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Colorado Springs Switchbacks Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris Is Prepared For Rematch With OKC Energy FC
Vargish's View: Colorado Springs Switchbacks Eager To Finish Home Stand With A Win
It’s Margaritaville Night at Weidner Field this Saturday evening as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host the Oklahoma City Energy FC with Weidner Apartment Homes sponsoring a jersey T shirt giveaway for the first 700 fans. Tickets for Saturday’s clash are available HERE. 719 Day Brewfest will return to Weidner Field this Friday, July 19th, and tickets can be purchased HERE.
Last Saturday saw the Switchbacks vanquish the visiting Tulsa Roughnecks 1-0 behind a terrific header from Shane Malcolm after a pinpoint free kick cross from Ish Jome. “I’ve not scored for a while and that had been on my mind,” said Malcolm on Tuesday morning. “It shouldn’t have affected me as much as it did, but it felt good to get the goal and we needed the win.”
Switchbacks captain Jordan Burt was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week after his performance in the win against the Tulsa Roughnecks on Saturday.
On Monday evening the Major League Soccer affiliate of the Switchbacks, the Colorado Rapids, hosted Arsenal of the Premier League at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. Eight Switchbacks players were available for selection against The Gunners, with six of them making an appearance. Jordan Schweitzer, Matt Hundley, Kwasi Donsu, César Romero, Ish Jome, and Kris Reaves all saw time on the pitch, while Ibrahim Yaro and Andre Rawls were unused substitutes.
It’s Margaritaville Night at Weidner Field this Saturday evening as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host the Oklahoma City Energy FC with Weidner Apartment Homes sponsoring a jersey T shirt giveaway for the first 700 fans. Tickets for Saturday’s clash are available HERE. 719 Day Brewfest will return to Weidner Field this Friday, July 19th, and tickets can be purchased HERE.
Last Saturday saw the Switchbacks vanquish the visiting Tulsa Roughnecks 1-0 behind a terrific header from Shane Malcolm after a pinpoint free kick cross from Ish Jome. “I’ve not scored for a while and that had been on my mind,” said Malcolm on Tuesday morning. “It shouldn’t have affected me as much as it did, but it felt good to get the goal and we needed the win.”
Switchbacks captain Jordan Burt was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week after his performance in the win against the Tulsa Roughnecks on Saturday.
On Monday evening the Major League Soccer affiliate of the Switchbacks, the Colorado Rapids, hosted Arsenal of the Premier League at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. Eight Switchbacks players were available for selection against The Gunners, with six of them making an appearance. Jordan Schweitzer, Matt Hundley, Kwasi Donsu, César Romero, Ish Jome, and Kris Reaves all saw time on the pitch, while Ibrahim Yaro and Andre Rawls were unused substitutes.
“It was a great experience,” said Kris Reeves. “It was kind of surreal – watching those guys like [Alexandre] Lacazette, [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang, [Mesut] Özil on TV and then being on the field with them. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“The game last night was good experience at that level,” said Switchbacks Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris when asked on Tuesday morning in Colorado Springs about the friendly. “I’m pretty sure our guys will value that experience forever. Some of our guys got some good minutes against players like Özil and Aubameyang and last night shows that our partnership with the Rapids gives a great opportunity for players at the USL level to move up.”
The Oklahoma City Energy FC edged the Switchbacks 1-0 at Taft Stadium in the Sooner State on May 25th behind a sensational strike from Omar Gordon after just 14 minutes. Gordon has 4 goals for the Energy in the 2019 USL Championship season, trailing teammate and fellow Jamaican Deshorn Brown who has struck 9 times. Rafael Garcia also has 4 goals for OKC, with the former Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder having scored last Saturday as the Energy held the El Paso Locomotive FC to a 1-1 draw at Taft Stadium. The Energy will host Reno 1868 FC on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City before heading to Colorado Springs for Saturday’s clash with the Switchbacks.
“It was a great experience,” said Kris Reeves. “It was kind of surreal – watching those guys like [Alexandre] Lacazette, [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang, [Mesut] Özil on TV and then being on the field with them. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“The game last night was good experience at that level,” said Switchbacks Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris when asked on Tuesday morning in Colorado Springs about the friendly. “I’m pretty sure our guys will value that experience forever. Some of our guys got some good minutes against players like Özil and Aubameyang and last night shows that our partnership with the Rapids gives a great opportunity for players at the USL level to move up.”
