Switchbacks Earn Clean Sheet Victory in Heavily Contest Match at Orange County

May 8, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Battle Orange County Blues FC
(Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Credit: Orange County Blues)

Saeed Robinson, getting his first start of the 2016 campaign, put the Switchbacks on the board in the 10th minute. 2015 USL Goalkeeper of the Year, Brandon Miller, made a crucial mistake and left a wide open net for the alert Robinson who scored his second goal of the season.

The Blues nearly found an equalizer in the 22nd minute, as a corner from the left side was played perfectly to OC defender Steven Purdy Ramos, who headed it toward goal. Thankfully for the Switchbacks, a fully stretched Devala Gorrick was able to push the ball up and over the bar keeping the 1-0 lead intact for the Switchbacks. Orange County would miss an open net wide left just a few minutes later that would have tied the game.

The Switchbacks would again capitalize on a crucial error by the Orange County back line right before halftime. Mike Seth was able to find the Switchbacks' captain, Luke Vercollone, who slotted his first goal of the season from within the 6 yard box as the Switchbacks would take a 2-0 lead into the break.

"Scoring today meant a lot to me," said Switchbacks captain Luke Vercollone. "I've been wanting to score for a while now, and I'm glad I've got that off my back."

The Blues made three substitutions to start the second half in hopes of getting off to a fast start. The substitutions proved to be useful as the Blues applied pressure early in the second half, but the Switchbacks' back line continued to stand firm and would finish the game without conceding. The shutout win gave Devala Gorrick his second clean sheet of the season.

Things began to get a little chippy as the second half progressed, with the both teams combining for 6 yellow cards. Orange County's Akwafei Ajeakwa was issued a straight red card in the 74th minute for a tackle on Miguel Gonzalez which may have been in retaliation from an earlier tackle by Mike Seth. Marty Maybin would make the 10 man-Blues pay in the 87th minute as Luke Vercollone found Maybin with a ball to the left and Maybin finished it giving the Switchbacks a 3-0 lead that they would hold until the final whistle.

"It was a fantastic effort for the guys," said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. "To turnaround and play this well from the game on Wednesday is fantastic."

The Switchbacks will return to Switchbacks Stadium on Friday, May 13th for the United Soccer League "Game of the Week" which will be shown live on ESPN 3. 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 - "It was a fantastic effort for the guys. To turnaround and play this well after the game on Wednesday is fantastic."

Luke Vercollone - "Scoring today meant a lot to me. I've been wanting to score for awhile now, and I'm glad I've got that off my back."

Devala Gorrick- "A huge win and a huge show of character by our team. We're looking forward to bringing that momentum into our match on Friday at home."

Switchbacks's next home match is slotted as the USL Match of the Week to be broadcast on ESPN 3 on Friday, May 13 (7:00 p.m.).

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Control the Ball vs. Orange County Blues FC (Orange County Blues)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks vs. Orange County Blues FC (Orange County Blues)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks Battle Orange County Blues FC (Orange County Blues)

United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 8, 2016

• Switchbacks Earn Clean Sheet Victory in Heavily Contest Match at Orange County - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
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• Republic FC score two goals, earn fourth shutout of the season - Sacramento Republic FC

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