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Vargish's View: Colorado Springs Switchbacks Host Tulsa In Midsummer Clash

It’s Movie Night at Weidner Field this Saturday evening as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host the Tulsa Roughnecks FC in a USL Championship clash. The Better Business Bureau will be sponsoring the third part of the poster giveaway series for the first 500 fans in attendance at Weidner Field, with tickets for Saturday’s clash available HERE.

The Roughnecks shored up their defense in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers 2 after a brutal stretch from June 7th to the 29th saw Head Coach Michael Nsien’s men outscored 16-1 in four consecutive defeats. Brazilian Luca Lobo leads Tulsa’s goal-charts in the 2019 USL Championship with seven – just a single goal above countryman Rodrigo da Costa. Portuguese hitman Janu Silva has five goals to his name, while Honduran Cristhian Altamirano has scored four times.

“Tulsa were unlucky on the road against Portland,” said Switchbacks Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris. “They’re a dangerous team and they present a lot of challenges for us. We need to be solid defensively and transfer the things we’ve been working on into the game. Building on the positivity from last week is important and we’ll need to stay disciplined against a good team.”

Former Switchbacks Tobenna Uzo and AJ Ajeakwa have both been held scoreless this season for the Roughnecks, with Ajeakwa making 11 appearances in the USL Championship, while Uzo has come off the bench 7 times for Tulsa this season. Tulsa’s Haitian defender Fredlin Mompremier was sent off in the 96th minute against the Timbers 2 and will be unavailable against the Switchbacks on Saturday. After picking up his second yellow card of the match, midfielder Brayan Reyes was also sent off in stoppage time against T2, and he too will miss Saturday’s match at Weidner Field.

Mason Stajduhar, who is on-loan from Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer, kept a clean sheet against the Switchbacks on April 24th at ONEOK Field in Tulsa, as the Roughnecks ended the game 2-0 winners. Stajduhar started in the Roughnecks’ 1-1 draw against the Portland Timbers 2 last Saturday at Providence Park in the Rose City. Rio de Janeiro native Rodrigo da Costa notched a second half brace against the Switchbacks in the Roughnecks’ aforementioned win in April.

Rony Argueta scored a superb goal to give the Switchbacks the lead just after halftime last Thursday against Orange County SC, before OC recovered to win 2-1 at Weidner Field on Independence Day in front of a record crowd. “We’ve been training well,” said Argueta on Tuesday afternoon at the Pride Soccer complex in eastern Colorado Springs. “We’re looking to build off what we did well in the game against OC where we were good in the attack, but we’ve got to be more clinical in front of goal. Our final product has to improve and we need to find a way to get the ball in the net when we have good chances. We’ve been getting a lot of information in training and we need to take it into Saturday and get a result.”

“There’s no secret formula for us right now – we’re having our growing pains and we just have to keep working to get more disciplined,” said Shane Malcolm. “Nothing is promised. We all need to play our role and build off each other.”

Former Air Force Academy Falcons Tucker Bone and Austin Dewing were introduced as second half substitutes against Orange County on Independence Day, with both impressing Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris. “They added energy and they reacted really well,” said Harris. “They did what we wanted and needed. They both have a really good work ethic and we’re just looking right now to slowly integrate them into the team. Both had good opportunities to score last week and they gave us something in the attack.”

719 Day Brewfest returns to Weidner Field on July 19th, and tickets can be purchased HERE. The Switchbacks will finish their three-game home stand on July 20th against the Oklahoma City Energy FC on Margaritaville, with a pre-game free jersey T Shirt giveaway courtesy of Weidner Apartment Homes. Tickets are available HERE.

“I think the crowd last week was phenomenal – hopefully we see Colorado Springs in big numbers at Weidner Field on Saturday,” said Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris. Independence Day saw an all-time record crowd at Weidner Field last Thursday evening. “We’re looking forward to another big crowd being behind us on Saturday.”

