COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC got a late goal from J.J. Greer to take a 1-0 victory against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday night at Switchbacks Stadium to move into third place in the Western Conference standings. The Switchbacks had the better of the first half, and Republic FC goalkeeper Evan Newton had to be sharp to save just before halftime as he denied Miguel Gonzalez’s blast with a diving save. Sacramento’s Danny Barrera then came to his side’s rescue with a goal-line clearance on the hour-mark, but both teams exchanged chances in the second half as it seemed a breakthrough wasn’t forthcoming. With six minutes to go, however, Greer got on the end of a corner by Josh Suggs to head home, and earn the hosts a big victory in the race for the playoffs.

Scoring:
84’ – COS – J.J. Greer (Josh Suggs)

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Saturday night’s game was arguably the highest-billed of the weekend’s league action, and it more than lived up to it with both sides looking to press the issue and play good, attacking soccer. Both teams had chances to take the lead before Greer’s decisive goal, but the game also saw some excellent defensive work and in particularly goalkeeping, with Evan Newton doing a fine job to keep Republic FC in with a chance until the end.

• 2. Given last week’s results, Saturday’s game was a big bounce-back opportunity for both teams, and the Switchbacks will be happy to have grabbed a big three points in the race for playoffs against one of their biggest rivals for a top-two position. If the Switchbacks are able to build on this win, and get the chance to host Sacramento when the Western Conference semifinals or final come around, tonight will be one of the decisive moments in determining that advantage.

• 3. With the way results around the league played out on Saturday night, the race for the top four positions in the Western Conference looks to be absolutely fascinating, with the Switchbacks now third, and fourth-place Sacramento heading to visit first-placed Vancouver next weekend. While there’s still a lot of soccer to be played, it’s hard to envision anyone pulling away from the pack in the final nine weeks, which should make for some tremendous action down the stretch for fans across the league.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

J.J. Greer, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Greer’s goal proved the decisive moment, as he and his fellow defenders were able to also hold a strong Republic FC attack off the board to lead the hosts to victory.

Upcoming Games:

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Swope Park Rangers – July 20, 9 p.m. ET, Switchbacks Stadium

Sacramento Republic FC at Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 – July 24, 5 p.m. ET, Thunderbird Stadium