COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC had a strong home opener as Martin Maybin scored a first-half goal and Mike Seth followed with a second-half tally during the Switchbacks’ 2-0 victory against Arizona United SC on Saturday at Switchbacks Stadium.

With the victory, the Switchbacks move to 2-0-0 (6 points) to open the new season. United drops to 1-3-0 (3 points), with all four of its games on the road. Arizona wrap up its five-game road trip on Friday against Real Monarchs SLC.

The Switchbacks brewed several scoring chances in the early going, including a Seth shot from close range that Arizona goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski saved with his foot in the 22nd minute. It was only seconds later when the Switchbacks attacked again in that 22nd minute for the game’s opening goal.

Switchbacks midfielder Rony Argueta crossed the ball from the left to see an unmarked Maybin running in on the far right post. Maybin headed the ball inside the left post for the early 1-0 Switchbacks lead. It was Maybin’s second goal of the season.

Arizona was pushed back on the defensive end for much of the first half. United did create an opportunity in the 29th minute thanks to a good individual effort from Chris Cortez. Cortez cut to his left-footed shot and from outside the box ripped a shot just wide right of the goal.

In the 37th minute, Arizona striker Long Tan got a step on the Switchbacks’ defense and shot right-footed at the top of the box. Colorado Springs goalkeeper Devala Gorrick, who was aggressive in several sequences during the opening half, rushed off his line to stuff the shot. Gorrick was then fouled by Tan in frustration, creating a pause in the match for Luke Vercollone to rush in and congratulate Gorrick on the effort.

In the second half, Maybin nearly added his second goal of the match in the 52nd minute with a right-footed try for the far left post. Woszczynski dove to his right on the low shot to make the stop. The ball bounced away from Woszczynski, but Arizona’s defense cleared in time before the Switchbacks could follow up.

In the 62nd minute, Seth split a pair of Arizona defenders to create the Switchbacks’ second goal. His initial attempt was stopped by Woszczynski, but he followed through the play as Seth and Arizona defender Brandon Polternieri went should-to-shoulder on the loose ball. Both players lunged for the loose ball in the six-yard area and it wound up in the back of the net for a 2-0 Colorado Springs lead.

Woszczynski made an impressive diving save in the 80th minute against Nate Robinson to minimize the damage, but Arizona was unable to break through on the opposite end.

Upcoming Games:

• April 15: Arizona United SLC at Real Monarchs SLC; Clyde Field, 9 p.m. ET

• April 17: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Seattle Sounders FC 2; Starfire Stadium, 10 p.m. ET

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match
Martin Maybin, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC - Maybin set the tone with a first-half goal and kept Arizona on its heels early in the second half as well to lead the charge.