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Downtown Stadium Public Meeting

You Are Invited – Public Meeting

Please attend to learn more about the Downtown Stadium and provide feedback.

Wed., July 17, 5:30 – 7 p.m. (presentation at 6 p.m.) | Centennial Hall auditorium, downtown Colorado Springs, 200 S. Cascade Ave.

(For special ADA accommodations to participate, please call 719/488-5908 at least 48 hours in advance)

To receive periodic project enewsletter updates, send an email requesting to be included to: DowntownStadiumC4C@gmail.com

You Are Invited – Public Meeting

Please attend to learn more about the Downtown Stadium and provide feedback.

Wed., July 17, 5:30 – 7 p.m. (presentation at 6 p.m.) | Centennial Hall auditorium, downtown Colorado Springs, 200 S. Cascade Ave.

(For special ADA accommodations to participate, please call 719/488-5908 at least 48 hours in advance)

To receive periodic project enewsletter updates, send an email requesting to be included to: DowntownStadiumC4C@gmail.com

Background: As part of the City for Champions (C4C) Initiative, two downtown multi-purpose sports venues (together named the Colorado Sports and Events Center) are being planned and designed to host professional, Olympic and amateur sporting events as well as entertainment and cultural events. The two venues are in close proximity to the U.S. Olympic Museum. The Downtown Stadium is the outdoor venue, and the Robson Arena at Colorado College, home of CC Tiger hockey, is the indoor venue. Both will include technological features coveted by competitive athletes, further solidifying the City’s brand of Olympic City USA and providing unique venues to host the growing momentum of a strong and vibrant tourism industry.

Downtown Stadium Schedule
Planning and Design: Through Fall 2019
Construction: Late 2019 – Early 2021
Anticipated Opening: Spring 2021

Downtown Stadium: The Downtown Stadium will be a multi-use facility that can accommodate a variety of sporting and entertainment events. Located at the CityGate property, the Downtown Stadium site is bordered by Cimarron St. to the north, Moreno Ave. to the south, Sierra Madre St. to the west and Sahwatch St. to the east. The strategic downtown location allows for high visibility, access to amenities, and special experiences for participants and spectators. Much of the land is currently vacant and open for development following environmental work related to its long-term use as a steel and iron foundry since the beginning of 1900 until it closed in the early 2000’s. It is also in close proximity to several other sports-related facilities, specifically the new U.S. Olympic Museum, America the Beautiful Park, the administration building for several National Governing Bodies, and the headquarters building for the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The facility will be a mixed-use development featuring a rectangular field of play and serving as the permanent home of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Football Club (FC) soccer team. It is anticipated to have 8,000 seats, expandable to 15,000 for concerts and other special events. It will encompass an artificial turf field for competition and an approximately 145,500-square-foot stadium overall. Olympic related events, tournaments, and camps will create a synergy between the U.S. Olympic Museum, outdoor stadium, indoor arena, and the U.S. Olympic Training Center that will set Colorado Springs apart nationally as a destination for amateur sporting events.

Partnering on the Downtown Stadium is the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Weidner Apartment Homes. The State Regional Tourism Act (RTA) is providing a portion of the funding over a 30-year time period along with private investment from the project partners. The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, a United Soccer League franchise, will be the primary tenant of the stadium, and Switchbacks Entertainment will operate and program the facility with additional events. The stadium will be constructed together with a mixed-use residential and commercial development in partnership with Weidner Apartment Homes. GE Johnson/contractor and Perkins & Will/architect lead the Design/Build Team.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Attend Mascot Challenge With Ziggy!

