in tune with each other mentally for most of the time, then I think we can keep compact defensively and offensively we will make better decisions on the ball. I think that’s what transpired today. Mistakes are always going to happen in the game, it’s really about how you respond.”

On Matt Hundley’s performance and scoring his first professional goal: “I’m extremely proud of Matt. He hasn’t always had the best performances, especially over the last couple of games, he’s been up and down. Obviously going from one team up with the Rapids back to here and back and forth isn’t easy for a kid his age psychologically to stay on top of his game. But I’m proud that he came out tonight and gave the effort. He was in tune with what everybody was doing. He got the opportunity early and he missed, but he didn’t put his head down. He looked forward to the next opportunity and was able to concentrate and execute that next opportunity and put it in the net. I’m proud of him and I’m happy for him, but I’m more happy for the entire team with a great team performance.”

On teenager Sebastian Anderson’s performance: “Being in that environment every day, he’s used to a high level of play and a higher level of competition. So with him coming in, he added a lot to the team in terms of his knowledge, his experience at the MLS level. Obviously, he wanted to play and it showed.”

Matt Hundley – On the team’s performance tonight: “I thought it was very positive because it was our last home game so we could send the fans off with a positive message going into next year. Getting a win after such a long stretch is a relief. Tonight was definitely a very positive message.”

On his first professional goal: “It was more of a relief, to be honest. It’s been too long, I know I can get more out of myself. It was just a relief to finally open my account before hopefully more to come.”

Andre Rawls – On his overall thoughts on tonight’s performance: “Well-timed and well deserved, I thought. Coming out of the get-go, we came out on the front foot. We really wanted to prove ourselves out there and give the fans who have been supporting us through this whole year a little treat. It was good to be able to pull a 2-nil win out here in front of them. They’ve been great this whole year, supporting us when things haven’t gone so well. But they’ve been there bringing the noise and support and we loved it. To be able to give them a victory at the end of the season here has been real good.”

On his five save performance to earn his sixth clean sheet of the season: “I had a busy first 15-20 minutes or so but then the defense took over and it was a pretty low-key night after that. But it’s good, obviously we love to win. But for us defenders, we love a clean sheet too and it was really good for us.”

  • Man of the Match// Matt Hundley
  • Scoring Summary// COS: Hundley (29'), Robinson (40') | LA: None
  • Saves// COS: Rawls (5) | LA: Lopez (1)
  • Discipline// COS: YC: Anderson (48'), Argueta (77'), Romero (79')  | LA: YC: Kamara (46'), DePuy (70'), Hilliard-Arce (84')
  • Man of the Match// Matt Hundley
  • Scoring Summary// COS: Hundley (29′), Robinson (40′) | LA: None
  • Saves// COS: Rawls (5) | LA: Lopez (1)
  • Discipline// COS: YC: Anderson (48′), Argueta (77′), Romero (79′)  | LA: YC: Kamara (46′), DePuy (70′), Hilliard-Arce (84′)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Complete Sweep of LA Galaxy II in Home Finale

Colorado Springs, CO (October 5, 2019) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defeated the LA Galaxy II 2-0 in the final home game of 2019 in front of a sell-out crowd of 5,008 people at Weidner Field on Saturday night.

Andre Rawls came up with a huge diving save in the third minute before pushing Kai Koreniuk’s shot onto the crossbar to keep the game scoreless early. The hosts got on the board in the 29th minute when Shane Malcolm’s cross went all the way through the box for Matt Hundley to score his first professional goal. Saeed Robinson doubled the Switchbacks’ lead before halftime after his first effort was saved and his rebound shot hit the underside of the crossbar in spectacular fashion as he was falling down from a tight angle. The Switchbacks’ would grind out the 2-0 result in the second half to complete Andre Rawls’ sixth clean sheet of the season in Saturday night’s five save performance from the goalkeeper to sweep the LA Galaxy II in 2019.
 

“Coming out of the get-go, we came out on the front foot. We really wanted to prove ourselves out there and give the fans who have been supporting us through this whole year a little treat.” said Andre Rawls. “It was good to be able to pull a 2-nil win out here in front of them. They’ve been great this whole year, supporting us when things haven’t gone so well. But they’ve been there bringing the noise and support and we loved it. To be able to give them a victory at the end of the season here has been real good.”

The Switchbacks close out the 2019 season with two consecutive road games. The first comes on October 12th against the Tacoma Defiance and the Switchbacks will close out their season in Texas against San Antonio FC on October 19th.

Colorado Springs, CO (October 5, 2019) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defeated the LA Galaxy II 2-0 in the final home game of 2019 in front of a sell-out crowd of 5,008 people at Weidner Field on Saturday night.

Andre Rawls came up with a huge diving save in the third minute before pushing Kai Koreniuk’s shot onto the crossbar to keep the game scoreless early. The hosts got on the board in the 29th minute when Shane Malcolm’s cross went all the way through the box for Matt Hundley to score his first professional goal. Saeed Robinson doubled the Switchbacks’ lead before halftime after his first effort was saved and his rebound shot hit the underside of the crossbar in spectacular fashion as he was falling down from a tight angle. The Switchbacks’ would grind out the 2-0 result in the second half to complete Andre Rawls’ sixth clean sheet of the season in Saturday night’s five save performance from the goalkeeper to sweep the LA Galaxy II in 2019.
 

“Coming out of the get-go, we came out on the front foot. We really wanted to prove ourselves out there and give the fans who have been supporting us through this whole year a little treat.” said Andre Rawls. “It was good to be able to pull a 2-nil win out here in front of them. They’ve been great this whole year, supporting us when things haven’t gone so well. But they’ve been there bringing the noise and support and we loved it. To be able to give them a victory at the end of the season here has been real good.”


