COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – It was by no means the prettiest goal Conor Doyle has scored in his career.

You could even argue that Doyle didn’t even produce the finish he was looking for on his 60th-minute goal on Thursday night, his first for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

After it proved the difference in a 1-0 victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC that moved the Switchbacks top of the USL Western Conference, however, none of that mattered.

“It's been over a year since I've scored,” Doyle said following the game. “It wasn't pretty, but all that matters is that it went in.”

• RELATED: Switchbacks Defeat Roughnecks, Move into First

The victory against the Roughnecks broke a five-game winless streak for the Switchbacks, who had the better of much of the game, but were unable to make their pressure tell until early in the second half, with Miguel Gonzalez at the center of the action. First Gonzalez had a snap-shot saved by Roughnecks goalkeeper Alex Mangels, and then he was brought down by Tulsa’s Edgar Espinoza for a penalty kick.

Mangels again proved equal to the challenge, however, as the USL’s saves leader dove low to his left to turn aside Marty Maybin’s shot and keep the game scoreless.

The Roughnecks’ resistance succumbed on the hour-mark, however, as an angled chip by Taesong Kim from the top-right side of the penalty area found Doyle breaking from deep unmarked. The Colorado Rapids loanee didn’t make clean contact with his finish, but it did enough to deceive Mangels and trickle into the left corner of the net.

Tulsa had its moments, as Sammy Ochoa and Cristian Mata looked to combine with second-half substitute Jasson Ramos Carpio, but were unable to find a way past Switchbacks goalkeeper Devala Gorrick, who notched two saves for his ninth shutout of the season.

“I'm glad with the three points,” said Switchbacks Coach Steve Trittschuh. “They made it tough for us to play our game. But, as I told the guys, I don't care how we win these next three games at home, but we have to win them. We have a 10-day break before our next match to prepare for our next two home games.”

While the Roughnecks asked questions of the Switchbacks, the next five games for the side will likely define what position the side sits in when the playoffs arrive. With home games against Rio Grande Valley FC, OKC Energy FC and the LA Galaxy II and road contests against the Toros and Vancouver up next, the stretch run will definitely make sure the side is battle-tested.

To come through that gauntlet in good shape, more of the same from Wednesday night will likely be required.

“I think just keep doing what we did tonight, moving the ball fast, keeping possession, and getting on the chances,” Doyle said. “Getting crosses in and creating a lot of chances. We’ve got to win our home games, I think it’s simple as that.”