COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 held on late to earn a 1-1 draw with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Friday night at Switchbacks Stadium. Colorado Springs held the upper hand in the first half, although Vancouver had its chances, but the Switchbacks finally made their pressure tell two minutes into the second half when Mike Seth beat WFC2’s high defensive line, and set up Miguel Gonzalez for a simple finish. WFC2 hit back eight minutes later, however, when Brett Levis played a clever one-two with Daniel Haber at the top of the penalty area and finished well. The Switchbacks pressured strongly in the final 30 minutes to try and find an equalizer, and WFC2 goalkeeper Spencer Richey had to be sharp to keep the hosts off the board, but Vancouver held on to take a point on the road.

Scoring:
47’ – COS – Miguel Gonzalez (Mike Seth)
55’ – VAN – Brett Levis (Daniel Haber)

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. The Switchbacks have consistently placed an emphasis on speed of play, and that came to the fore on Friday night as they regularly pinned WFC2 back in their own end through their quick passing movement. Colorado Springs’ goal was a perfect illustration of the way the Switchbacks can strike, as Martin Maybin’s pass caught Vancouver flat-footed two minutes into the second half to release Mike Seth, and with a two-on-one the hosts executed perfectly as Miguel Gonzalez scored a simple finish.

• 2. Whitecaps FC 2 responded with a tremendous goal of their own that showed how Brett Levis’ attacking instincts haven’t been diminished since his move to fullback this season. The combination with Daniel Haber at the top of the penalty area opened up a path into the box from the left side for Levis, and then his speed set up a great finish back across the goal into the left corner of the net.

• 3. WFC2 has used a number of options in goal this season, but Spencer Richey made a team-high 10th appearance of those options on Friday night, and came through in a big way when his side needed him late on. Richey had a few adventurous moments, but also made a number of excellent reaction saves to keep the game level when the final whistle blew.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Spencer Richey, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 – Richey made a number of big saves as the WFC2 goal was put under strong pressure, especially late on, and earned his side a valuable point on the road.

Upcoming Games:

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Portland Timbers 2 – August 3, 10:30 p.m. ET, Merlo Field

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 at Arizona United SC – August 3, 7:30 p.m. ET, Peoria Sports Complex