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USL Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Switchbacks FC Prepare for the 2023 Campaign with Preseason Rotation

March 1, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release


March is here and the season opener is just two weeks away. As the Switchbacks put the finishing touches on their preparations for the 2023 season, let's take a look back on how the preseason has unfolded for the organization.

The team traveled to Tucson to open the preseason as part of the Desert Showcase Classic, in which they would play four exhibition games against a range of different foes, from international academies to MLS talent.

First up on the docket was Barca Academy shortly after the team arrived in Arizona. The team gelled quickly and was able to power past the Academy side as they bagged their first victory in a 4-0 decision. While it felt good to get a quick win, the club had a tough test in their first match against a professional opponent as the reigning Eastern Conference Champions, Louisville City awaited.

The champs from the east picked up right where they left off in 2022 as they handed the black and blue their first loss in a 3-0 decision. While the Switchbacks battled, they couldn't find the finishing touches on several chances to get on the board, leading to the clean sheet for Lou City.

After a restful off day to reflect on the loss, the team got right back to work as they faced the local USL Championship club, Phoenix Rising, and were able to regain their footing offensively. With many quality chances, the attack successfully netted two goals, with the game winner delivered by Steven Echevarria off a tactical feed from Maalique Foster to secure the 2-1 win. The victory was critical for the group as they turned their attention to the marquee matchup for their tournament against the MLS side, Chicago Fire.

The Fire, and established Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri, were the headliners for the Desert Showcase and stood to be a great litmus test for the Switchbacks in 2023 as both teams kicked off the first public match of the tournament.

The tone was set quickly, seeing both teams being booked with cautions in the first 15 minutes of play, and quality scoring chances raining on both defenses. Chicago's Shaqiri, and Colorado Springs' Deshane Beckford both had grade A opportunities sail wide in the opening 25 minutes. Offensive pressure continued as the teams traded chances all the way to the halftime whistle, the best chance fired from Chicago's Przybylko, as he place a shot on frame. COS keeper Christian Herrera was up to the task, and kept the match scoreless into the break.

As the second half commenced, discipline was a continued issue as both sides received additional cautions, with warnings also given without official bookings. Despite the adversity, the Switchbacks were able to find the best chance of the half in the 82nd minute, but an offsides call erased the opportunity. Defense prevailed as the headline with the contest concluded in a scoreless draw.

The club would return to their home state with their 2-1-1 record with three matchups on the horizon as the Northern Colorado Hailstorm, UCCS Mountain Lions, and Colorado Rapids 2 all awaited their return.

The Hailstorm, Colorado's League One representative, was the first on the home schedule for the Switchbacks, and the club looked to get even after having been defeated by NCO in the U.S. Open Cup last season. The black and blue would do exactly that as goals from Drew Skundrich and Jairo Henriquez lifted Colorado Springs past Northern Colorado sending the Hailstorm back to Loveland with the loss.

The schedule then called for a cross-town matchup as the Switchbacks hosted the local UCCS Mountain Lions Men's Soccer team out of NCAA's Division II. Though a handful of rostered players made starts, the match was almost entirely played by trialists as the club earned the 2-2 draw after notching two second half strikes.

Weidner Field opened its gates for the first time as the club's season ticket members were welcomed back to Cimarron and Sahwatch, with Colorado Rapids 2 visiting town. The match featured many scoring chances for the Switchbacks, but the team wasn't able to find a finish. A late shot deflected off of Joe Kuzminsky's glove and in to the twine giving Rapids 2 the lead, and the ultimate one-nil victory.

With the team set to travel to H-E-B Park in El Paso to open the regular season in two weeks, the Switchbacks still have two preseason challenges left, with New Mexico United visiting Weidner Field on Saturday, and CSU-Pueblo coming to town on Wednesday. The two remaining matches will be crucial opportunities for the club to finish polishing their strategy ahead of the regular season.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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