Switchbacks News

Vargish's View: Switchbacks FC Finish Back To Back Home Stand Looking For A Win

Goals galore look to be on the cards as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host San Antonio FC this weekend in a USL Championship Western Conference showdown. A Switchbacks FC beanie giveaway will greet the first 500 fans at Weidner Field on Saturday evening, courtesy of Waste Connections.

Winless San Antonio have shipped six goals in their opening two USL Championship matches of 2019, with Head Coach Darren Powell’s team travelling to Colorado Springs after losing 3-1 to the Portland Timbers 2 last Saturday evening at Toyota Field in Texas’ second biggest city. San Antonio’s starting goalkeeper and beard-enthusiast Matt Cardone was left terribly exposed for Portland’s opening goal, with the San Antonio native making a fine second half save to keep his team in the game before Portland’s eventual win.

“San Antonio are one of the best offensive teams in the league,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. “They’ve given up goals, but they’ve created a ton of chances so we have to be compact on defense and deal with their attacking players. They have guys who know this league and know how to do well. Our attack has been good – we’ve just got to make sure we’re ready to play on Saturday because San Antonio will be.”

The always dangerous and dynamic figure of Billy Forbes may not appear for San Antonio FC on Saturday, as Forbes was called to the Turks and Caicos National Team for a qualifying match for the 2019-20 CONCACAF Nations League on March 21st against the British Virgin Islands in The Valley on the island of Anguilla.

“I expect San Antonio to come in hot and trying to score goals,” said midfielder Alex Molano. “They’ve been scored on a lot so they’ll come in trying to do to us what we did in LA. I played with Lance Laing in North Carolina – he’s always dangerous with his crosses and his shot, so we’ve got to watch him.”

Jamaican international Laing has started both USL matches for San Antonio in 2019, and will most likely help lead an attack on Saturday that includes Bradford Jamieson IV and Éver Guzmán.

“You can’t read too much into the early games,” said Switchbacks captain Jordan Burt when asked about San Antonio’s rocky start to 2019. “Stopping guys like Jamieson and Laing is going to be a test. We know they’ll be looking to get a result here, but I’m looking forward to the game and helping us to get a win that we need.”

Striker Mike Seth – who was superb in the Switchbacks’ 4-1 win against the Los Angeles Galaxy II on the opening weekend of the season – spent the past two campaigns with San Antonio FC. “There will be some familiar faces for me – obviously I know some of the guys on their team well,” said Seth. “They have a couple fast wingers that can hurt us. Guzmán and Laing are very good players. We’ve got to get on the break and make sure that our defensive shape is good. We need to get results – especially at home and after last week.”

Seth could be joined up-top by the latest Switchbacks signing, Honduran U-20 National Team striker Cesar Romero. “I’m finally getting to see him in person,” said Trittschuh of Romero. “He’s got speed and a nose for goal, and I know he can help us going forward. He can score and he adds to the quality we have here. We’ve got a good group of quality players here and he’s the kind of player we’ve been trying to get on the team and help build around.”

With San Antonio FC and the Switchbacks having combined to score 10 goals through the opening two weeks of the 2019 USL Championship season, further scoring should be in store on Saturday at Weidner Field. Following this weekend’s match, the Switchbacks will be on the road for games at Phoenix Rising FC on March 30th and Orange County SC on April 6th, before Steve Trittschuh’s men return to Colorado Springs to host Reno 1868 FC on April 13th. The first 500 fans in attendance on April 13th will receive the second part of the Switchbacks poster giveaway series and a draw-string bag, courtesy of Capelli Sport.

The Switchbacks will visit San Antonio FC in the Alamo City for their final regular season game on October 19th.

Jamaican international Laing has started both USL matches for San Antonio in 2019, and will most likely help lead an attack on Saturday that includes Bradford Jamieson IV and Éver Guzmán.

The Switchbacks will visit San Antonio FC in the Alamo City for their final regular season game on October 19th.

St. Patrick's Day Parade Pictures

Switchbacks FC Media Day Interviews

On March 12th, the Switchbacks FC hosted media day at training where media outlets could come and see the team train and gather interviews from the players and coaches. Shane Malcolm took a moment to recap his record-setting hat trick for the Switchbacks while Mike Seth previewed the home opener against the Sacramento Republic FC.

