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USL Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Switchbacks FC Score Stoppage Time Equalizer in Matchup of Top Two Mountain Division Teams

October 3, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release


Colorado Springs, CO - The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC scored in stoppage time to draw El Paso Locomotive FC 1-1 on Saturday night at Weidner Field.

In a battle of the top two teams in the Mountain Division, the Switchbacks controlled the tempo of the first half with 60% possession and came just inches within the opener twice in similar fashion as a pair of Hadji Barry crosses were just out of the reach of Andre Lewis and Zach Zandi.

Barry also created the best chance of the half by flicking the ball up and over the head of a defender before hitting a powerful shot from the top of the box. However, Barry's shot was right at Logan Ketterer who parried the ball away.

El Paso created an early chance in the second half as a cross from the right side of the penalty area found Diego Luna but his shot was right at Sean Melvin who made the save. Just a few minutes later, Sebastian Anderson delivered a strong cross into Barry who could only redirect his attempt over the crossbar from close range.

With 11 minutes remaining, Andre Lewis combined with Darren Yapi in the penalty area before hitting a left footed shot that took a slight deflection as it was on its way to clip the top-right corner of the post. El Paso took the lead two minutes later as a recycled free kick fell to an open Leandro Carrijo to score from close range.

Entering the first minute of stoppage time, Anderson created another opportunity for the Switchbacks by driving into the right side of the penalty area and played a pass to Barry. Barry's first touch took the ball into space as El Paso's Matt Bahner tried to clear the ball, only to send it by his own goalkeeper and into the side of the net.

Tonight's draw marks the Switchbacks sixth consecutive game unbeaten, as well as their eighth game unbeaten in a row at Weidner Field.

The Switchbacks travel for their next two games against Mountain Division opponents, taking on Real Monarchs SLC on October 8th and El Paso Locomotive FC on October 13th.

On October 16th, the Switchbacks return to Weidner Field to take on Rio Grande Valley FC for Soccer Ball Night, with the first 1,000 fans receiving a free soccer ball, courtesy of Comcast Business.

Post-Game Quotes

Brendan Burke - Head Coach

Overall thoughts on the game:

"Happy. Happy with the performance, not happy with the result. We deserved three points. If we had played that game 15 times we would have gotten three points 14 times. So, a little disappointed that it didn't go our way in a number of ways - we were rolling balls through the six yard box and missing it by an inch and a half you know, we were connecting with one and putting it over the bar, we were hitting the bar, hitting the post, but that's the best team in our division right now and we've pushed them to a draw three times, in what will be four outings, so I just told the team if that's what's out there, and you're going to have the ball 70% of the match against them and create chances of the quality that we did, we could go to the western final we could go beyond that."

On the mentality instilled in the team to keep fighting:

"Oh sure, I mean how many times have we been down this year, and you never panic, you just never. I personally, I never panic with this group because there are so many chance creators and finishers in our group and we didn't even - we were missing three of our very top players tonight and we still have the talent to go and win - and we could have and should have won that game probably to be fair, 3-1, 4-1.

On Dillon [Serna] getting the start this evening:

" Awesome. To see a guy come back from such a severe injury and 8 months out and now he's made two appearances off the bench. We had an injury late in training yesterday that kind of facilitated that opportunity for him, and for him to step in and be as clean and efficient as he was, you would hope you'd get that out of a guy who has played 110 games in MLS, but to actually get it is somewhat surprising so I'm really happy for Dillon and I'm really happy to have another senior player in the group going into playoff time because that's what he is now."

Dillon Serna

On controlling the tempo of the game:

"I think it's a good performance, you know, I think the first half - we controlled pretty much the entire first half, and we're pretty happy about that. Going down 1-0 isn't ideal, but I think we showed what we're capable of, with getting back in the game and getting a point."

On how the team keeps their fight and mentality after multiple close calls:

"Before the game we wanted three points, we wanted to attack the game and unfortunately, we didn't get that tonight, but I think it shows a lot of character and a lot about this team, that we're never going to give up and were going to fight to the end."

José Torres

On the style and aggressiveness of this team:

"I think - Brendan has brought in quality, he's brought young players that are hungry, he's brought experienced players that have played in the MLS, and I think he has a great group of guys. There's no negativity in this group - whoever plays does a good job, we train well, we train hard, we push each other to the limits. Tonight was a tough game, I told them it was going to be like a playoff game. They're [El Paso] the top team, but I think we can battle with anybody in this league. I think we did a great job, we controlled most of the game, but the game is about scoring. They waited for one opportunity and they got it - but we didn't drop our heads and we kept driving, there was four minutes [left] in the game and we kept driving and thank god we got the goal.

On if this team has the ability to play any team in the league:

"I think we can, I think we have a great team and the guys that come in like Dillon [Serna], Dillon had a heck of a game. He's coming back from injury, he's a guy that brings a lot of energy and great experience, he helps manage the game too and I think in general the team is doing very well, even if we get scored on we're driving again and we're pushing and that's exciting I mean - for my age, I'm excited, these guys keep me 100% so I'm happy and I'm healthy right now and we're looking forward to the next game so we just have to keep positive."

Game Statistics

Man of the Match// José Torres

Scoring Summary// COS: Bahner - OG (90+1') | ELP: Carrijo (81')

Saves// COS: Melvin (3) | ELP: Ketterer (3)

Discipline// COS: YC: Mahoney (46'), Ockford (57'), Toure (72'), Lewis (90+4') | ELP: YC: Herrera (43'), Aguinaga (85'), Borelli (90+4')

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 3, 2021


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