On June 29th, Ziggy went out to Fox Run Park with Soccer Buddies where he was able to run, splash, jump, kick, and have fun with kids at Soccer Buddies. He was able to play and do drills with the local kids and played a friendly game with his good friend Buddy the Bear.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Attended Fan Fest

On June 28th Ziggy went downtown to Fan Fest, presented by Budweiser and Toyo Tires. Where he was able to meet and greet the 30,000 fans that came downtown to see amazing stunts by Sam and Kathy Guadagnoli.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Host Free Underwear Night August 31st

On August 31st, the Switchbacks FC take on the Phoenix Rising FC on Free Underwear Night (F.U.N.), presented by Sheath Underwear. The first 1,000 fans in attendance when gates open at 5pm will receive free Switchbacks underwear by Sheath.

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.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Inches Away From Last Second Equalizer After Second Half Fireworks

Colorado Springs, CO (July 4, 2019) – A wild second half saw the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lose 2-1 to Orange County in front of 5,606 fans at Weidner Field, the largest crowd in Switchbacks' history.

The Switchbacks were looking to get back on track in the teams first game under Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris. The Switchbacks got on the board in the first minute of the second half when Rony Argueta picked up a loose ball and fired a low and driven shot just inside the far post. However, Orange County turned the result around with a pair of counter-attack goals. The first came just three minutes after the Switchbacks took the lead as Michael Seaton got in behind the defense and held off a defender as he slotted the ball by Andre Rawls. The game-winner was a product of two substitutes for Orange County as Kevin Coleman assisted Giovanni Ramos Godoy's tap in.

Orange County's defender Walker Hume was shown a straight red card after a hard challenge to the face of a defenseless Matt Hundley to force the visitor's to play down a man for the final five minutes. The Switchbacks' nearly took advantage in the third minute of stoppage time as Abdul Rwatubyaye's header hit the underside of the crossbar before Logan Dorsey's rebound was punched off the line by Patrick McLain as he was falling backward into the goal to preserve the win for Orange County SC.

"We had our chances. We could've been up in the first half. They had quite a few corners but they never really created anything else to threaten us in a way where we really felt threatened as a team," said Switchbacks' Interim Head Coach, Wolde Harris. "The second half we came out much, much better. We adjusted a few things tactically and we were more cohesive defensively and offensively. The game came down to two moments for us defensively with lapses in concentration and they were able to capitalize on that. "

The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field on July 13th to take on the Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Movie Night. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks poster courtesy of the Better Business Bureau. 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.

For media pass requests, please contact Communications Manager, Cody Costra.

Colorado Springs, CO (July 4, 2019) – A wild second half saw the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lose 2-1 to Orange County in front of 5,606 fans at Weidner Field, the largest crowd in Switchbacks’ history.

The Switchbacks were looking to get back on track in the teams first game under Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris. The Switchbacks got on the board in the first minute of the second half when Rony Argueta picked up a loose ball and fired a low and driven shot just inside the far post. However, Orange County turned the result around with a pair of counter-attack goals. The first came just three minutes after the Switchbacks took the lead as Michael Seaton got in behind the defense and held off a defender as he slotted the ball by Andre Rawls. The game-winner was a product of two substitutes for Orange County as Kevin Coleman assisted Giovanni Ramos Godoy’s tap in.

Orange County’s defender Walker Hume was shown a straight red card after a hard challenge to the face of a defenseless Matt Hundley to force the visitor’s to play down a man for the final five minutes. The Switchbacks’ nearly took advantage in the third minute of stoppage time as Abdul Rwatubyaye’s header hit the underside of the crossbar before Logan Dorsey’s rebound was punched off the line by Patrick McLain as he was falling backward into the goal to preserve the win for Orange County SC.

“We had our chances. We could’ve been up in the first half. They had quite a few corners but they never really created anything else to threaten us in a way where we really felt threatened as a team,” said Switchbacks’ Interim Head Coach, Wolde Harris. “The second half we came out much, much better. We adjusted a few things tactically and we were more cohesive defensively and offensively. The game came down to two moments for us defensively with lapses in concentration and they were able to capitalize on that. “

Wolde Harris – On his overall thoughts on the game: "We had our chances. We could've been up in the first half. They had quite a few corners but they never really created anything else to threaten us in a way where we really felt threatened as a team. The second half we came out much, much better. We adjusted a few things tactically and we were more cohesive defensively and offensively. The game came down to two moments for us defensively with lapses in concentration and they were able to capitalize on that. That being said, we still created three more chances. We have to take the positives with the chances we've created in the last two to three games. Now it's about getting those in the back of the net and making sure we don't have those lapses in concentration. But overall, the effort from the guys was superb and the energy was pretty positive. So we need to take the positives and move forward."