Switchbacks FC Sign Young International Forward In Cesar Romero

Colorado Springs, CO (March 25, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today the signing of Cesar Romero on a season-long loan, pending USL Championship and USSF approval.

"We are excited to acquire a young player with so much potential," said Switchbacks Team General Manager, Brian Crookham. "Cesar is a talented striker who has shown the ability to be a constant threat in the final third. His ability to create off the dribble and movement through the box will give us another game-changing option up front."

Romero joins the Switchbacks on loan from F.C. Motagua of the Liga Nacional, Honduras' top division. The 20-year-old striker has also spent time playing for the Honduran U20 national team that competed in the CONCACAF U20 World Cup qualifying in November. He is expected to be a part of the Honduran team that takes part in the U20 World Cup in Poland which will take place in May later this year.

Name: Cesar Romero
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: 1/19/99
Age: 20
Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Colorado Springs, CO (March 25, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today the signing of Cesar Romero on a season-long loan, pending USL Championship and USSF approval.

“We are excited to acquire a young player with so much potential,” said Switchbacks Team General Manager, Brian Crookham. “Cesar is a talented striker who has shown the ability to be a constant threat in the final third. His ability to create off the dribble and movement through the box will give us another game-changing option up front.”

Romero joins the Switchbacks on loan from F.C. Motagua of the Liga Nacional, Honduras’ top division. The 20-year-old striker has also spent time playing for the Honduran U20 national team that competed in the CONCACAF U20 World Cup qualifying in November. He is expected to be a part of the Honduran team that takes part in the U20 World Cup in Poland which will take place in May later this year.

Name: Cesar Romero
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: 1/19/99
Age: 20
Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Switchbacks FC Fall To Sacramento Republic FC In Home Opener

Colorado Springs, CO (March 16, 2019) – The Switchbacks FC drop their first home game of 2019 to the Sacramento Republic FC 1-0 on Saturday night.

Coming off of the record-setting 4-1 win in Los Angeles on opening day, the Switchbacks were looking to keep the momentum going at home. Opportunities were far and few between in the first half with the best chance falling to the head of Saeed Robinson who put his header just wide of the far post.

Sacramento scored the game-winner from Cameron Iwasa's penalty kick in the 58th minute after Sam Werner was taken down while delivering a cross. The best chance for the Switchbacks to equalize fell to second-half substitute, Matt Hundley, who had his shot blocked by a sliding defender in the second minute of stoppage time.

"The first half we had it, we were going forward and breaking through their lines and getting into good spots but the final product just wasn't there," said Switchbacks Head Coach, Steve Trittschuh. "The first part of the second half we just let our foot off the gas a little bit and they started taking the game over. After going down, we started creating more chances and getting guys forward. We just have to keep working on it and keep getting better."

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field next Saturday, March 23rd to face San Antonio FC on beanie giveaway night, courtesy of Waste Connections. 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 (March 16, 2019) – The Switchbacks FC drop their first home game of 2019 to the Sacramento Republic FC 1-0 on Saturday night.

Coming off of the record-setting 4-1 win in Los Angeles on opening day, the Switchbacks were looking to keep the momentum going at home. Opportunities were far and few between in the first half with the best chance falling to the head of Saeed Robinson who put his header just wide of the far post.

Sacramento scored the game-winner from Cameron Iwasa’s penalty kick in the 58th minute after Sam Werner was taken down while delivering a cross. The best chance for the Switchbacks to equalize fell to second-half substitute, Matt Hundley, who had his shot blocked by a sliding defender in the second minute of stoppage time.

“The first half we had it, we were going forward and breaking through their lines and getting into good spots but the final product just wasn’t there,” said Switchbacks Head Coach, Steve Trittschuh. “The first part of the second half we just let our foot off the gas a little bit and they started taking the game over. After going down, we started creating more chances and getting guys forward. We just have to keep working on it and keep getting better.”

Steve Trittschuh – Overall thoughts on the match: "The first half we had it, we were going forward and breaking through their lines and getting into good spots but the final product just wasn't there. The first part of the second half we just let our foot off the gas a little bit and they started taking the game over. After going down, we started creating more chances and getting guys forward. We just have to keep working on it and keep getting better."