The Switchbacks close out the 2019 season with two consecutive road games. The first comes on October 12th against the Tacoma Defiance and the Switchbacks will close out their season in Texas against San Antonio FC on October 19th.

Wolde Harris – On his thoughts on the team’s performance tonight: “I think both teams had opportunities early. That’s the way football is in the first 15-20 minutes of the game, you have to be on your toes to be proactive and not reactive. I’m happy of the fact that the guys didn’t mentally switch off. That’s something that we talked about in pregame. Putting a complete performance together is more so on the concentration and focus side than on the physical side, it’s really mental. If they can be in tune with each other mentally for most of the time, then I think we can keep compact defensively and offensively we will make better decisions on the ball. I think that’s what transpired today. Mistakes are always going to happen in the game, it’s really about how you respond.”

On Matt Hundley’s performance and scoring his first professional goal: “I’m extremely proud of Matt. He hasn’t always had the best performances, especially over the last couple of games, he’s been up and down. Obviously going from one team up with the Rapids back to here and back and forth isn’t easy for a kid his age psychologically to stay on top of his game. But I’m proud that he came out tonight and gave the effort. He was in tune with what everybody was doing. He got the opportunity early and he missed, but he didn’t put his head down. He looked forward to the next opportunity and was able to concentrate and execute that next opportunity and put it in the net. I’m proud of him and I’m happy for him, but I’m more happy for the entire team with a great team performance.”

On teenager Sebastian Anderson’s performance: “Being in that environment every day, he’s used to a high level of play and a higher level of competition. So with him coming in, he added a lot to the team in terms of his knowledge, his experience at the MLS level. Obviously, he wanted to play and it showed.”

Matt Hundley – On the team’s performance tonight: “I thought it was very positive because it was our last home game so we could send the fans off with a positive message going into next year. Getting a win after such a long stretch is a relief. Tonight was definitely a very positive message.”

On his first professional goal: “It was more of a relief, to be honest. It’s been too long, I know I can get more out of myself. It was just a relief to finally open my account before hopefully more to come.”

Andre Rawls – On his overall thoughts on tonight’s performance: “Well-timed and well deserved, I thought. Coming out of the get-go, we came out on the front foot. We really wanted to prove ourselves out there and give the fans who have been supporting us through this whole year a little treat. It was good to be able to pull a 2-nil win out here in front of them. They’ve been great this whole year, supporting us when things haven’t gone so well. But they’ve been there bringing the noise and support and we loved it. To be able to give them a victory at the end of the season here has been real good.”

On his five save performance to earn his sixth clean sheet of the season: “I had a busy first 15-20 minutes or so but then the defense took over and it was a pretty low-key night after that. But it’s good, obviously we love to win. But for us defenders, we love a clean sheet too and it was really good for us.”

Wolde Harris – On his thoughts on the team’s performance tonight: “I think both teams had opportunities early. That’s the way football is in the first 15-20 minutes of the game, you have to be on your toes to be proactive and not reactive. I’m happy of the fact that the guys didn’t mentally switch off. That’s something that we talked about in pregame. Putting a complete performance together is more so on the concentration and focus side than on the physical side, it’s really mental. If they can be in tune with each other mentally for most of the time, then I think we can keep compact defensively and offensively we will make better decisions on the ball. I think that’s what transpired today. Mistakes are always going to happen in the game, it’s really about how you respond.”

On Matt Hundley’s performance and scoring his first professional goal: “I’m extremely proud of Matt. He hasn’t always had the best performances, especially over the last couple of games, he’s been up and down. Obviously going from one team up with the Rapids back to here and back and forth isn’t easy for a kid his age psychologically to stay on top of his game. But I’m proud that he came out tonight and gave the effort. He was in tune with what everybody was doing. He got the opportunity early and he missed, but he didn’t put his head down. He looked forward to the next opportunity and was able to concentrate and execute that next opportunity and put it in the net. I’m proud of him and I’m happy for him, but I’m more happy for the entire team with a great team performance.”

On teenager Sebastian Anderson’s performance: “Being in that environment every day, he’s used to a high level of play and a higher level of competition. So with him coming in, he added a lot to the team in terms of his knowledge, his experience at the MLS level. Obviously, he wanted to play and it showed.”

Matt Hundley – On the team’s performance tonight: “I thought it was very positive because it was our last home game so we could send the fans off with a positive message going into next year. Getting a win after such a long stretch is a relief. Tonight was definitely a very positive message.”

On his first professional goal: “It was more of a relief, to be honest. It’s been too long, I know I can get more out of myself. It was just a relief to finally open my account before hopefully more to come.”

Andre Rawls – On his overall thoughts on tonight’s performance: “Well-timed and well deserved, I thought. Coming out of the get-go, we came out on the front foot. We really wanted to prove ourselves out there and give the fans who have been supporting us through this whole year a little treat. It was good to be able to pull a 2-nil win out here in front of them. They’ve been great this whole year, supporting us when things haven’t gone so well. But they’ve been there bringing the noise and support and we loved it. To be able to give them a victory at the end of the season here has been real good.”

On his five save performance to earn his sixth clean sheet of the season: “I had a busy first 15-20 minutes or so but then the defense took over and it was a pretty low-key night after that. But it’s good, obviously we love to win. But for us defenders, we love a clean sheet too and it was really good for us.”