The Oklahoma City Energy FC edged the Switchbacks 1-0 at Taft Stadium in the Sooner State on May 25th behind a sensational strike from Omar Gordon after just 14 minutes. Gordon has 4 goals for the Energy in the 2019 USL Championship season, trailing teammate and fellow Jamaican Deshorn Brown who has struck 9 times. Rafael Garcia also has 4 goals for OKC, with the former Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder having scored last Saturday as the Energy held the El Paso Locomotive FC to a 1-1 draw at Taft Stadium. The Energy will host Reno 1868 FC on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City before heading to Colorado Springs for Saturday’s clash with the Switchbacks.
“OKC have good depth and a lot of speed and skill in their squad,” said Wolde Harris. “Deshorn Brown, [Omar] Gordon, [Cordell] Cato who is another international with OKC, [Je-Vaughn] Watson sits in the middle…we have to be solid on defense and transition well going forward.” Brown, Gordon, and Watson have all played for the Jamaican National Team, while Cato has been a full international for Trinidad and Tobago since 2014.
“We should be ready to go this weekend after we spend the week building off the performance against Tulsa,” said Kris Reeves. “We can definitely learn and watch what we did well in that game. OKC are a good team and they’re coming to our field and we know it will be a good game.”
Following Saturday’s match the Switchbacks will head to The Biggest Little City in the World to face Reno 1868 FC at Greater Nevada Field on July 27th.
“This week it will be very important to focus on quality in possession,” said Harris. “That quality is a factor in us having success late in games and finishing games like we did on Saturday. We need to improve playing out of the back as we work together to get better each week. We had another good crowd last week and we’re looking forward to the same or better this weekend. Hopefully Colorado Springs gets behind us and comes out again.”
The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field for a Wednesday night clash against the Portland Timbers 2 on August 7th, with Centura Orthopedics and Centura Health sponsoring a pregame cowbell giveaway and tickets are available HERE. Just three days later the Switchbacks will host the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros at Weidner Field on Back to School Night, with a pre-game backpack giveaway courtesy of GE Johnson.
“There’s a real chance we can win,” said Saeed Robinson about Saturday’s match. “We have more confidence than we’ve had in a long while and it’s always good to play at home – nobody wants to come in here and play us.”
“OKC have good depth and a lot of speed and skill in their squad,” said Wolde Harris. “Deshorn Brown, [Omar] Gordon, [Cordell] Cato who is another international with OKC, [Je-Vaughn] Watson sits in the middle…we have to be solid on defense and transition well going forward.” Brown, Gordon, and Watson have all played for the Jamaican National Team, while Cato has been a full international for Trinidad and Tobago since 2014.
“We should be ready to go this weekend after we spend the week building off the performance against Tulsa,” said Kris Reeves. “We can definitely learn and watch what we did well in that game. OKC are a good team and they’re coming to our field and we know it will be a good game.”
Following Saturday’s match the Switchbacks will head to The Biggest Little City in the World to face Reno 1868 FC at Greater Nevada Field on July 27th.
“This week it will be very important to focus on quality in possession,” said Harris. “That quality is a factor in us having success late in games and finishing games like we did on Saturday. We need to improve playing out of the back as we work together to get better each week. We had another good crowd last week and we’re looking forward to the same or better this weekend. Hopefully Colorado Springs gets behind us and comes out again.”
The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field for a Wednesday night clash against the Portland Timbers 2 on August 7th, with Centura Orthopedics and Centura Health sponsoring a pregame cowbell giveaway and tickets are available HERE. Just three days later the Switchbacks will host the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros at Weidner Field on Back to School Night, with a pre-game backpack giveaway courtesy of GE Johnson.
“There’s a real chance we can win,” said Saeed Robinson about Saturday’s match. “We have more confidence than we’ve had in a long while and it’s always good to play at home – nobody wants to come in here and play us.”
Colorado Springs Switchbacks Host 2019 Dead Man's Brewfest on September 27

Come party at the third annual Dead Man's Brewfest Friday, September 27th at Weidner Field, home of the Switchbacks! Dead Man’s Brew Fest is brought to you by Powers Liquor Mart, Switchbacks FC and iHeart Media, Friday September 27th at Weidner Field from 5pm to 9pm. The Dead Man will bring you to his sunken place to taste over 100’s of different wines, liquors, and craft beer! Experience live entertainment and unforgettable memories. Dead Man’s Brew Fest VIP tickets receive early access from 5pm until 6pm and will get exclusive beer, liquor, and wine tastings along with free meals. General Admission doors open from 6pm to 9pm.
