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USL Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Switchbacks Advance to 3rd Round of US Open Cup

May 19, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release


Shintaro Harada of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Takes a Shot
Shintaro Harada of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Takes a Shot
(Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Credit: Isaiah J. Downing)

Colorado Springs, CO - The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defeated Harpos FC in the 2nd round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup by a final score of 1-0 at Switchbacks Stadium.

In a rematch of last year's Open Cup match, where the Switchbacks defeated Harpos 2-1, Head Coach Steve Trittschuh decided to give some of the reserves playing time so that he could rest his starters for Saturday's match in Arizona. Billy Thompson, Aaron King, Jake Cawsey, Shintaro Harada, and JJ Greer all started for the first time this season.

Both teams started hot right out of the gate with multiple opportunities but weren't able to capitalize. Finally in the 13th minute, Davy Armstrong broke down the right side and found Marty Maybin who was able to slot it past Zachary Gibbens of Harpos FC to give the Switchbacks a 1-0 lead. That marked the third goal he had scored against Harpos FC after scoring twice against the Boulder side in last year's match.

Both teams continued to play aggressive in the first half but nothing quite came for either side. Harpos did have a scare in the 26th minute where Ross Van Osdol had to be substituted for the injured Justin Geibel. Unlike USL matches, teams are only allowed to make the traditional 3 substitutes per match regardless of injury. This left Harpos FC with only two subs for the remainder of the match. The teams would continue to battle but Maybin's goal would be the loan goal of the first half.

The second half was not much of an improvement for the Switchbacks. Harpos FC had a huge opportunity in the second half to equalize but Billy Thompson was able to come up with a tremendous save on a one-on-one attempt. Harpos continued to apply pressure in the Switchbacks back line and nearly found an equalizer twice, but both of their shots went inches wide of the post. The Harpos played the Switchbacks right down until the final whistle, but it was Maybin's first half goal that would prove to be the winner.

"We didn't play well." Said Shintaro Harada. "But, we won. At least we'll be able to advance to the next round."

"I was really disappointed in the play of some of the players." Said Head Coach Trittschuh. "We had a decent start to the match but the quality and the composure was not indicative of how we have been playing. But, we move on to the next round."

The Switchbacks will travel to Arizona to face their third round opponent on June 1st in the third round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Switchbacks will play the winner of tonight's 2nd round match between Arizona United SC (USL) and FC Tuscon (PDL).

The Switchbacks will travel to Arizona next weekend to take on Arizona United SC in an early season rematch at Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday, May 21st at 8:30 MDT. The match can be seen live on the USL YouTube page.

The Switchbacks will return to Switchbacks Stadium on Friday, May 27th for a rematch with the Orange County Blues. Tickets are available at switchbacksfc.com or by calling 719-368-8480 x1. For media passes please contact Public Relations Manager, Chris Ragain by phone at 719-368-8480 x103 or by e-mail at chris@switchbacksfc.com

Post Match Quotes

Steve Trittschuh - "I was really disappointed in the play of some of the players. We had a decent start to the match but the quality and the composure was not indicative of how we have been playing. But, we move on to the next round."

Shintaro Harada - "We didn't play well. But, we won. At least we'll be able to advance to the next round"

Miguel Gonzalez- "It was a hard fought battle; especially right at the end. They had some good chances but, we came out with a win and that's what matters in the end."

Switchbacks's next home match will be a an early season rematch with 2015 Western Conference Champions Orange County Blues on May 27th (7:00 p.m.).

Check out the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Statistics




Images from this story

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Celebrate a Goal
Colorado Springs Switchbacks Celebrate a Goal
(Isaiah J. Downing)		 Colorado Springs Switchbacks vs. Harpos FC
Colorado Springs Switchbacks vs. Harpos FC
(Isaiah J. Downing)		 Shintaro Harada of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks
Shintaro Harada of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks
(Isaiah J. Downing)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks Maintain Possession vs. Harpos FC
Colorado Springs Switchbacks Maintain Possession vs. Harpos FC
(Isaiah J. Downing)		 Shintaro Harada of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Takes a Shot
Shintaro Harada of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Takes a Shot
(Isaiah J. Downing)		  

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