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Switchbacks Sweep Past Portland

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 06/17/18, 6:58PM EDT

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Burt leads big second half display in 4-1 victory for Colorado Springs


Photo courtesy Sam Ortega / Portland Timbers 2

PORTLAND, Ore. – Jordan Burt scored twice in four minutes early in the second half to lead Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC to a 4-1 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 on Sunday afternoon at Merlo Field. Portland almost struck inside the second minute as a counterattack saw a Darixon Vuelto bicycle kick find Augustine Williams for a volley that went just over the crossbar, while the Switchbacks’ first good chance arrived eight minutes later as Jordan Burt’s shot from 15 yards was deflected just wide of the left post. The hosts took the lead in the 18th minute, however, as a long ball by Modou Jadama allowed Harold Hanson to run on and lift his finish over Switchbacks goalkeeper Steward Ceus. Two minutes later T2 almost doubled its lead as Jadama’s header toward the right corner was saved by Ceus, and Portland could have struck in the 36th minute as Williams sent his finish just wide after a good low cross by Jimmy Mulligan. The Switchbacks took advantage of the reprieve six minutes into the second half as Burt fired home a great low finish to the right corner from 20 yards to level the score, and then Burt put his side ahead four minutes later as he latched onto a through-ball by Karsten Hanlin before roofing his finish off the underside of the crossbar and in. Colorado Springs added a third with 20 minutes to go as Marty Maybin put home an excellent solo effort, and then AJ Ajeakwa iced the victory in the 79th minute as he got in behind Portland’s defense and finished low into the right corner.

Scoring:
18’ – POR – Harold Hanson (Modou Jadama)
51’ – COS – Jordan Burt (Karsten Hanlin)
55’ – COS – Jordan Burt (Karsten Hanlin)
70’ – COS – Martin Maybin (Shane Malcolm)
79’ – COS – AJ Ajeakwa (Josh Suggs)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. Colorado Springs turned the game on its head in the opening 10 minutes of the second half as a shift that gave Jordan Burt more freedom to roam centrally than his right-sided role in the first half paid off immediately for Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. Each of Burt’s goals were taken magnificently, with Karsten Hanlin providing the assists on both as the visitors went from a goal down to a goal up in the space of four minutes. After recording only one shot on target in the first half, Colorado Springs quickly figured things out to record its highest attacking output since a 4-0 win against Reno on April 14.

  • 2. Portland suffered consecutive defeats for the first time this season as it failed to take advantage of a first half that saw the hosts produce the majority of the good chances. T2 took advantage of Colorado Springs’ high defensive line regularly as Modou Jamada was effective in dropping passes over the top for teammates to get on the end of – notably on Harold Hanson’s first professional goal – but the missed chances to add to the lead led by Augustine Williams’ close-range chance in the 35th minute let Colorado Springs remain in the game at the halftime break.

  • 3. The biggest question for the Switchbacks now will once again be whether the side can build any momentum off Sunday’s victory. Colorado Springs has recorded back-to-back victories only once this season, which has left it in the middle of the battle for a playoff place while having played more games than the teams surrounding it. Returning home for three consecutive games against sides that are also battling for a top-eight spot provides a big opportunity for the Switchbacks, but one that there will also be pressure to take advantage of.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Jordan Burt, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Burt’s two goals at the start of the second half turned the game in the Switchbacks’ favor as it reversed T2’s victory in Colorado Springs earlier this season.

Upcoming Games:

Portland Timbers 2 at Reno 1868 FC – June 30, 10:30 p.m. ET, Greater Nevada Field

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Fresno FC – June 23, 9 p.m. ET, Weidner Field

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