You can buy tickets HERE. Proceeds are going to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, finding cures, saving children. Cheers to you and the Dead Man!
Come party at the third annual Dead Man’s Brewfest Friday, September 27th at Weidner Field, home of the Switchbacks! Dead Man’s Brew Fest is brought to you by Powers Liquor Mart, Switchbacks FC and iHeart Media, Friday September 27th at Weidner Field from 5pm to 9pm. The Dead Man will bring you to his sunken place to taste over 100’s of different wines, liquors, and craft beer! Experience live entertainment and unforgettable memories. Dead Man’s Brew Fest VIP tickets receive early access from 5pm until 6pm and will get exclusive beer, liquor, and wine tastings along with free meals. General Admission doors open from 6pm to 9pm.
You can buy tickets HERE. Proceeds are going to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, finding cures, saving children. Cheers to you and the Dead Man!
Colorado Springs Defender Jordan Burt Named toUSL Championship Team of the Week

Colorado Springs, CO (July 16, 2019) – The USL Championship officially announced today that Jordan Burt was named to the Team of the Week for week 19 of the 2019 season.
Burt made the Team of the Week by playing a pivotal role in keeping the clean sheet for the Switchbacks. The defender won 7 of 8 duels, made six recoveries, won two tackles, and completed 35 of 47 passes to help the Switchbacks earn their fourth clean sheet of the season in route to a 1-0 victory over Tulsa Roughnecks FC.
Colorado Springs, CO (July 16, 2019) – The USL Championship officially announced today that Jordan Burt was named to the Team of the Week for week 19 of the 2019 season.
Burt made the Team of the Week by playing a pivotal role in keeping the clean sheet for the Switchbacks. The defender won 7 of 8 duels, made six recoveries, won two tackles, and completed 35 of 47 passes to help the Switchbacks earn their fourth clean sheet of the season in route to a 1-0 victory over Tulsa Roughnecks FC.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 19
GK – CJ Cochran, Fresno FC
D – Jordan Burt, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
D – Juan Barahona, Sacramento Republic FC
D – Sean McFarlane, Austin Bold FC
M – Jared Stroud, New York Red Bulls II
M – Danny Barrera, Hartford Athletic
M – Chris Lema, New York Red Bulls II
M – Enzo Martinez, Charlotte Independence
F – Adam Jahn, Phoenix Rising FC
F – Douglas Martinez, Real Monarchs SLC
F – Brian Wright, Birmingham Legion FC
Bench: Chris Hubbard (LOU), Marcus Epps (NY), Issa Rayyan (BST), Wal Fall (OTT), Tom Barlow (NY), Jose Angulo (HFD), Maikel Chang (SLC)
USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 19
GK – CJ Cochran, Fresno FC
D – Jordan Burt, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
D – Juan Barahona, Sacramento Republic FC
D – Sean McFarlane, Austin Bold FC
M – Jared Stroud, New York Red Bulls II
M – Danny Barrera, Hartford Athletic
M – Chris Lema, New York Red Bulls II
M – Enzo Martinez, Charlotte Independence
F – Adam Jahn, Phoenix Rising FC
F – Douglas Martinez, Real Monarchs SLC
F – Brian Wright, Birmingham Legion FC
Bench: Chris Hubbard (LOU), Marcus Epps (NY), Issa Rayyan (BST), Wal Fall (OTT), Tom Barlow (NY), Jose Angulo (HFD), Maikel Chang (SLC)
The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field on July 20th to take on the OKC Energy FC on Margaritaville Night, with $3 margaritas all night long! The first 700 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks jersey t-shirt courtesy of Weidner Apartment Homes. 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 at Weidner Field on July 20th to take on the OKC Energy FC on Margaritaville Night, with $3 margaritas all night long! The first 700 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks jersey t-shirt courtesy of Weidner Apartment Homes. 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 Loan Six Players To Colorado Rapids For Arsenal Friendly

Colorado Springs, CO (July 15, 2019) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that the club has sent Kris Reaves, Ish Jome, Jordan Schweitzer, Kwasi Donsu, Ibrahim Yaro, and Cesar Romero on short-term loans to the Colorado Rapids (MLS) ahead of tonight's friendly between the Rapids and European giants Arsenal (EPL).
