Switchbacks FC Push Hard, Fall to Rio Grande Valley FC
September 17, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release
Colorado Springs, CO – The Switchbacks FC were looking to clinch a playoff spot this evening, but came up short in their 0-1 defeat against Rio Grande Valley FC.
The Switchbacks hit the road for the first time in over a month after collecting nine points in four games at home. While the team currently sits in third place, well above the playoff bubble, a win against RGV tonight would have officially clinched them a playoff spot as the team looks to host their first playoff match inside the new Weidner Field. Sitting on the bubble with the playoffs on the line, RGV was looking to close that gap for themselves as well. Both teams were fairly evenly matched in the first half, with the Switchbacks just edging out possession at 52%. Statistically the team looked good, notching over 200 passes with an accuracy of 82%, but they were unable to complete those chances inside the 18 yard box. The Switchbacks had a strong chance in the 18′ when a give and go from #10 Barry landed on #14 Henriquez’s foot. He passed back to Barry who, with no defenders around him aimed to make a shot, but it was easily deflected by RGV’s goalkeeper, Tyler Deric.
The first and only goal of the evening came in the 28th minute, when a pass from Pinzon to Fjeldberg snuck past the defense and through COS goalkeeper Caldwell to find the back of the net.
The second period started with back to back yellow cards for Rio Grande Valley, and tensions between the two teams would only continue to grow in the following minutes of the tight match. Knowing they needed a goal, the Switchbacks notched up possession, more than doubling that of RGV with 69.7% of the possession for the back 45 minutes. They also more than doubled RGV’s passes at 254, but the one two punch combination of RGV’s goalkeeper Deric and some difficult calls would leave the Switchbacks goalless at the end of ninety minutes of play.
The Switchbacks have a quick turnaround, as they face San Antonio on the road in just three days. The team will return to Weidner Field Saturday September 24th as they host Oakland Roots for their For Club and Country Night.
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