On playing with an attacking style: "We always want to attack. I was an attacker myself so I want to see attacking football. We want to have attacking football because it's entertaining. Not to say that we weren't playing attacking football. It's just that we want to put the players in positions that we're going to find more success going forward and creating more opportunities and going the other direction, limiting the other team. I think we had a challenge limiting them in the first half and they were finding those spots. Overall, I think the energy we came into the game with was the guys putting their heads down and working really hard to keep the clean sheet going into the half. It was just those moments in the second half that really cost us the game. But overall, I think it was a decent performance to build on. I think we deserved more out of the game."

Matt Hundley – On his overall thoughts on the game: "It's been a minute since I've been able to get 90 on the field. Under Steve's [Trittschuh] coaching, I was struggling to touch the field. The fact that Wolde [Harris] was able to put faith in me and put me on the field felt really good. Overall, I thought the team fought hard. It's unlucky not to come out with the result. We just have to be better defensively and finish our chances that we had. But overall, it's like a fresh start. We're looking at it in a positive way, just keep building and getting that chemistry under Wolde's coaching and we should be able to get the results."

Rony Argueta – On his overall thoughts on the game: "We had a lot of opportunities. Saeed had that one in the first half and towards the end we had a few that should have gone in. We'll continue to work. In my opinion, we need to be better on the ball in the attack and in possession. When you're in possession, in my point of view, you're in control. We have to be better technically and have more quality, so we'll continue to work."

On the Switchbacks recent struggles to find goals after creating so many opportunities: "Goals will come. That's another thing we've struggled with all season. We're creating opportunities and we're not being clinical with them. If those go in the back of the net, you're gonna win."

Wolde Harris – On his overall thoughts on the game: “We had our chances. We could’ve been up in the first half. They had quite a few corners but they never really created anything else to threaten us in a way where we really felt threatened as a team. The second half we came out much, much better. We adjusted a few things tactically and we were more cohesive defensively and offensively. The game came down to two moments for us defensively with lapses in concentration and they were able to capitalize on that. That being said, we still created three more chances. We have to take the positives with the chances we’ve created in the last two to three games. Now it’s about getting those in the back of the net and making sure we don’t have those lapses in concentration. But overall, the effort from the guys was superb and the energy was pretty positive. So we need to take the positives and move forward.”

On playing with an attacking style: “We always want to attack. I was an attacker myself so I want to see attacking football. We want to have attacking football because it’s entertaining. Not to say that we weren’t playing attacking football. It’s just that we want to put the players in positions that we’re going to find more success going forward and creating more opportunities and going the other direction, limiting the other team. I think we had a challenge limiting them in the first half and they were finding those spots. Overall, I think the energy we came into the game with was the guys putting their heads down and working really hard to keep the clean sheet going into the half. It was just those moments in the second half that really cost us the game. But overall, I think it was a decent performance to build on. I think we deserved more out of the game.”

Matt Hundley – On his overall thoughts on the game: “It’s been a minute since I’ve been able to get 90 on the field. Under Steve’s [Trittschuh] coaching, I was struggling to touch the field. The fact that Wolde [Harris] was able to put faith in me and put me on the field felt really good. Overall, I thought the team fought hard. It’s unlucky not to come out with the result. We just have to be better defensively and finish our chances that we had. But overall, it’s like a fresh start. We’re looking at it in a positive way, just keep building and getting that chemistry under Wolde’s coaching and we should be able to get the results.”

