COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC was looking for a response on Saturday night after two late letdowns against Portland and Seattle had cost the side points.

Thanks to J.J. Greer’s late winner in 1-0 victory against Sacramento Republic FC at Switchbacks Stadium, the side not only got the result it was looking for, but also opened the door to bigger possibilities.

The Switchbacks will face the Swope Park Rangers on Wednesday night with the chance to return to the top of the Western Conference with a win, after putting together a battling display against a Republic FC side as desperate for victory as they were.

“I think we played well and definitely deserved to win tonight,” Coach Steve Trittschuh said after the game. “I'm very happy with the win tonight. We have to build on this win and do whatever it takes to win games.”

• RELATED: Switchbacks Strike Late to Defeat Sacramento

Whatever it takes might well be the motto for a number of teams at the top of the Western Conference, which now has six teams within four points of the conference lead shared by Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 and the LA Galaxy II on 32 points. With the Switchbacks holding a game in hand on both teams in third place, the side will be hoping its home field advantage can again pay dividends against a Swope Park side that has played well of late, but hasn’t seen results go its way as it looks to find a way back into the top eight.

That could lead to an intriguing contest on Wednesday, with the Rangers’ ability to counter-attack at speed a likely threat to the Switchbacks’ pressing game. After the side came through solidly against fellow Western contender Sacramento, though, goalkeeper Devala Gorrick was pleased with the patience the side showed.
“It was a great performance,” said Gorrick, who finished the game with three saves. “We really outworked them and were patient with our chances and came out on top.”

With some positive momentum behind them, the Switchbacks will try to take the next step on Wednesday night.