COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC took the lead early and held off Seattle Sounders FC 2’s attempted rally to grab a 2-1 victory at Weidner Field on Saturday night for its eighth win of the season. Seattle nearly opened the scoring when Irvin Parra maneuvered around defenders in the 10th minute and earned a free kick, but his shot went directly to Switchbacks keeper Moise Pouaty. 11 minutes later Masta Kacher impressively finessed around the defender to open up Shane Malcolm for a powerful strike that gave Colorado Springs an early advantage. Kacher returned with another crucial play in the 33rd minute as his well-placed corner found a crowd in the box, where the ball was lifted over S2 keeper Bryan Meredith to double the Switchbacks’ lead. Seattle gained a scoring opportunity early in the second half when Shane Malcolm committed a foul at the top of the box. Zach Mathers capitalized with a beautiful lofted shot that cut the Seattle’s deficit to one. Luke Vercollone attempted to answer just three minutes later as he sent a ball across the goal line, but no one was there for the finish. S2 threatened to equalize in stoppage time as Guy Serge Edoa beat his defender to find Javorn Stevens, but Seattle was called offsides. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC move to 7-8-6 (27 points) on the season while Seattle Sounders FC 2 drops to 7-12-2 (23 points).

Scoring:
21’ – COS – Shane Malcolm (Masta Kacher)
33’ – COS – Own Goal (Francisco Narbon)
51’ – SEA – Zach Mathers

• #COSvSEA: Full Match and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Colorado has been impressive at home throughout the season, holding a 5-2-3 record at Weidner Field. Most of the breakdowns for the Switchbacks have come on the road as they are 2-7-3 away. Colorado will face challenges on the road ahead as they face Orange County SC, Real Monarchs SLC and Sacramento Republic FC on the next three trips.
   
• 2. Seattle entered a fifth-straight game against a club that is in playoff position. Unfortunately, Seattle has been unable to grab a win in this important stretch of games. This was a pivotal game for S2 as they attempted to stay on the edge of the Western Conference playoffs. Sounders FC 2 may find more success in the next game at home against RGV.
   
• 3. The Switchbacks only held 45 percent of possession, but had no trouble capitalizing on opportunities to score. The team is sixth in the league with 29 total goals because of a team effort on offense. Masta Kacher recorded a second assist on the season while Shane Malcolm notched his second tally of 2017. Colorado seems to get various players to shine from game to game and are hoping to string together wins after an impressive victory at home.  

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Masta Kacher, Colorado Springs Switchbacks – The midfielder was playing both sides of the ball and was effective in transitioning possession from defense to attack. He showed off his fancy footwork on the opening goal as he created a lane for Shane Malcolm. 12 minutes later he sent in the corner kick for the game-winning goal of the match.

Upcoming Games:
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Portland Timbers 2 – August 5, 8 p.m. ET, Weidner Field
Seattle Sounders FC 2 vs. Rio Grande Valley FC – August 6, 9:30 p.m. ET, Starfire Stadium