On the game-deciding decision of the penalty kick: "Sacramento is a top team. We just gotta keep working on our game. There's competition for spots, and that's what we need. If mistakes like that are happening, then I have someone else I can put in. There will be some decisions to be made next week and we'll see who steps up and wants to play."

Jordan Burt – On overall thoughts on the match: "I'm clearly disappointed to drop one at home. But there were a lot of positives to take from it. We had a couple really good chances that could have gone different another day. Next week is a new week and we just have to keep moving forward and learn from it."

Rony Argueta – On his overall thoughts on the match: "We had two clear opportunities that we could've put away. We put those away and the game finishes 2-1. I think we need to be a little better on the ball as well as being more patient. We rushed things a little bit and when you rush things, you're not in full control. We need to keep moving, this is just our second game of the season and we have a long season ahead of us. We need to keep building and stay mentally strong and being better.

Steve Trittschuh – Overall thoughts on the match: “The first half we had it, we were going forward and breaking through their lines and getting into good spots but the final product just wasn’t there. The first part of the second half we just let our foot off the gas a little bit and they started taking the game over. After going down, we started creating more chances and getting guys forward. We just have to keep working on it and keep getting better.”

On the game-deciding decision of the penalty kick: “Sacramento is a top team. We just gotta keep working on our game. There’s competition for spots, and that’s what we need. If mistakes like that are happening, then I have someone else I can put in. There will be some decisions to be made next week and we’ll see who steps up and wants to play.”

Jordan Burt – On overall thoughts on the match: “I’m clearly disappointed to drop one at home. But there were a lot of positives to take from it. We had a couple really good chances that could have gone different another day. Next week is a new week and we just have to keep moving forward and learn from it.”

Rony Argueta – On his overall thoughts on the match: “We had two clear opportunities that we could’ve put away. We put those away and the game finishes 2-1. I think we need to be a little better on the ball as well as being more patient. We rushed things a little bit and when you rush things, you’re not in full control. We need to keep moving, this is just our second game of the season and we have a long season ahead of us. We need to keep building and stay mentally strong and being better.

Man of the Match// Rony Argueta
Scoring Summary// COS: None | SAC: Iwasa (57') (PK)
Saves// COS: Clint Irwin (3) | SAC: Josh Cohen (2)
Discipline// COS: YC: Jack (56') | SAC: YC: Skundrich (78')

Man of the Match// Rony Argueta
Scoring Summary// COS: None | SAC: Iwasa (57′) (PK)
Saves// COS: Clint Irwin (3) | SAC: Josh Cohen (2)
Discipline// COS: YC: Jack (56′) | SAC: YC: Skundrich (78′)

Colorado Rapids LoanClint Irwin &Kofi Opare To Switchbacks FC

Colorado Springs, CO (March 15, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today the club has signed Clint Irwin & Kofi Opare on loan from the Colorado Rapids, pending USL Championship, MLS, and USSF approval. The duo will return to the Colorado Rapids immediately following Saturday's game.

Irwin spent three seasons with the Colorado Rapids (2013-2015) before joining Toronto FC for the next three seasons (2016-2018) and playing a crucial role in TFC's 2016 playoff run. The experienced goalkeeper joined Colorado again in December after playing 121 games in Major League Soccer.

Name: Clint Irwin
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 195 lbs
Date of Birth: 4/1/1989
Age: 29
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Irwin spent three seasons with the Colorado Rapids (2013-2015) before joining Toronto FC for the next three seasons (2016-2018) and playing a crucial role in TFC’s 2016 playoff run. The experienced goalkeeper joined Colorado again in December after playing 121 games in Major League Soccer.

Name: Clint Irwin
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6′ 3″
Weight: 195 lbs
Date of Birth: 4/1/1989
Age: 29
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Opare joined the Colorado Rapids in February after spending five seasons at D.C. United where he made 62 starts in 65 appearances, scoring three goals and adding an assist.

Name: Kofi Opare
Pronunciation: CO-fee oh-PAR-ee
Position: Defender
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 190 lbs
Date of Birth: 10/12/1990
Age: 28
Hometown: Niagara Falls, Ontario

In addition to these moves, Andre Rawls has been recalled by the Colorado Rapids.

