Photo Courtesy Isaiah Downing



By: Joel Huber

Colorado Springs, CO (April 15, 2017) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defeated first Rocky Mountain Rivals Real Monarchs 2-1 at home to earn a huge three points at home Saturday night.



Playing in their 3rd game in just nine days, the Switchbacks were looking to rebound from a tough 1-3 loss on the road to Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday night. The Switchbacks looked strong early before things settled in. Rony Argueta would find Masta Kacher on a lobbed ball down the left side, where Kacher was able to place another Goal of the Week-worthy goal into the top right corner to give the Switchbacks a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute. The Switchbacks would earn a penalty just five minutes later after a handball was called against Real Monarchs. Aaron King would slot it home to give the Switchbacks a 2-0 lead in the 19th minute. The two teams would continue to battle as the first half progressed with each team getting a handful of chances, but the Switchbacks would hold onto their 2-0 lead into halftime.



The match would begin to get a little more physical as the second half began, as the two sides nearly doubled their fouls conceded in the second half from the first. After numerous attempts to break the Switchbacks' backline, the Real Monarchs got one back in the 60th minute as Haber found Velasquez to cut the Switchbacks lead to 2-1. The match only increased in physicality as both teams had their fair share of tough tackles. Charlie Adams would be sent off in stoppage time after receiving his second Yellow Card. The Switchbacks would hold off the late Real Monarchs attack to take all three points at home with a 2-1 victory over their Rocky Mountain rivals. Switchbacks Goalkeeper Moise Pouaty was named Man of the Match following his strong performance in his debut for the Switchbacks with four saves.



"We grinded out a good win tonight.," said Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. "We did what we needed to do tonight to get the three points."



"It feels great to get the three points tonight," said Switchbacks Captain Rony Argueta. "Our style of play is hard work, and we work hard for each other. It showed today in a tough match tonight, and we're all happy to come away with three points."



The Switchbacks will now travel to Reno to take on new USL-side Reno 1868 FC on Saturday, April 22nd at 8:00 PM. Join the Trailheads at Jack Quinn's for the official Switchbacks FC watch party!



The Switchbacks will return to Weidner Field on April 29th at 6:00 PM to take on Seattle Sounders FC 2. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive the second piece of the puzzle to the Switchbacks' poster series courtesy of Weidner Apartment Homes. Tickets are available here. For media pass requests, please contact Communications Manager, Joel Huber.