COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and OKC Energy FC played to a 1-1 draw at Weidner Field on Saturday night in snowy conditions for the Switchbacks’ home opener. Energy FC had chances early on through Phillip Rasmussen and Mickey Daly, but the Switchbacks took the lead in the 19th minute when Mastanabal Kacher found space on the left side and sent a beautiful looping shot to the far corner that found the net. OKC hit back seven minutes later, though, as Alex Dixon drove home a finish after Colorado Springs failed to clear a throw-in. Switchbacks goalkeeper Dan Jackson made a big save to deny Rasmussen moments later as the game reached halftime level. Energy FC carried its momentum into the second half, and Mickey Daly headed wide after corner kick was half-cleared nine minutes into the second half. Colorado Springs’ Chris James also had a pair of efforts from distance threaten, while Miguel Gonzalez flashed a shot just wide of the right post for Energy FC, but the game ended all square.

Scoring: 
19’ – COS – Mastanabal Kacher (Shane Malcolm)
26’ – OKC – Alex Dixon

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Colorado Springs took the lead for a second consecutive week, but again gave up their lead quickly after Mastanabal Kacher’s excellent finish had given the hosts an ideal start at Weidner Field. The Switchbacks will have been disappointed not to have done better in clearing a throw-in that led to Alex Dixon’s first goal for OKC, as the former Rochester Rhinos struck home an opportunistic finish that gave Energy FC a big boost of confidence on the road.

• 2. All eyes were on Miguel Gonzalez as he returned to face the club he had scored 16 goals for over the past two seasons, and the Energy FC attacking midfielder had a solid if not spectacular performance in chilly conditions. Gonzalez completed almost 80 percent of his passes as he continued to integrate himself into the OKC lineup, but not quite enough of it threatened in the final third as he wasn’t able to have the last laugh at his former home stadium.

• 3. Both the Switchbacks and Energy FC will likely be happy to get their first point of the season under their belts, while both would have preferred a victory against their rival, and in tough snowy conditions put on an energetic display that went end-to-end at times as both teams looked to find a winner. Chris James looked dangerous at times for the Switchbacks, while Alejandro Covarrubias had a solid display for Energy FC as the game ended all square in an entertaining clash.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Alex Dixon, OKC Energy FC – Alex Dixon’s first goal for Energy FC earned his side a point on the road, a welcome boost ahead of the club’s home opener next Saturday night.

Upcoming Games:
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at San Antonio FC – April 7, 9 p.m. ET, Toyota Field
OKC Energy FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC – April 8, 8 p.m. ET, Taft Stadium