Switchbacks FC's Season Ends in Western Conference Quarterfinal

November 7, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC eye the ball against Orange County SC
(Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Credit: Orange County SC)

In a tense first half, the Switchbacks got the first look as Hadji Barry picked up the ball and unleashed a shot from distance to the bottom left corner that was saved.

Right after the half hour mark, Orange County defender Rob Kiernan was shown a straight red card for denying a Switchbacks goal scoring opportunity when he brought down Thomas Amang from behind just outside the penalty box. Barry hit the ensuing free kick into the wall and the rebound was put high and over the goal.

Just a few minutes later, Barry played an inch-perfect pass to Thomas Amang who took a touch and fired his shot into the back of the net but Amang was judged to be just offside.

Orange County ended up getting on the board first in first-half stoppage time as a throw-in wasn't completely cleared from the penalty area and Ronaldo Damus took a touch and hit a shot on the turn that found the top left corner of the goal to give the hosts the lead against the run of play going into half time.

Chances were harder to come by in the second half as Orange County was sitting in a low block defensively. As the ball was bouncing inside the penalty area in the 68th minute, Barry made a lunging effort to get a shot off while on the ground that was deflected and the saved as it was headed to the bottom right corner.

Deshane Beckford subbed into the game and immediately had a couple of opportunities. A shot from the right flank and another shot from distance both forced Orange County goalkeeper, Patrick Rakovsky, into saving each shot.

Deep into stoppage time, Zach Zandi fired a shot from 30 yards out on a tight-rope that beat the goalkeeper and missed the left post by a mere inches.

Tonight's game concludes the Switchbacks inaugural season in downtown Colorado Springs that included a club record for goals in a single season (60) and a new home attendance record (100,335) at Weidner Field. 2021 also saw Hadji Barry earn two Player of the Month awards and the Golden Boot award, both firsts for a Switchbacks player.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC eye the ball against Orange County SC (Orange County SC)

United Soccer League Championship Stories from November 7, 2021

• Rowdies Avoid Opening Round Nerves with Emphatic Victory - Tampa Bay Rowdies
• 10-Man Orange County SC Beats Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 1-0, in Western Conference Quarterfinal - Orange County SC
• Wild Western Shakeup Yields Compelling Conference Semifinal Matches in 2021 USL Championship Playoffs - USL
• Toros Advance to the USL Championship Playoff Semifinals for First Time in Franchise History - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
• Rising Falls, 4-3, in Penalty Kicks Following a 3-3 Draw with RGV Toros - Phoenix Rising FC
• San Antonio FC to Host RCV FC in Western Conference Semifinal on November 13 - San Antonio FC
• Switchbacks FC's Season Ends in Western Conference Quarterfinal - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

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