Colorado Springs, CO (May 17, 2017) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defeated FC Tucson (PDL) to advance to the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the third straight year.



A slow start to the match saw both sides feeling each other out, as the two clubs played for the first time in club history. Both teams saw their fair share of chances in the first half, but it was the Switchbacks who would control most of the possession in the attacking third. After a tough defensive first half struggle, the teams would head into the locker room scoreless after the first 45 minutes.



The Switchbacks came out lightning fast to start the second half as Park found the net less than a minute into the second half by beating two FC Tucson defenders. Less than two minutes later Diego Gutierrez would find Kevaughn Frater who put it away with an empty net to double the Switchbacks lead at 2-0 in the 48th minute. FC Tucson would regroup following the goals but weren't able to make anything of their second half changes. The Switchbacks would hold onto the 2-0 lead and advance to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.



"It was a good chance for guys who haven't been playing to get some minutes and rest some of our regular starters," said Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. "Now it's onto the next round."



The Switchbacks will face Energy FC at Weidner Field on May 31st at 7:00 P.M. Fans should stay tuned on the Switchbacks Facebook page and switchbacksfc.com.



The Switchbacks will return to Weidner Field, Saturday, May 27th match against Reno 1868 FC. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive the third piece of the puzzle to the poster series courtesy of the Better Business Bureau. Tickets are available here.



For media pass requests, please contact Communications Manager, Joel Huber.