TUKWILA, Wash. – Aaron Kovar scored the only goal as Seattle Sounders FC 2 earned a 1-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Sunday night at Starfire Stadium. The win was S2’s first of the 2016 season, and handed the Switchbacks their first loss this campaign.

Both teams opened the game energetically, but it was S2 (1-3-1, 4pts) that almost took the lead in the 10th minute as Zach Mathers and Oniel Fisher created a chance to cross down the left. Mathers’ delivery found Nathan Sturgis at the near post, but his header was brilliantly saved by Switchbacks goalkeeper Devala Gorrick to keep it scoreless.

The Switchbacks (2-1-0, 6pts) started to find their rhythm soon after, and forced a save from S2 goalkeeper Tyler Miller in the 18th minute when Martin Maybin had his shot denied. Miguel Gonzalez also went close three minutes later after receiving a chested pass from Mike Seth, but his finish missed the target.

It was S2 that took the lead in the 28th minute, however, as Kovar converted from the penalty spot after Mathers had been brought down in the penalty area. Andy Craven helped create the chance, as he made a 60-yard run from his own half into the right side of the Switchbacks’ penalty area, and after he was dispossessed, Mathers got to the ball first, and Josh Phillips’ challenge brought him down. Kovar dispatched his low shot into the left corner, sending Gorrick the wrong way.

The goal boosted Seattle, and it threatened a second a few minutes later when full back Nouhou Tolo flashed a cross through the top of the six-yard area from the left, but no-one was able to apply a finish.

The Switchbacks almost got back on level terms two minutes before the break as cross from the left was headed out centrally by S2 defender Tony Alfaro. Colorado Springs’ Luke Vercollone caught his shot sweetly on the volley, forcing a low save by Tyler Miller as the shot headed toward the left corner, and Maybin was unable to corral the rebound as S2 held its lead at halftime.

S2 almost took advantage of a major defensive error early in the second half, as Switchbacks defender Christian Ibeagha’s pass inside his own penalty was read by S2 forward Victor Mansaray, but as the U.S. U20 international stretched for the interception, his touch carried just too far to control, and Gorrick was able to gather.

Seattle was able to remain on the front foot, showing greater composure than in its last outing on Tuesday when a halftime lead quickly became a deficit against Rio Grande Valley FC. Fisher in particular joined the attack well down the right, and helped S2 hold possession in the Switchbacks’ half.

The Switchbacks broke dangerously just past the hour-mark, and were awarded a free kick 20 yards from goal in a central position at the top of the penalty area when Miguel Gonzalez was brought down following a good passing sequence. Gonzalez put his shot into the wall, but the chance seemed to lift the Switchbacks’ spirits, and belief an equalizer could be found.

As the visitors pushed for a goal, however, they left gaps at the back. Seattle almost took advantage in the 75th minute when a good pass released Craven down the right, but Myron Samuel’s header off Craven's cross missed the target.

The Switchbacks’ best chances late on came through set pieces, including a sequence of a free kick on the right and a pair of corner kicks that had to be dealt with by the S2 defense. The last was claimed confidently by Miller, however, as Seattle recorded its first shutout of the season, and claimed a valuable three points.

Upcoming Games

• April 26: Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Real Monarchs SLC, 9 p.m. ET, Rio Tinto Stadium

• April 23: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. San Antonio FC, 3:30 p.m. ET, Switchbacks Stadium

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Zach Mathers, Seatthe Sounders FC 2 – The industrious midfielder was at the center of much of Seattle’s positive play, and earned the penalty that Kovar converted that proved the difference in the game.