Switchbacks FC win historic match, move to conference finalists in USL Championship
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, COLO (October 29, 2022) - The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC earned a spot in the Western Conference finals tonight, a first in the club's seven year history, after defeating Sacramento Republic FC 2-1.
With a finals on the line for both teams and home advantage dashed after San Antonio's decisive defeat of Oakland Roots last night, both teams were fighting for the ability to take on SA in Texas next weekend.
The Switchbacks seemed to hold control of the ball, and had 67.1% of the possession in the first fifteen minutes of the game, but Sacramento Republic would take the early lead in the 18th minute as #5 Dan Casey made a tight play and tucked it in past Switchbacks goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell.
#11 Michee Ngalina was able to tie it up after the half as a pass from Zandi was right footed in just outside the 18 yard box. The match went into halftime tied, but Switchbacks held 67.7% of the overall possession, with 268 passes and an 80% passing accuracy.
Possession would balance out to almost exactly 50% for each team in the second half, resulting in zero goals and forcing the team into extra time. The Switchbacks earned the third and final goal of the match in the 96th minute, as a pass from #13 Echevarria rocketed up the right sideline to trip onto Ngalina's foot, who was able to notch the ball into the bottom left corner of the net without even breaking stride.
The Switchbacks have guaranteed themselves a match for the Western Conference Finals. They will take on San Antonio FC in Texas on Sunday November 6th.