Arsenal will commence their preseason preparations at DICK's Sporting Goods Park as the first of four matches to be played in the US and the only match against an MLS side. The Gunners play in the Premier League, the top flight of English football. The club has won 13 league titles, a record 13 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 15 Community Shields, and the League Centenary Trophy. The London club finished last season 5th in the Premier League while also taking second place in the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League. The friendly marks the first time Arsenal will play in the state of Colorado.
Colorado Springs, CO (July 15, 2019) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that the club has sent Kris Reaves, Ish Jome, Jordan Schweitzer, Kwasi Donsu, Ibrahim Yaro, and Cesar Romero on short-term loans to the Colorado Rapids (MLS) ahead of tonight’s friendly between the Rapids and European giants Arsenal (EPL).
Arsenal will commence their preseason preparations at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park as the first of four matches to be played in the US and the only match against an MLS side. The Gunners play in the Premier League, the top flight of English football. The club has won 13 league titles, a record 13 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 15 Community Shields, and the League Centenary Trophy. The London club finished last season 5th in the Premier League while also taking second place in the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League. The friendly marks the first time Arsenal will play in the state of Colorado.

The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field on July 20th to take on the OKC Energy FC on Margaritaville Night, with $3 margaritas all night long! The first 700 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks jersey t-shirt courtesy of Weidner Apartment Homes. 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 at Weidner Field on July 20th to take on the OKC Energy FC on Margaritaville Night, with $3 margaritas all night long! The first 700 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks jersey t-shirt courtesy of Weidner Apartment Homes. 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 Down Tulsa Behind Second Half Goal
Colorado Springs, CO (July 13, 2019) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks were victorious over the Tulsa Roughnecks 1-0 in front of 4,034 fans Saturday night at Weidner Field.
After a tight first half that saw few chances for both sides, the Switchbacks got on the board in the 61st minute. Ish Jome delivered a free kick that Shane Malcolm redirected with a header that kissed the far post on its way into the back of the net. The Switchbacks defense held tight to record the team's fourth clean sheet of the season to see out the 1-0 victory on Saturday night, the teams first win under Interim Head Coach, Wolde Harris.
"It was good. It feels really good. The guys deserve it, they worked pretty hard this week. I'm particularly pleased that we brought things we were working on in practice into the game. So that's definitely good to see. That being said, I still think there's a lot of room for improvement. Especially in the final third, there's a lot of room for improvement," said Switchbacks Interim Head Coach, Wolde Harris. "If we could've maybe knicked one or two in the first half, I think the game would've been a little easier for us. That being said, a victory is a victory. The players did well; I'm very proud of their effort."
The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field on July 20th to take on the OKC Energy FC on Margaritaville Night, with $3 margaritas all night long! The first 700 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks jersey t-shirt courtesy of Weidner Apartment Homes. 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 (July 13, 2019) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks were victorious over the Tulsa Roughnecks 1-0 in front of 4,034 fans Saturday night at Weidner Field.
After a tight first half that saw few chances for both sides, the Switchbacks got on the board in the 61st minute. Ish Jome delivered a free kick that Shane Malcolm redirected with a header that kissed the far post on its way into the back of the net. The Switchbacks defense held tight to record the team’s fourth clean sheet of the season to see out the 1-0 victory on Saturday night, the teams first win under Interim Head Coach, Wolde Harris.
“It was good. It feels really good. The guys deserve it, they worked pretty hard this week. I’m particularly pleased that we brought things we were working on in practice into the game. So that’s definitely good to see. That being said, I still think there’s a lot of room for improvement. Especially in the final third, there’s a lot of room for improvement,” said Switchbacks Interim Head Coach, Wolde Harris. “If we could’ve maybe knicked one or two in the first half, I think the game would’ve been a little easier for us. That being said, a victory is a victory. The players did well; I’m very proud of their effort.”
The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field on July 20th to take on the OKC Energy FC on Margaritaville Night, with $3 margaritas all night long! The first 700 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks jersey t-shirt courtesy of Weidner Apartment Homes. 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 getting his first win as Interim Head Coach: "It was good. It feels really good. The guys deserve it, they worked pretty hard this week. I'm particularly pleased that we brought things we were working on in practice into the game. So that's definitely good to see. That being said, I still think there's a lot of room for improvement. Especially in the final third, there's a lot of room for improvement. If we could've maybe knicked one or two in the first half, I think the game would've been a little easier for us. That being said, a victory is a victory. The players did well; I'm very proud of their effort."