  • Man of the Match// Matt Hundley
  • Scoring Summary// COS: Hundley (29′), Robinson (40′) | LA: None
  • Saves// COS: Rawls (5) | LA: Lopez (1)
  • Discipline// COS: YC: Anderson (48′), Argueta (77′), Romero (79′)  | LA: YC: Kamara (46′), DePuy (70′), Hilliard-Arce (84′)
  • Man of the Match// Matt Hundley
  • Scoring Summary// COS: Hundley (29′), Robinson (40′) | LA: None
  • Saves// COS: Rawls (5) | LA: Lopez (1)
  • Discipline// COS: YC: Anderson (48′), Argueta (77′), Romero (79′)  | LA: YC: Kamara (46′), DePuy (70′), Hilliard-Arce (84′)

Vargish's View: Colorado Springs Switchbacks Aim To End On A High Note At Weidner Field

It’s Fan Appreciation Night this Saturday evening at Weidner Field as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host the Los Angeles Galaxy II.  A fireworks display will follow the final whistle, while the first 500 fans through the gates will receive the fourth and final part of the Switchbacks’ poster giveaway series, with tickets available for Saturday’s match HERE.  Creative Consortium will also be sponsoring a giveaway of Switchbacks drink koozies for the first 1,000 fans.

The Galaxy II face a short turnaround before Saturday’s match in Colorado Springs, as Head Coach Junior Gonzalez’s team will play against Sacramento Republic at Papa Murphy’s Park in California’s capitol city late Wednesday evening before making their way to the Rocky Mountains.  Heading into Wednesday’s match, Kai Koreniuk leads the Galaxy II in goals with nine, while Ethan Zubak and Augustine Williams each have seven goals. Zubak was named on the bench of the USL Championship Team of the Week after a brace in Los Dos’ 5-1 win over the Oklahoma City Energy FC on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.  

“We’ll watch and see what LA do tomorrow,” said Switchbacks Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris.  “They’ve been playing well this season and I don’t expect anything less from LA. Of course [Ethan] Zubak and [Augustine] Williams are dangerous players, but if we stay compact and communicate we’ll be in a good way to get a result.  We need to stay compact and slide together defensively and not give LA room in the middle of the park. Our guys should be motivated to compete – I’m looking forward to us bringing high-energy this weekend. Personally, I’d like to thank the fans for their support this season and we look forward to playing in front of them one last time.”

Los Dos’ last trip to high altitude ended in a 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Real Monarchs in Salt Lake City on March 23rd.  The Galaxy II and Switchbacks opened their respective 2019 USL Championship seasons on March 9th at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, with the Switchbacks earning a 4-1 win behind a hat trick from Shane Malcolm.  Team captain Jordan Burt rounded out the scoring for the Switchbacks, while Ghanaian Geoffrey Acheampong notched the Galaxy II’s only goal in the 86th minute.  

It’s Fan Appreciation Night this Saturday evening at Weidner Field as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host the Los Angeles Galaxy II.  A fireworks display will follow the final whistle, while the first 500 fans through the gates will receive the fourth and final part of the Switchbacks’ poster giveaway series, with tickets available for Saturday’s match HERE.  Creative Consortium will also be sponsoring a giveaway of Switchbacks drink koozies for the first 1,000 fans.

The Galaxy II face a short turnaround before Saturday’s match in Colorado Springs, as Head Coach Junior Gonzalez’s team will play against Sacramento Republic at Papa Murphy’s Park in California’s capitol city late Wednesday evening before making their way to the Rocky Mountains.  Heading into Wednesday’s match, Kai Koreniuk leads the Galaxy II in goals with nine, while Ethan Zubak and Augustine Williams each have seven goals. Zubak was named on the bench of the USL Championship Team of the Week after a brace in Los Dos’ 5-1 win over the Oklahoma City Energy FC on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.  

“We’ll watch and see what LA do tomorrow,” said Switchbacks Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris.  “They’ve been playing well this season and I don’t expect anything less from LA. Of course [Ethan] Zubak and [Augustine] Williams are dangerous players, but if we stay compact and communicate we’ll be in a good way to get a result.  We need to stay compact and slide together defensively and not give LA room in the middle of the park. Our guys should be motivated to compete – I’m looking forward to us bringing high-energy this weekend. Personally, I’d like to thank the fans for their support this season and we look forward to playing in front of them one last time.”

Los Dos’ last trip to high altitude ended in a 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Real Monarchs in Salt Lake City on March 23rd.  The Galaxy II and Switchbacks opened their respective 2019 USL Championship seasons on March 9th at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, with the Switchbacks earning a 4-1 win behind a hat trick from Shane Malcolm.  Team captain Jordan Burt rounded out the scoring for the Switchbacks, while Ghanaian Geoffrey Acheampong notched the Galaxy II’s only goal in the 86th minute.  

“For me, thinking back on how it felt to get that win – every week you want to feel that way,” said Jordan Burt.  “You always want to go out of a season on a positive note. This week we’re going to put in a lot of work to make it an exciting game.”

Switchbacks winger Shane Malcolm will be available for the hosts on Saturday before making his way to southern China on Sunday to represent the Guam National Team in their World Cup Qualifier against China on October 10th at Tianhe Stadium in the massive city of Guangzhou.  “My focus is here and on our last home game of the season – and possibly my last game of the season,” said Malcolm.  “This weekend is another opportunity to leave the fans with something to cheer for. We play for them, and we haven’t been living up to expectations – their expectations and our own – and Saturday is an opportunity for us.”  The Guam National Team will follow the match in China with a trip to Dubai to face Syria on Tuesday, October 15th at the Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.  Syria will be listed as the home team for the match against Guam, with the game to be played in Dubai due to the ongoing Syrian Civil War. 