Opare joined the Colorado Rapids in February after spending five seasons at D.C. United where he made 62 starts in 65 appearances, scoring three goals and adding an assist.

Name: Kofi Opare
Pronunciation: CO-fee oh-PAR-ee
Position: Defender
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 190 lbs
Date of Birth: 10/12/1990
Age: 28
Hometown: Niagara Falls, Ontario

In addition to these moves, Andre Rawls has been recalled by the Colorado Rapids.

Vargish's View: Switchbacks FC Won't Back Down Facing Sactown

It’s a Saint Paddy’s Day celebration this Saturday evening as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC open their home 2019 USL Championship campaign at Weidner Field. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive part one of the 2019 Poster Giveaway series, while a fireworks display will follow the final whistle.

The Switchbacks stormed to a 4-1 win against the Los Angeles Galaxy II last Saturday in Carson, California behind a Shane Malcolm hat-trick. Malcolm’s thunderous three-goal outburst was the first hat-trick in Switchbacks history, and earned the Guam international the USL Championship Player of the Week award.

“Player of the Week for week one is an honor,” said Malcolm on Tuesday afternoon. “But I want to share it with Mike Seth and the rest of the squad. Mike was great in LA and he deserved it. It’s one of the highest honors you can get in this league and for me to get it in week one gives me a lot of confidence and a desire to keep it going and help the team.”

Switchbacks captain Jordan Burt was also named to the USL Championship Team of the Week, although the talk at Switchbacks practice was the Team of the Week omission of Mike Seth after his two-assist performance against the Galaxy II.

“Honestly, Shane got Player of the Week, and Mike had a couple assists – and Mike deserved to be on the Team of the Week more than I did,” said Burt. “I just want to win games; the personal Team of the Week things are great, but I want the team to win and that’s where my focus is.”

“I’ve always told our guys that if we win and play well, the players will stand out,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. “Mike Seth should be on there – he played really well in LA. We had good preparation before LA and we did well in a lot of areas in that game. Wins always help, but the big thing for us now are these next two games at home. These are very important to us. We’ve got to be focused on our game and just go out there and play together and play our game like we did in LA.”

Sacramento Republic’s Bulgarian striker Villyan Bijev twice scored the winning goal against the Switchbacks last season, with the team from California’s capitol city earning a 1-0 result at Weidner Field on July 14th. Mid-April saw Head Coach Simon Elliott’s team defeat the Switchbacks 2-1 just north of the American River at Papa Murphy’s Park, with former University of California Irvine star Cameron Iwasa opening the scoring for the Republic FC before Bijev’s winner.

“All four of Sacramento’s guys up-top can hurt us this season,” said Trittschuh. “[Stefano] Bonomo, [Cameron] Iwasa, [Tyler] Blackwood, and [Villyan Bijev] are all very good and can score goals. We have to be aware of where they are at all times and can’t give them a lot of chances, because they’ll take them.”

“Sacramento will come here to win – they’re a top team,” said Malcolm, who scored against Sacramento last season in the aforementioned 2-1 loss on April 18th. “Bringing back Blackwood was big for them. If we can slow him down and the rest of the guys they have up top, then we’ll have a good shot to beat them here at home.”

Sacramento’s starting goalkeeper Josh Cohen was unlucky not to save a Jack Blake penalty-kick in the Republic’s opening game of the season on Saturday night as Cohen’s team fought back to tie the Real Monarchs SLC 1-1 at Papa Murphy’s Park after an 81st minute equalizer from defender Charalampos Chantzopoulos.

“Sacramento are a good team,” said Burt. “They have a lot of attacking players who can hurt us. It’s going to be a much different game than last weekend, and we’ve got confidence and will try to build on the win in LA.”

Burt scored the Switchbacks’ third goal against the Galaxy II in a game that saw Steve Trittschuh’s team hand out regular-season club debuts to eight players, including midfielder Alex Molano. “The win in LA gives us a lot of confidence,” said Molano. “Scoring four goals is big for the team. I think Sacramento will be a tougher game. They’re experienced, so we know it will be a hard game but we’ll go in with confidence after last weekend.”

