USL Miami FC

Miami FC Faces Western Conference Leaders Colorado Springs Switchbacks

Published on April 1, 2022 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Miami FC News Release


Miami, Fla. - The Miami Football Club hosts cross-conference foe Colorado Springs Switchbacks at FIU Stadium on Saturday, April 2, at 6 p.m. ET. The Switchbacks are the first Western Conference side to square off against Miami FC this season. Fans who will not attend the match can watch the game exclusively on ESPN+ in the USA, and fans abroad can catch all the action on ESPNPlay Caribbean or YouTube.

Looking to snap a two-game scoreless streak

Despite finding the back of the net twice on opening day against New York Red Bulls II, Miami FC has not scored in its last two outings. Miami lost at Lousiville 2-0 against LouCity in Matchday 2 and earned a point at home after a goalless draw against Loudoun United on Saturday.

Miami suffered a couple of unexpected injuries in the offensive department ahead of its clash against Loudoun. Striker Kyle Murphy picked up an injury days before the match, and winger Pierre da Silva suffered a knock during the week that forced him out of the starting 11. On top of that, the ever-so-electric Lamar Walker and midfield general Devon "Speedy" Williams were out representing Jamaica in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying.

On the bright side, goalkeeper Jake McGuire picked up his first clean sheet as a Miami FC player. The 27-year-old enjoyed his second-ever start with the club, making three saves. Also, the Californian produced a save in the 55th-minute that was nominated for Save of the Week, making it back-to-back nominations for McGuire in his first two appearances.

A sturdy back four made up of captain Paco Craig, center-back partner Luca Antonelli, right-back Mark Segbers and Left-back Othello Bah helped McGuire and the team to earn the shutout.

About Colorado Springs Switchbacks

Colorado Springs sits at the very top of the Western Conference, boasting a flawless 3-0-0 record.

The Switchbacks kicked off the season with a vengeful 2-1 win against current USL Championship champions Orange County, who knocked Colorado Springs out of the playoffs in the quarter-finals last season. The Little London side kept clean sheets against Monterey Bay and Birmingham Legion, winning both outings 1-0 and 2-0, respectively.

Captain Hadji Barry and winger Michee Ngalina are two of the most outstanding players so far this season. Barry recorded an assist against Monterey and another against Birmingham. On the other hand, Ngalina has taken care of finishing goals. The Congolese forward scored against Orange County and Birmingham.

"We know that they have some dangerous players, a lot of pace, and a lot of experience," said Pulis after the game against Loudoun on Saturday. "We'll start looking at ways that we feel that we can hurt them, and ways we need to make sure we stifle their threats."

Up next for Miami FC

Miami FC will play its first 2022 U.S. Open Cup game on Wednesday, April 6, at 7 p.m. ET. MFC will face Miami United, who defeated City Soccer in the U.S. Open Cup first round. The winner will most likely face Major League Soccer's South Florida side Inter Miami CF in the third round of the Open Cup.

Check out the Miami FC Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 1, 2022


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