Rony Argueta – On his overall thoughts on the game: “We had a lot of opportunities. Saeed had that one in the first half and towards the end we had a few that should have gone in. We’ll continue to work. In my opinion, we need to be better on the ball in the attack and in possession. When you’re in possession, in my point of view, you’re in control. We have to be better technically and have more quality, so we’ll continue to work.”

On the Switchbacks recent struggles to find goals after creating so many opportunities: “Goals will come. That’s another thing we’ve struggled with all season. We’re creating opportunities and we’re not being clinical with them. If those go in the back of the net, you’re gonna win.”

Man of the Match// Rony Argueta
Scoring Summary// COS: Argueta (46') | OC: Seaton (49'), Godoy (77')
Saves// COS: Rawls (3) | OC: McLain (3)
Discipline// COS: YC: Burt (67') | OC: YC: Alvarado (44') RC: Hume (86')

Man of the Match// Rony Argueta
Scoring Summary// COS: Argueta (46′) | OC: Seaton (49′), Godoy (77′)
Saves// COS: Rawls (3) | OC: McLain (3)
Discipline// COS: YC: Burt (67′) | OC: YC: Alvarado (44′) RC: Hume (86′)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Interim Head Coach Wolde Harris Is No Stranger To The Game

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Midfielder Jordan Schweitzer Previews Busy Month Of July At Weidner Field

Vargish's View: Colorado Springs Switchbacks Host Orange County For 4th Of July Fireworks Spectacular

The largest fireworks show in Southern Colorado is on-tap on Independence Day as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host Orange County SC at Weidner Field on Thursday evening. The first 600 fans at Weidner Field will receive a Switchbacks blanket, courtesy of Oakwood Homes, with tickets for Thursday’s clash still available HERE.

Thursday’s match against Orange County will be the first of three games in a row for the Switchbacks at Weidner Field. On July 13th, the Switchbacks host the Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Movie Night, with the Better Business Bureau sponsoring the third part of the Switchbacks’ poster giveaway series. A week later the Switchbacks welcome the Oklahoma City Energy FC to Weidner Field for Margaritaville, with a free jersey T Shirt giveaway pre-game courtesy of Weidner Apartment Homes.

On Friday evening, Jon Eddy Productions will present Billy Ray Cyrus and Johnny McGuire at Weidner Field, complete with a post-concert fireworks show. Kimberly Dunn and The Tyler Walker Band will open the show in Colorado Springs, with tickets still available HERE.

Orange County SC arrive in Colorado Springs having lost their last three matches in the 2019 USL Championship. Last Saturday, Head Coach Braeden Cloutier’s team fell 2-1 to the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy II at Championship Soccer Stadium at OC Great Park in Irvine, California.

“OC are on a little bit of a skid too,” said Switchbacks striker Mike Seth on Tuesday morning in Colorado Springs. “Thursday will be a good opportunity to see where we are and to give a good performance.”

The Switchbacks fell 2-0 on April 6th to Orange County SC on the site of the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in Irvine, California. Darwin Jones notched a brace against the Switchbacks on April 6th, and the former University of Washington Husky is now atop OC’s goal-scoring charts with six goals in the 2019 USL Championship. Dutch midfielder Jerry van Ewijk is tied for OC’s lead in assists with Aodhan Quinn, while former Chicago Fire goalkeeper Patrick McLain is OC’s undisputed first-choice ‘keeper.

Last weekend saw the Switchbacks lose in Texas’ capitol city 5-0 to the Austin Bold FC under a blanket of oppressive Lone Star State summer heat. Former Jamaican international Wolde Harris will take charge of the Switchbacks as interim Head Coach on Thursday, after the Switchbacks parted ways with long-time Head Coach Steve Trittschuh on Monday morning.

