COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC recorded an important 1-0 victory against Sacramento Republic FC at Weidner Field on Saturday night to keep its playoff hopes alive. Kevaughn Frater scored the game-winner for Colorado Springs in the 36th minute, blasting a right-footed strike by Sacramento goalkeeper Evan Newton after controlling a cross sent into the box by Josh Suggs. With the result, the Switchbacks improve to 11-12-8 this season, while Republic FC falls to 13-12-6 this campaign.

Scoring:
36’ – COS – Kevaughn Frater (Josh Suggs)

• #COSvSAC: Full match and Opta box score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Saturday’s win keeps the Switchbacks’ hopes of making the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs alive, as the team sits two points behind eighth-place OKC Energy FC, which will kick off against the Swope Park Rangers at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. Should Energy FC win that match, Colorado Springs’ postseason dream would come to an end ahead of its final match against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Oct. 14.

• 2. Sacramento had an opportunity to clinch its spot in the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs on Saturday, but the loss leaves an opportunity open for Orange County SC should it defeat Reno 1868 FC and Vancouver Whitecaps 2 in its final two games of the regular season. Republic FC needed only one point from Saturday’s match, but the home side controlled the match, outshooting Sacramento 15-4 on the night.

• 3. Hurting Sacramento’s chances on Saturday were the absences of defender Emrah Klimenta and forward Trevin Caesar, who were called up by their respective national teams. Both players have been an important part of the team’s success this season. Caesar has scored seven goals, while Klimenta has added four.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:

Josh Suggs, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – The midfielder provided the game-winning assist and recorded a total of three chances created. He also completed 74.2 percent of his passes.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Tulsa Roughnecks FC – Oct. 14, 8 p.m. ET, ONEOK Field
Sacramento Republic FC at Reno 1868 FC – Oct. 14, 10 p.m. ET, Greater Nevada Field