“I’m looking forward to being at home and I hope we get a win in front of our fans,” said Saeed Robinson, before being asked about how his team will focus this week on slowing down Sacramento’s attack. “I can’t tell you that because we are working on different things…but we’ll have a plan just like we did for LA. Sacramento will come here to play well and get a win, we all know that. If we take our chances when we get them, we’ll be alright. The weather and altitude and our crowd will help us.”

The Switchbacks will remain in Colorado Springs after Saturday’s match before hosting San Antonio FC on March 23rd, where the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a Switchbacks beanie, courtesy of Waste Connections.

Switchbacks FC Host Kick Off Party

The Switchbacks FC hosted a season kick-off party on March 11th with XTRA Sports Radio 1300 and Nash FM at Texas Roadhouse on North Powers Blvd ahead of the teams home opener this Saturday. Ziggy, Steward Ceus, and Jamal Jack were there and they participated in the games and giveaways!

2019 Switchbacks FC Season Ticket Member Party

The Switchbacks hosted their annual Season Ticket Member Party on March 6th to kick off the 2019 season with the fans, staff, coaches, and players! This was the first opportunity for Season Ticket Members to pick up their tickets and coins and to meet the players before the season began. Mayor Suthers made a special appearance before the players were individually introduced before they signed autographs for all of the fans.

Shane Malcolm Earns Championship Player of the Week & Jordan Burt Named To Bench

Colorado Springs, CO (March 12, 2019) – The USL Championship officially announced today that Shane Malcolm has been voted the USL Championship Player of the Week for Week 1 of the 2019 season. Jordan Burt was also named to the bench of the Team of the Week for his performance against the LA Galaxy II.

The Switchbacks defeated the LA Galaxy II 4-1 because of Malcolm recording the first hat trick of the new season as well as the first hat trick in Switchbacks history. The Guam international received 43 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL Championship market.

Burt also played a crucial role in the Switchbacks' opening day win by scoring a goal and putting in a defensive performance in the midfield with 2 tackles, 2 clearances, and 1 interception on Saturday night.

Burt also played a crucial role in the Switchbacks’ opening day win by scoring a goal and putting in a defensive performance in the midfield with 2 tackles, 2 clearances, and 1 interception on Saturday night.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 1

GK – Brendan Moore, ATL UTD 2
D – Phanuel Kavita, Saint Louis FC
D – Papé Diakité, Tampa Bay Rowdies
D – Alex Cooper, Fresno FC
M – Zach Zandi, Bethlehem Steel FC
M – Tommy McCabe, North Carolina FC
M – Shane Malcolm, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
M – Billy Forbes, San Antonio FC
F – Tom Barlow, New York Red Bulls II
F – Deshorn Brown, OKC Energy FC
F – Devon Sandoval, New Mexico United

Bench: David Ochoa (SLC), Jordan Burt (COS), Matt LaGrassa (NSH), Marcus Epps (NY), Shandon Hopeau (TAC), Marios Lomis (NC), Junior Flemmings (PHX)

The home opener is on March 16th as the Switchbacks host the Sacramento Republic FC at 6:00 PM at Weidner Field for a St. Paddy's Day celebration with fireworks and 16oz $1 beer 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.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 1

GK – Brendan Moore, ATL UTD 2
D – Phanuel Kavita, Saint Louis FC
D – Papé Diakité, Tampa Bay Rowdies
D – Alex Cooper, Fresno FC
M – Zach Zandi, Bethlehem Steel FC
M – Tommy McCabe, North Carolina FC
M – Shane Malcolm, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
M – Billy Forbes, San Antonio FC
F – Tom Barlow, New York Red Bulls II
F – Deshorn Brown, OKC Energy FC
F – Devon Sandoval, New Mexico United

Bench: David Ochoa (SLC), Jordan Burt (COS), Matt LaGrassa (NSH), Marcus Epps (NY), Shandon Hopeau (TAC), Marios Lomis (NC), Junior Flemmings (PHX)

The home opener is on March 16th as the Switchbacks host the Sacramento Republic FC at 6:00 PM at Weidner Field for a St. Paddy’s Day celebration with fireworks and 16oz $1 beer 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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