April 1, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, COLO – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks managed to secure three points in the East today, after a weather delay resulted in a nearly three hour match.
This is only the second time the Switchbacks played Loudon United, part of the league’s new format of ‘everyone plays everyone’ that’s being implemented for the 2023 season. With a lot of changes to United’s roster and technical staff, this wasn’t the same team our black and blue faced off against last time, but despite this, the Switchbacks were able to get on the board first only five minutes in to play. A through ball from #5 Matt Mahoney at midfield had #11 Deshane Beckford racing to the top of the box, whose beautiful cross to #9 Romario Williams was rocketed into the bottom right corner of the net. This marked Beckford’s third assist this season, and Williams’ first goal of 2023 and 42nd of his career.
The Switchbacks were dealt an early blow in the 30th minute as #99 Maalique Foster took a hard hit that resulted in him being taken off the field on a stretcher by the medical team. Despite this setback, the team was able to hold on to the lead going into the second half, rounding out the 45 minute mark with 42% of the overall possession and 119 successful passes.
The second half had both teams pressing for the ball, Switchbacks for a security goal and Loudon for the equalizer. Loudon would get a couple opportunities, including a header from ElmedKhar that resulted in an incredible acrobatic save from Switchbacks goalkeeper #1 Christian Herrera.
Play was paused with only ten minutes to go due to a weather warning that evacuated out the stadium, but after a nearly hour delay the match resumed with some high winds. The Switchbacks didn’t let the pause in momentum stop them however, and both #20 Patrick Seagrist and #80 Speedy Williams would have back to back breakaways with almost goals in the final minutes of play to keep the pressure on. The match would end a quick ten minutes later with no score change, sending the Switchbacks back home with three points in their pocket.
The team returns home for the second round of the U.S Lamar Open Cup, as they face off against Hailstorm FC on Wednesday April 5th, followed by a Saturday home match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds on April 8th.
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