Colorado Springs Earn Win In First Time Showdown Against Pittsburgh Riverhounds

April 8, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks were victorious tonight as they took on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC for the first time in franchise history, ending the match 1-0.

With Pittsburgh entering the match undefeated (1-0-3), and a lauded-by-Hogan coach in Bob Lilley, tonight’s match wasn’t going to be an easy one for the Switchbacks to pull out the win. And indeed, the first half had both teams struggling for the upper hand, each making three shots (none on target) in the first half. Switchbacks dominated possession however, holding the ball for 67% of the first half, forcing Pittsburgh to move away from their defense and grafting strategy they’ve used so effectively in the past. The first half would end 0-0, with the Switchbacks holding their opponent to no goals in the first half in five of their five games – more than any other USL Championship team so far this season.

Opportunity appeared in the 48th minute for the Switchbacks, as Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ #14 Robbie Mertz received a straight red card for a studs up challenge only three minutes into the second half. Pittsburgh would be forced to play at ten men for the rest of the match.

A penalty kick was awarded to COS in the 75′, but #99 Maalique Foster’s chip was easily detected and blocked by Pittsburgh goalkeeper #26 Jahmali Waite. Five minutes later though the Switchbacks found the back of the net, as #20 Patrick Seagrist made a left footed cross from inside the 18 yard box, finding #9 Romario Williams’ foot who was able to direct it into the back of the net.

Pittsburgh earned another red in the 90+5 minute, pulling them down to nine men, and the final whistle blew a minute later, giving the Switchbacks the victory.

The Switchbacks have avoided defeat in their last eleven home matches when scoring the opening goal, and have scored in their last fourteen home matches. With an average possession of 67% and 380 passes in tonight’s match, it was a matter of when, not if, they would earn a goal.

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks take to the road next Saturday before returning home, as they face off against Sacramento Republic FC on April 25th. They’ll be back at Weidner Field on the 22nd for a showdown against New Mexico United in our Earth Night match. Tickets to that match and all other matches for the 2023 season are available at www.switchbacksfc.com/schedule.

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