Abdul Rwatubyaye – On his overall thoughts on the game: "Today I felt like we wanted to win the game. We already lost a couple of games in a row so our greatest ambition was winning today's game no matter what."
On how the Switchbacks build on tonight's performance: "We have to be strong, we have to will the team so that we can be on the top level. We have to continue building up, continue the fighting, and listen to the new coach."
Shane Malcolm – On his overall thoughts on the game: "It felt good. One love, we kept a clean sheet, that was huge. I think we focused a lot on the defensive side of things this week. Obviously, we're sharpening things up offensively. Scoring goals has been the Switchbacks' Achilles heel, but I'm glad we're getting back to our old ways and keeping clean sheets is what we're known for."
On building on tonight's performance to fight for a playoff spot: "Honestly this month has been a bit of and emotional up and down for us. Right now we're just trying to put our heads down and get through the season the best we can. This feels good and hopefully we can build on this. We were so hyper-focused on Tulsa this week that I didn't even look at the schedule for next week."
Wolde Harris – On getting his first win as Interim Head Coach: “It was good. It feels really good. The guys deserve it, they worked pretty hard this week. I’m particularly pleased that we brought things we were working on in practice into the game. So that’s definitely good to see. That being said, I still think there’s a lot of room for improvement. Especially in the final third, there’s a lot of room for improvement. If we could’ve maybe knicked one or two in the first half, I think the game would’ve been a little easier for us. That being said, a victory is a victory. The players did well; I’m very proud of their effort.”
Abdul Rwatubyaye – On his overall thoughts on the game: “Today I felt like we wanted to win the game. We already lost a couple of games in a row so our greatest ambition was winning today’s game no matter what.”
On how the Switchbacks build on tonight’s performance: “We have to be strong, we have to will the team so that we can be on the top level. We have to continue building up, continue the fighting, and listen to the new coach.”
Shane Malcolm – On his overall thoughts on the game: “It felt good. One love, we kept a clean sheet, that was huge. I think we focused a lot on the defensive side of things this week. Obviously, we’re sharpening things up offensively. Scoring goals has been the Switchbacks’ Achilles heel, but I’m glad we’re getting back to our old ways and keeping clean sheets is what we’re known for.”
On building on tonight’s performance to fight for a playoff spot: “Honestly this month has been a bit of and emotional up and down for us. Right now we’re just trying to put our heads down and get through the season the best we can. This feels good and hopefully we can build on this. We were so hyper-focused on Tulsa this week that I didn’t even look at the schedule for next week.”
- Man of the Match// Abdul Rwatubyaye
- Scoring Summary// COS: Malcolm (61') | TUL: None
- Saves// COS: Rawls (1) | TUL: Stajduhar (0)
- Discipline// COS: YC: None | TUL: YC: Hendrick (60'), Roberts (63')
- Man of the Match// Abdul Rwatubyaye
- Scoring Summary// COS: Malcolm (61′) | TUL: None
- Saves// COS: Rawls (1) | TUL: Stajduhar (0)
- Discipline// COS: YC: None | TUL: YC: Hendrick (60′), Roberts (63′)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris Previews Second Game in Charge
Colorado Springs Switchbacks Midfielder Rony Argueta Previews Midsummer Rematch With Tulsa
Colorado Springs Switchbacks Host Hero Night September 7th

On September 7th, the Switchbacks FC take on Austin Bold FC on Hero Night, presented by the Children's Hospital Colorado Springs. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive free Switchbacks foam finger! Meet your favorite Super Hero's in person and dress up for your chance to win a prize!
Tickets are ON SALE NOW and start at just $12 and are available HERE! Full 16oz beers will be available for $1 when gates open at 5pm! For the price of a Switchbacks ticket and 2-5 beers, it is cheaper than buying 2-5 beers at a bar or restaurant.
On September 7th, the Switchbacks FC take on Austin Bold FC on Hero Night, presented by the Children’s Hospital Colorado Springs. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive free Switchbacks foam finger! Meet your favorite Super Hero’s in person and dress up for your chance to win a prize!
Tickets are ON SALE NOW and start at just $12 and are available HERE! Full 16oz beers will be available for $1 when gates open at 5pm! For the price of a Switchbacks ticket and 2-5 beers, it is cheaper than buying 2-5 beers at a bar or restaurant.