Captain Jordan Burt will also be available for the match against Los Dos after the Switchbacks’ captain served a one match suspension against the Las Vegas Lights FC last Saturday for yellow card accumulation.  

On Sunday, Back Road Country Fest 2019 will make its way to Weidner Field, with tickets available HERE.  Scotty McCreery will headline Sunday’s concert, with Gone West featuring Colbie Caillat, the James Barker Band, and Double Wide also performing.  

“For me, thinking back on how it felt to get that win – every week you want to feel that way,” said Jordan Burt.  “You always want to go out of a season on a positive note. This week we’re going to put in a lot of work to make it an exciting game.”

Switchbacks winger Shane Malcolm will be available for the hosts on Saturday before making his way to southern China on Sunday to represent the Guam National Team in their World Cup Qualifier against China on October 10th at Tianhe Stadium in the massive city of Guangzhou.  “My focus is here and on our last home game of the season – and possibly my last game of the season,” said Malcolm.  “This weekend is another opportunity to leave the fans with something to cheer for. We play for them, and we haven’t been living up to expectations – their expectations and our own – and Saturday is an opportunity for us.”  The Guam National Team will follow the match in China with a trip to Dubai to face Syria on Tuesday, October 15th at the Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.  Syria will be listed as the home team for the match against Guam, with the game to be played in Dubai due to the ongoing Syrian Civil War. 

Captain Jordan Burt will also be available for the match against Los Dos after the Switchbacks’ captain served a one match suspension against the Las Vegas Lights FC last Saturday for yellow card accumulation.  

On Sunday, Back Road Country Fest 2019 will make its way to Weidner Field, with tickets available HERE.  Scotty McCreery will headline Sunday’s concert, with Gone West featuring Colbie Caillat, the James Barker Band, and Double Wide also performing.  

The Switchbacks will finish the 2019 USL Championship season on the road, with a trip to the Great Pacific Northwest on October 12th to play the Tacoma Defiance at Cheney Stadium.  On October 19th, the Switchbacks will face San Antonio FC at Toyota Field in the Lone Star State.  

“We want to finish our last home game of the year on a high note,” said Jordan Schweitzer.  “We want to give our fans something to be proud of and to be excited about for next season. We’ll definitely do our homework and watch LA tomorrow night and scout them and make sure we’re as prepared as we can be looking forward and going into this weekend."

The Switchbacks will finish the 2019 USL Championship season on the road, with a trip to the Great Pacific Northwest on October 12th to play the Tacoma Defiance at Cheney Stadium.  On October 19th, the Switchbacks will face San Antonio FC at Toyota Field in the Lone Star State.  

“We want to finish our last home game of the year on a high note,” said Jordan Schweitzer.  “We want to give our fans something to be proud of and to be excited about for next season. We’ll definitely do our homework and watch LA tomorrow night and scout them and make sure we’re as prepared as we can be looking forward and going into this weekend.”

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez Named To USL 20 Under 20 List

Colorado Springs, CO (October 1, 2019) – The USL Championship announced today that Abraham Rodriguez has been named to the annual "USL 20 Under 20" list.

This year is the fourth edition of the list that the USL Technical Committee puts together of the 20 best players in the USL Championship and USL League One all under the age of 20. Players who were born following this year's cutoff of January 1, 1999 have accounted for more than 2,250 appearances and almost 15,000 minutes of action across the Championship and League One this season, as more than 250 players have earned the chance to shine in 2019.

"First thing first, I'm very grateful with God for always being there with me," said Rodriguez. "I feel really happy and blessed and I want to thank my teammates and the staff who have been helping me develop."

Rodriguez comes in at number 20 after featuring in 14 games for the Switchbacks, making 49 saves, including two penalties. In his professional debut, Rodriguez turned heads with his 11 saves, including a penalty on Solomon Asante, to help the Switchbacks earn a 2-2 draw on the road against the league leaders in Phoenix Rising FC at the age of 16. That performance earned him USL Championship Player of the Week honors, making Rodriguez the second-youngest player to do so.

"The injury situation certainly influenced our timeline on Abe's introduction. The important thing for us was that he had proven repeatedly in preseason and every day in training that he had the maturity and skillset to be given the opportunity," said Switchbacks Team General Manager, Brian Crookham. "You never know exactly how a player will react the first time he gets thrown in, but we had the confidence that he was being put in a situation he could handle. In the end, his response was even better than we had hoped."

Rodriguez signed a professional contract with the Switchbacks on August 8, the first step on what could be a long professional career.

Name: Abraham Rodriguez
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 165 lbs.
Date of Birth: July 19, 2002
Age: 17
Hometown: Broomfield, CO
Birthplace: El Paso, TX

Colorado Springs, CO (October 1, 2019) – The USL Championship announced today that Abraham Rodriguez has been named to the annual “USL 20 Under 20” list.

This year is the fourth edition of the list that the USL Technical Committee puts together of the 20 best players in the USL Championship and USL League One all under the age of 20. Players who were born following this year’s cutoff of January 1, 1999 have accounted for more than 2,250 appearances and almost 15,000 minutes of action across the Championship and League One this season, as more than 250 players have earned the chance to shine in 2019.

“First thing first, I’m very grateful with God for always being there with me,” said Rodriguez. “I feel really happy and blessed and I want to thank my teammates and the staff who have been helping me develop.”

