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Gonzalez’s Strike Leads Switchbacks Past Energy FC

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 08/24/16, 11:02PM EDT

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Colorado Springs takes 2-0 victory in USL Game of the Week on ESPN3


Photo courtesy Isaiah J. Downing / Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC took a 2-0 victory against OKC Energy FC at Switchbacks Stadium in the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3 on Wednesday night. Switchbacks goalkeeper Devala Gorrick made a big save to deny OKC’s Timo Pitter in the 13th minute, while Energy FC’s Cody Laurendi made a close-range save to keep out a chance from Miguel Gonzalez a few minutes later. Energy FC’s Colin Bonner then went close with shot into the side-netting, but Gonzalez opened the scoring for the hosts on the half-hour mark with an impeccable curling finish from the left side of the penalty area into the top-right corner of the net. Bonner again went close for Energy FC as the Switchbacks’ Josh Suggs cleared his shot off the line a minute before the halftime break, while Pitter sent a shot just wide 11 minutes into the second half. The Switchbacks had two long-range efforts by Conor Doyle and Josh Suggs minutes apart just before the hour-mark go just wide of the mark, while Wojciech Wojcik sent a shot just over with three minutes remaining, but Marty Maybin wrapped up all three points in stoppage time to send Colorado Springs to victory.

Scoring: 
30’ – COS – Miguel Gonzalez
90+’ – COS – Marty Maybin

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. With Energy FC holding two games in hand on them entering the game, earning the victory was far more important for the Switchbacks as they looked to get back into contention for the top spot in the Western Conference. Thanks in part to Miguel Gonzalez’s spectacular goal, his sixth of the season, Colorado Springs was able to do just that ahead of a massive game with Rio Grande Valley FC. The Switchbacks are now 8-2-3 at home this season, and did their hopes of getting at least one home playoff game a world of good with the victory.

  • 2. The game may have featured two goals, but it definitely didn’t lack for chances as both defenses had to scramble at times to keep their opponents off the board. At the center of it all, however, were the efforts of goalkeepers Devala Gorrick for the Switchbacks and Cody Laurendi for Energy FC. With Laurendi leading the USL in goals-against average, and Gorrick closing the gap slightly on Wednesday night, both showed why they’ve been among the best in the league this season, and are both serious contenders for the Goalkeeper of the Year award.

  • 3. Energy FC might be disappointed not to have taken something from Wednesday night’s game, but with seven games remaining still remain in good shape to take a top-four position at the end of the season, if not higher. What will be important for Coach Jimmy Nielsen’s side is to bounce back immediately on Saturday as they return to Taft Stadium with a chance to sweep the Black Gold Derby this season against Tulsa Roughnecks FC. With only one game remaining against a team currently in the top eight, and four of their last seven games at home, opportunity is still calling for OKC.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Miguel Gonzalez, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Gonzalez threatened regularly on the night, and his goal was another excellent finish in a season full of them by the standout attacking midfielder.

Upcoming Games:

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Rio Grande Valley FC – August 27, 8:30 p.m. ET, Toro Park

OKC Energy FC vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC – August 27, 9 p.m. ET, Taft Stadium

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