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Switchbacks, ‘D’ Grind Out Key Victory

By CHARLIE CORR - charlie.corr@uslsoccer.com, 04/16/17, 9:39AM EDT

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Facing heavy-scoring Monarchs, Colorado Springs steps up at home


Photo courtesy of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Following a 3-1 midweek defeat to Rio Grande Valley FC on Wednesday at H-E-B Park, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC had no time to dwell on that result.

Coach Steve Trittschuh’s side responded in a big way, posting a 2-1 victory against Real Monarchs SLC on Saturday at Weidner Field. The Monarchs had won their first three games, averaging three goals per match, and the Switchbacks’ defense did just enough to pull out the win.

The back line’s efforts coincided with a crucial high-flying offensive start with Masta Kacher’s long-distance strike and Aaron King’s penalty kick conversion within the opening 20 minutes.

“It was so important,” defender Josh Suggs told the Colorado Springs Gazette regarding the quick start. “We were coming off a bad loss. We didn’t feel as if that loss reflected us as a team, and it was important for us to show kind of what we’re all about and make a statement to the league.”

Goalkeeper Moise Pouaty had a difficult task for his debut, and he stepped up with four saves to earn the victory. The Switchbacks improved to 2-1-2 on the season.

“This one was huge, especially against a good team,” said veteran midfielder Luke Vercollone, who made his first start of the season Saturday. “Moise stepped up and did a great job in goal, but it was mostly the whole team coming together to defend.”

Suggs said the squad is still in the mode of meshing as a group, and this marked a noteworthy early-season victory for the club which now prepares for a Saturday tilt at expansion side Reno 1868 FC.

“I think that the more we play, the better we’re going to do,” Suggs said. “The more games we play together, the more we’re going to understand each other’s movements and what each other is going to do.”

“It wasn’t pretty, but we grinded it out,” Trittschuh said. “I asked these guys to dig deep. It was a great first half for us and we held on to it. I am really happy about this win.”

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