“It’s definitely good to get back on the field quickly,” said Harris. “The guys have had a chance to think about what happened last weekend and learn from it and they’re looking forward to the opportunity to get back to it this week. Orange County have good players. [Darwin] Jones, [Jerry] van Ewijk, Vinicius, [Michael] Seaton as well, and [Aodhan] Quinn who likes to run the show for them.”

“Thursday will have two teams who are looking for a win that they need,” said Shane Malcolm. “At the end of the day, it will be about who has the most composure and the will to win and get a result and who is ready to give everything.”

At the time of writing, just five points separate the Switchbacks from the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros who currently occupy 13th place in the USL Championship’s Western Conference. The playoff line is currently three points above the Toros. Wins for the Switchbacks in their three-match home stand at Weidner Field that begins on Thursday night would see Wolde Harris’ team vault into the thick of the Western Conference playoff push.

“Based on our previous results, it’s important for us to build a good defensive foundation,” said interim Head Coach Harris when asked about what his team will focus on after taking charge of the Switchbacks mid-season. “Having a good defensive base and making sure we’re in good defensive positions is where we have to start, and then we will learn to attack off that. As we get more comfortable we’ll look to expand the attack and get in behind teams more often. We should have a good crowd at home this week and we’ll use that.”

The Switchbacks will have the weekend free from matches, before welcoming both teams from the Sooner State to Colorado Springs. Tickets for the matches against the Tulsa Roughnecks FC on July 13th are available HERE, while fans can purchase seats for the visit of the Oklahoma City Energy FC HERE.

Steve Trittschuh Relieved Of Duties, Wolde Harris Named Interim Head Coach

Colorado Springs, CO (July 1, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that Steve Trittschuh has been relieved of his duties as head coach.

"The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC would like to thank Steve Trittschuh for all that he's contributed to the organization over the past four and a half years and what he's done for Colorado soccer. The organization is relieving Trittschuh of his Head Coaching responsibilities of the Switchbacks effective immediately and name Wolde Harris as Interim Head Coach," said Switchbacks President, Nick Ragain. "The search for a new Head Coach has already begun. The Switchbacks remain focused on making soccer the preeminent sport in Southern Colorado."

Assistant coach Wolde Harris has been named interim head coach while the club undertakes a search for Trittschuh's permanent replacement in the upcoming months. Harris has been an assistant coach with the Switchbacks since the club's inaugural season in 2015.

Trittschuh, the first and only head coach in Switchbacks' history, went 55-59-27 in USL Championship league play since joining Colorado Springs in March of 2014.

Colorado Springs, CO (July 1, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that Steve Trittschuh has been relieved of his duties as head coach.

“The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC would like to thank Steve Trittschuh for all that he’s contributed to the organization over the past four and a half years and what he’s done for Colorado soccer. The organization is relieving Trittschuh of his Head Coaching responsibilities of the Switchbacks effective immediately and name Wolde Harris as Interim Head Coach,” said Switchbacks President, Nick Ragain. “The search for a new Head Coach has already begun. The Switchbacks remain focused on making soccer the preeminent sport in Southern Colorado.”

Assistant coach Wolde Harris has been named interim head coach while the club undertakes a search for Trittschuh’s permanent replacement in the upcoming months. Harris has been an assistant coach with the Switchbacks since the club’s inaugural season in 2015.

Trittschuh, the first and only head coach in Switchbacks’ history, went 55-59-27 in USL Championship league play since joining Colorado Springs in March of 2014.

The Switchbacks' return to Weidner Field on July 4th as Orange County SC come to town for the biggest Fireworks show in Southern Colorado. The first 600 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks blanket courtesy of Oakwood Homes. Full 16oz beers will be available for $1 for the first 30 minutes after gates open at 6:00 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 July 4th as Orange County SC come to town for the biggest Fireworks show in Southern Colorado. The first 600 fans in attendance will receive a free Switchbacks blanket courtesy of Oakwood Homes. Full 16oz beers will be available for $1 for the first 30 minutes after gates open at 6:00 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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