Rodriguez comes in at number 20 after featuring in 14 games for the Switchbacks, making 49 saves, including two penalties. In his professional debut, Rodriguez turned heads with his 11 saves, including a penalty on Solomon Asante, to help the Switchbacks earn a 2-2 draw on the road against the league leaders in Phoenix Rising FC at the age of 16. That performance earned him USL Championship Player of the Week honors, making Rodriguez the second-youngest player to do so.

“The injury situation certainly influenced our timeline on Abe’s introduction. The important thing for us was that he had proven repeatedly in preseason and every day in training that he had the maturity and skillset to be given the opportunity,” said Switchbacks Team General Manager, Brian Crookham. “You never know exactly how a player will react the first time he gets thrown in, but we had the confidence that he was being put in a situation he could handle. In the end, his response was even better than we had hoped.”

Rodriguez signed a professional contract with the Switchbacks on August 8, the first step on what could be a long professional career.

Name: Abraham Rodriguez
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5′ 9″
Weight: 165 lbs.
Date of Birth: July 19, 2002
Age: 17
Hometown: Broomfield, CO
Birthplace: El Paso, TX

The Switchbacks are back for the final game in 2019 at Weidner Field on October 5th to face LA Galaxy II on Fan Appreciation Night. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks Drink Koozie courtesy of Creative Consortium as well as the fourth and final poster in the 2019 series. Full 16oz beers will be available for $1 for the first 30 minutes after gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at just $12 and are available HERE. For the price of a Switchbacks ticket and 2-5 beers, it is cheaper than buying 2-5 beers at a bar or restaurant.

The Switchbacks are back for the final game in 2019 at Weidner Field on October 5th to face LA Galaxy II on Fan Appreciation Night. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks Drink Koozie courtesy of Creative Consortium as well as the fourth and final poster in the 2019 series. Full 16oz beers will be available for $1 for the first 30 minutes after gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at just $12 and are available HERE. For the price of a Switchbacks ticket and 2-5 beers, it is cheaper than buying 2-5 beers at a bar or restaurant.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Fell To Las Vegas Saturday Night

Colorado Springs, CO (September 28, 2019) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC fell to the Las Vegas Lights FC 3-1 in a wild second half in front of 4,279 fans at Weidner Field Saturday night.

Coming off back-to-back away games, the Switchbacks were looking turn results around at home. After a cagey first half, the second half when the first chance fell to the foot of Fernando Gonzalez Delfin who directed his shot on target but the ball was headed off the line by Javan Torre. Las Vegas got on the board first as Preston Etaka laid a ball off for Irvin Parra who tucked his shot inside the far post with a powerful strike. Cesar Romero had the best chance of finding an equalizer as he got behind the defense but his first shot was saved by Adam Hobbs and the rebound was put just wide. Las Vegas extended their lead to three in quick succession after Etaka got behind the defense and Parra pounced on a quick turnover to score his second of the night. Abdul Rwatubyaye pulled one back for the Switchbacks in the second minute of stoppage time with a powerful header from Ish Jome's cross.
 

"It was a really tough game. It was a little bit of a microcosm of the season," said Man of the Match, Ish Jome. "We played well in the first half and we had a few chances. I think we had better chances on goal than they did but we didn't capitalize on ours and the mistakes in the back cost us the game."


The Switchbacks are back for the final game in 2019 at Weidner Field on October 5th to face LA Galaxy II on Fan Appreciation Night. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks Drink Koozie courtesy of Creative Consortium as well as the fourth and final poster in the 2019 series. Full 16oz beers will be available for $1 for the first 30 minutes after gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at just $12 and are available HERE. For the price of a Switchbacks ticket and 2-5 beers, it is cheaper than buying 2-5 beers at a bar or restaurant.

Colorado Springs, CO (September 28, 2019) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC fell to the Las Vegas Lights FC 3-1 in a wild second half in front of 4,279 fans at Weidner Field Saturday night.

Coming off back-to-back away games, the Switchbacks were looking turn results around at home. After a cagey first half, the second half when the first chance fell to the foot of Fernando Gonzalez Delfin who directed his shot on target but the ball was headed off the line by Javan Torre. Las Vegas got on the board first as Preston Etaka laid a ball off for Irvin Parra who tucked his shot inside the far post with a powerful strike. Cesar Romero had the best chance of finding an equalizer as he got behind the defense but his first shot was saved by Adam Hobbs and the rebound was put just wide. Las Vegas extended their lead to three in quick succession after Etaka got behind the defense and Parra pounced on a quick turnover to score his second of the night. Abdul Rwatubyaye pulled one back for the Switchbacks in the second minute of stoppage time with a powerful header from Ish Jome’s cross.
 

“It was a really tough game. It was a little bit of a microcosm of the season,” said Man of the Match, Ish Jome. “We played well in the first half and we had a few chances. I think we had better chances on goal than they did but we didn’t capitalize on ours and the mistakes in the back cost us the game.”


The Switchbacks are back for the final game in 2019 at Weidner Field on October 5th to face LA Galaxy II on Fan Appreciation Night. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks Drink Koozie courtesy of Creative Consortium as well as the fourth and final poster in the 2019 series. Full 16oz beers will be available for $1 for the first 30 minutes after gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at just $12 and are available HERE. For the price of a Switchbacks ticket and 2-5 beers, it is cheaper than buying 2-5 beers at a bar or restaurant.

Wolde Harris – On what he saw in tonight's game: "I think we got our chances tonight early and didn't take them, and they got their chances late and put them in the net. That's the story of football. You have to take your chances when you get them."

On what needs to change ahead of next weeks home finale: "A lot more energy, to start. We need more positive energy going forward. I think we were a little slow with the ball tonight, moving the ball between the lines. And we need to be better at that. To put people out of the game and get the ball wide like we did in the first half, we didn't do that in the second half."

Ish Jome – On the team's performance tonight: "It was a really tough game. It was a little bit of a microcosm of the season. We played well in the first half and we had a few chances. I think we had better chances on goal than they did but we didn't capitalize on ours and the mistakes in the back cost us the game."

On the Switchbacks' moving forward into the final few games: "We have to work as hard as possible in training again. Whenever you get knocked down, you have to get back up. We have to finish strong hopefully with three wins."

Shane Malcolm – On playing the last few games of the season already being eliminated from playoff contention: "For us, as players at this level, this is our livelihood. We might not have anything to play for, as in trophies, each and every one of us are playing for a job next year. Personally, if that's not enough motivation for you to come out here and give it your best, then maybe this isn't for you."

On the importance of next weekend's last home game of the season: "For me personally, this is my club. I love the Switchbacks, I love the fans here, they're like my family. So for me personally, next weekend, the last home game of the season, we have to get a result. We have to win. I want to do that for the fans. I want to do that for the club. I want to give back as much of what the fans have given to me. Something to smile about going into next year. It's been a lackluster season and we need to send them off with a win."

Wolde Harris – On what he saw in tonight’s game: “I think we got our chances tonight early and didn’t take them, and they got their chances late and put them in the net. That’s the story of football. You have to take your chances when you get them.”

On what needs to change ahead of next weeks home finale: “A lot more energy, to start. We need more positive energy going forward. I think we were a little slow with the ball tonight, moving the ball between the lines. And we need to be better at that. To put people out of the game and get the ball wide like we did in the first half, we didn’t do that in the second half.”

Ish Jome – On the team’s performance tonight: “It was a really tough game. It was a little bit of a microcosm of the season. We played well in the first half and we had a few chances. I think we had better chances on goal than they did but we didn’t capitalize on ours and the mistakes in the back cost us the game.”

On the Switchbacks’ moving forward into the final few games: “We have to work as hard as possible in training again. Whenever you get knocked down, you have to get back up. We have to finish strong hopefully with three wins.”

Shane Malcolm – On playing the last few games of the season already being eliminated from playoff contention: “For us, as players at this level, this is our livelihood. We might not have anything to play for, as in trophies, each and every one of us are playing for a job next year. Personally, if that’s not enough motivation for you to come out here and give it your best, then maybe this isn’t for you.”

On the importance of next weekend’s last home game of the season: “For me personally, this is my club. I love the Switchbacks, I love the fans here, they’re like my family. So for me personally, next weekend, the last home game of the season, we have to get a result. We have to win. I want to do that for the fans. I want to do that for the club. I want to give back as much of what the fans have given to me. Something to smile about going into next year. It’s been a lackluster season and we need to send them off with a win.”

  • Man of the Match// Ish Jome
  • Scoring Summary// COS: Rwatubyaye (90+2') | LV: Parra (55'), Etaka (81'), Parra (84')
  • Saves// COS: Rawls (0) | LV: Hobbs (3)
  • Discipline// COS: YC: Malcolm (25')  | LV: YC: de la Fuente (42'), Parra (75')
  • Man of the Match// Ish Jome
  • Scoring Summary// COS: Rwatubyaye (90+2′) | LV: Parra (55′), Etaka (81′), Parra (84′)
  • Saves// COS: Rawls (0) | LV: Hobbs (3)
  • Discipline// COS: YC: Malcolm (25′)  | LV: YC: de la Fuente (42′), Parra (75′)

Vargish's View: Colorado Springs Switchbacks Return Home For Rematch With Las Vegas

A wild week at Weidner Field starts this Friday evening as the Dead Man’s Brew Fest returns, with tickets and information available HERE.  On Saturday, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host the Las Vegas Lights FC in USL Championship action, with the first 500 fans receiving a Luke Vercollone bobblehead, courtesy of FOX 21 News.  

Tickets for Saturday’s contest at Weidner Field are available HERE, as the Lights FC hunt a place in the 2019 USL Championship playoffs.  At the time of writing, the Lights FC stood in 14th place in the USL’s Western Conference – just four points out of a playoff spot.  

A wild week at Weidner Field starts this Friday evening as the Dead Man’s Brew Fest returns, with tickets and information available HERE.  On Saturday, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host the Las Vegas Lights FC in USL Championship action, with the first 500 fans receiving a Luke Vercollone bobblehead, courtesy of FOX 21 News.  

Tickets for Saturday’s contest at Weidner Field are available HERE, as the Lights FC hunt a place in the 2019 USL Championship playoffs.  At the time of writing, the Lights FC stood in 14th place in the USL’s Western Conference – just four points out of a playoff spot.  

Switchbacks Assistant Coach Diego Zaltron and General Manager Brian Crookham took charge of Tuesday morning’s practice in Colorado Springs alongside Goalkeeping Coach Trey Harrington, as Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris missed the session at the Pride Soccer complex.  “Wolde is tending to a family matter but he should be back later in the week,” said Crookham. “We are in constant contact with Wolde – he’s got a good handle on what’s going on despite not physically being here. We’re looking at these first few days of this week and evaluating some minor health issues and making sure we have a game plan against a team that will come and be desperate for a win.  We need to step up and take advantage of our home field and score some much-needed goals. Las Vegas have multiple weapons that can hurt us, so it’ll take a collective effort to stop them. This weekend will be a lot about us and how we perform.”

“The next two days at practice we will focus on our defensive shape and how we press collectively,” said Diego Zaltron.  “The intensity in our game is there, but we need to hammer how we’re going to press and the key roles of each player. It will be intense this week – individual and group defending for the first few days, and Thursday and Friday will be more on our attack and being organized when we attack.”

On Monday afternoon, the Switchbacks announced the hiring of Alan Koch as their next Head Coach, with further information available about Koch HERE.  

Irvin Parra scored a brace on May 11th as the Lights defeated the Switchbacks 3-0 at Cashman Field in Sin City, and Parra leads Las Vegas in goals with eleven and in assists with six.  Cameroonian striker Tabort Etaka Preston is second on Vegas’ scoring charts with six goals, while former University of San Diego Toreros standout Thomas Olsen is the Lights’ undisputed number one goalkeeper.  

Hall of Famer and former United States men’s national team striker Eric Wynalda will lead the Lights into Colorado Springs to face a Switchbacks team that will be without their team captain, Jordan Burt due to yellow card accumulation.  Burt received his fifth yellow card of the 2019 USL Championship season in the 51st minute of Saturday’s match in far west Texas as the Switchbacks fell 2-0 to the El Paso Locomotive at Southwest University Park.

Switchbacks Assistant Coach Diego Zaltron and General Manager Brian Crookham took charge of Tuesday morning’s practice in Colorado Springs alongside Goalkeeping Coach Trey Harrington, as Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris missed the session at the Pride Soccer complex.  “Wolde is tending to a family matter but he should be back later in the week,” said Crookham. “We are in constant contact with Wolde – he’s got a good handle on what’s going on despite not physically being here. We’re looking at these first few days of this week and evaluating some minor health issues and making sure we have a game plan against a team that will come and be desperate for a win.  We need to step up and take advantage of our home field and score some much-needed goals. Las Vegas have multiple weapons that can hurt us, so it’ll take a collective effort to stop them. This weekend will be a lot about us and how we perform.”

“The next two days at practice we will focus on our defensive shape and how we press collectively,” said Diego Zaltron.  “The intensity in our game is there, but we need to hammer how we’re going to press and the key roles of each player. It will be intense this week – individual and group defending for the first few days, and Thursday and Friday will be more on our attack and being organized when we attack.”

On Monday afternoon, the Switchbacks announced the hiring of Alan Koch as their next Head Coach, with further information available about Koch HERE.  

Irvin Parra scored a brace on May 11th as the Lights defeated the Switchbacks 3-0 at Cashman Field in Sin City, and Parra leads Las Vegas in goals with eleven and in assists with six.  Cameroonian striker Tabort Etaka Preston is second on Vegas’ scoring charts with six goals, while former University of San Diego Toreros standout Thomas Olsen is the Lights’ undisputed number one goalkeeper.  

Hall of Famer and former United States men’s national team striker Eric Wynalda will lead the Lights into Colorado Springs to face a Switchbacks team that will be without their team captain, Jordan Burt due to yellow card accumulation.  Burt received his fifth yellow card of the 2019 USL Championship season in the 51st minute of Saturday’s match in far west Texas as the Switchbacks fell 2-0 to the El Paso Locomotive at Southwest University Park.

“At the end of the day, we’re players, so we focus on our jobs and on being the best players that we can be,” said Rony Argueta.  “Las Vegas are a good team – they have a lot of players who are good with the ball so we have to match that and be better with our possession.  We need to work on keeping the ball and making sure we’re smart when we’re going forward.”  

The Switchbacks will play their final match in 2019 at Weidner Field on October 5th as they host the Los Angeles Galaxy II on Fan Appreciation Night, with fireworks to follow the match.  The first 500 fans will receive the fourth and final part of the Switchbacks’ poster giveaway series and the first 1,000 fans will receive a Switchbacks Drink Koozie courtesy of the Creative Consortium as the gates open at Weidner Field, with tickets on sale HERE.  

“We want to keep our attitude high,” said Rwandan center back Abdul Rwatubyaye.  “We don’t want to end the season at the bottom of the league. We want to get better at home and we know we can win the game.”

“At the end of the day, we’re players, so we focus on our jobs and on being the best players that we can be,” said Rony Argueta.  “Las Vegas are a good team – they have a lot of players who are good with the ball so we have to match that and be better with our possession.  We need to work on keeping the ball and making sure we’re smart when we’re going forward.”  

The Switchbacks will play their final match in 2019 at Weidner Field on October 5th as they host the Los Angeles Galaxy II on Fan Appreciation Night, with fireworks to follow the match.  The first 500 fans will receive the fourth and final part of the Switchbacks’ poster giveaway series and the first 1,000 fans will receive a Switchbacks Drink Koozie courtesy of the Creative Consortium as the gates open at Weidner Field, with tickets on sale HERE.  

“We want to keep our attitude high,” said Rwandan center back Abdul Rwatubyaye.  “We don’t want to end the season at the bottom of the league. We want to get better at home and we know we can win the game.”

2018 USL Championship Coach of the Year Named Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Head Coach

Aaron Doster – USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Doster – USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Springs, CO (September 23, 2019) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that the club has appointed Alan Koch as the second permanent head coach in club history. Koch joins the Switchbacks FC with extensive experience in the USL Championship after earning the league's Coach of the Year award with FC Cincinnati in 2018.

"We selected Alan because not only is he an amazing coach with USL Championship Coach of the Year credentials, but he's excited to paint Colorado Springs black and blue as we crescendo into the most important outdoor sports project in the history of Colorado Springs," said Switchbacks President, Nick Ragain.

Koch earned the 2018 USL Championship Coach of the Year award in his second year at FC Cincinnati's helm by leading the club to a 23-3-8 overall record as they set USL single-season records for points (77), wins (23), and games unbeaten in the regular season (23) en route to winning the USL Regular Season Championship.

"I am excited to join the Switchbacks and be a part of a very special project. There is a lot of assessing and evaluating that needs to happen in the short-term as we begin to put in place the plan for the 2020 season," said Koch. "I am also thrilled to be part of the next phase of the club as we prepare to move into the new downtown stadium in 2021. We will work incredibly hard to achieve the goal of getting the club back into the playoffs."

Koch has experience coaching at nearly every level of the U.S. Soccer pyramid. Koch started turning heads when he coached Simon Fraser University in the NAIA and NCAA to five consecutive conference championships and Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Coach of the Year awards from 2009 to 2013.

In his first professional coaching experience, Koch led the Vancouver Whitecaps 2 from second-bottom in the Western Conference in 2015 to the USL Championship Playoffs and Western Conference Final in 2016. He was also in charge of scouting and developing young talent, including Alphonso Davies who progressed to an MLS contract with Whitecaps FC before transferring to legendary German club Bayern Munich.

In his first year with FC Cincinnati, Koch led the team to the Semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, defeating Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew SC and Chicago Fire. The run, which came to an end at the hands of the New York Red Bulls in a game that went to extra time at Nippert Stadium, marked the first time since 2011 that a USL Championship club had reached the final four of the historic tournament.

In 2018, Koch completed his United States Soccer Federation "A" Coaching License while also setting records with Cincinnati. Koch stayed with FC Cincinnati through the club's transition into their MLS expansion season in 2019 where he was awarded MLS Coach of the Week honors in weeks 3 and 4.

Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris will continue to lead the squad through the October 5th game against LA Galaxy II at Weidner Field before Alan Koch takes over for the final two away games of the 2019 season, at which point Harris will resume duties as Assistant Coach.

"I am very thankful to Wolde for serving as our Interim Head Coach," said Switchbacks President, Nick Ragain. "He is a true professional and gave this team every ounce of energy he had."

Details on a press conference in the coming weeks will be made available in the near future.

Colorado Springs, CO (September 23, 2019) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that the club has appointed Alan Koch as the second permanent head coach in club history. Koch joins the Switchbacks FC with extensive experience in the USL Championship after earning the league’s Coach of the Year award with FC Cincinnati in 2018.

“We selected Alan because not only is he an amazing coach with USL Championship Coach of the Year credentials, but he’s excited to paint Colorado Springs black and blue as we crescendo into the most important outdoor sports project in the history of Colorado Springs,” said Switchbacks President, Nick Ragain.

Koch earned the 2018 USL Championship Coach of the Year award in his second year at FC Cincinnati’s helm by leading the club to a 23-3-8 overall record as they set USL single-season records for points (77), wins (23), and games unbeaten in the regular season (23) en route to winning the USL Regular Season Championship.

“I am excited to join the Switchbacks and be a part of a very special project. There is a lot of assessing and evaluating that needs to happen in the short-term as we begin to put in place the plan for the 2020 season,” said Koch. “I am also thrilled to be part of the next phase of the club as we prepare to move into the new downtown stadium in 2021. We will work incredibly hard to achieve the goal of getting the club back into the playoffs.”

Koch has experience coaching at nearly every level of the U.S. Soccer pyramid. Koch started turning heads when he coached Simon Fraser University in the NAIA and NCAA to five consecutive conference championships and Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Coach of the Year awards from 2009 to 2013.

In his first professional coaching experience, Koch led the Vancouver Whitecaps 2 from second-bottom in the Western Conference in 2015 to the USL Championship Playoffs and Western Conference Final in 2016. He was also in charge of scouting and developing young talent, including Alphonso Davies who progressed to an MLS contract with Whitecaps FC before transferring to legendary German club Bayern Munich.

In his first year with FC Cincinnati, Koch led the team to the Semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, defeating Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew SC and Chicago Fire. The run, which came to an end at the hands of the New York Red Bulls in a game that went to extra time at Nippert Stadium, marked the first time since 2011 that a USL Championship club had reached the final four of the historic tournament.

In 2018, Koch completed his United States Soccer Federation “A” Coaching License while also setting records with Cincinnati. Koch stayed with FC Cincinnati through the club’s transition into their MLS expansion season in 2019 where he was awarded MLS Coach of the Week honors in weeks 3 and 4.

Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris will continue to lead the squad through the October 5th game against LA Galaxy II at Weidner Field before Alan Koch takes over for the final two away games of the 2019 season, at which point Harris will resume duties as Assistant Coach.

“I am very thankful to Wolde for serving as our Interim Head Coach,” said Switchbacks President, Nick Ragain. “He is a true professional and gave this team every ounce of energy he had.”

Details on a press conference in the coming weeks will be made available in the near future.

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field on September 28th to face the Las Vegas Lights FC on Bobblehead Giveaway Night. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks bobblehead courtesy of FOX21 News. Full 16oz beers will be available for $1 for the first 30 minutes after gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at just $12 and are available HERE. For the price of a Switchbacks ticket and 2-5 beers, it is cheaper than buying 2-5 beers at a bar or restaurant.

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field on September 28th to face the Las Vegas Lights FC on Bobblehead Giveaway Night. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks bobblehead courtesy of FOX21 News. Full 16oz beers will be available for $1 for the first 30 minutes after gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at just $12 and are available HERE. For the price of a Switchbacks ticket and 2-5 beers, it is cheaper than buying 2-5 beers at a bar or restaurant.

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