2015 gameday program - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

2015 GAMEDAY PROGRAM
WEDNESDAY
SEPT. 9
Welcome
Today, we embark on a journey
that will elevate soccer, energize
this community, capture children’s
imaginations, and chart a new
course for professional sports in
Colorado Springs.
There is an incredible amount of
excitement surging in the USL right
now. The League has grown from
foutreen teams in 2014 to over
twenty-two teams for 2015. Right
before your eyes, American soccer
is evolving and Colorado Springs is
an important part of it!
It has been over a year since
the Switchbacks Franchise was
awarded and we have been
diligently working to make the City
proud. With the leadership of our
Head Coach, Steve Trittschuh,
and Owner, Martin Ragain, we are
developing strong partnerships.
The Switchbacks are investing with
leading (and willing) clubs Pride SC
and Real Colorado, to re-establish
the Colorado Foxes PDL team to be
located near Castle Rock.
From recreation to competitive
soccer, this community is going to
generate the top male and female
soccer athletes in the country!
“Join the Climb” and purchase your
season tickets as the Switchbacks
FC compete with the best in the
2015 inaugural season!
We are just getting started!
2015 SCHEDULE
FC
FC
FC
FACEBOOK.COM/SWITCHBACKSFC
@SWITCHBACKSFC
Game Preview
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9
Having clinched a berth in the 2015 USL Playoffs, the Colorado
Springs Switchbacks FC host the Austin Aztex on Wednesday night
for the second time in the Regular Season. A 2-0 win for the
Switchbacks – courtesy of two goals from Miguel Gonzalez on July 3rd
at Sand Creek Stadium – was the last time these two regional USL
Western Conference rivals met.
In the opening match of regular season play for both the Switchbacks
and Aztex, the team from Texas’ capital city ran out 2-0 winners way back on March 28th. A
late first half goal from Gambian striker Sainey Touray was complemented by an 80th minute
strike from Trinidad and Tobago International Trevin Caesar as the Switchbacks were unable
to score.
Less than a month after their first meeting, the Aztex again hosted the Switchbacks at in
Austin, Texas. An early 8th minute goal from leading-scorer Kris Tyrpak saw a second win in
as many chances for the Aztex, as a valiant Switchbacks effort was once again unable to find
their goal-scoring touch.
The Austin Aztex will come into Sand Creek Stadium on Wednesday having played their final
home game of the season against the Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Saturday, September 5th.
Three first half goals were enough for the Aztex to clinch a 2-1 victory – a result that could have
major impact upon the Playoff seeding in the 2015 USL Western Conference.
With five of the six available Western Conference Playoff spots already clinched, the Seattle
Sounders FC 2 look by far the most likely team to nab the remaining place, despite the loss in
Austin.
Sitting just one point behind current leaders Oklahoma City Energy FC, and with a game inhand, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC control their own playoff destiny. Should the
Switchbacks win their final three games – Aztex on Wednesday, followed by a trip to Oklahoma
City before finishing the regular season back at Sand Creek Stadium against the Los Angeles
Galaxy II – the Switchbacks will finish the regular season as USL Western Conference winners.
While a place in the playoffs in their inaugural season is certainly a massively impressive
achievement for Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh and his team, clinching the Western
Conference would still mean a lot to Trittschuh. “Winning the conference would be great, and
we’re not going to take our foot off the pedal,” insisted Trittschuh before Wednesday’s game
vs. Austin. “It was a sigh of relief when we clinched [playoff place], but if we win out we win
the conference, and that’s huge.”
The 1-0 victory at Merlo Field in Portland, Oregon against the Timbers 2 came at a perfect
time for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. On the back of two away losses and a home tie,
it was a near-priceless result for Wednesday night’s home team. Midfielder Miguel Gonzalez
fired in his 10th goal of the season after a half-cleared corner fell into his path in the 64th
minute. With the Timbers 2 only able to force Switchbacks goalkeeper Devala Gorrick into two
saves during the ninety minutes, Gonzalez perfectly-placed strike was enough to claim a vital
three points on the road against a Portland team who themselves were fighting tooth and nail
for a playoff spot.
The newest addition to the Switchbacks’ roster, striker Charles Eloundou started the 1-0 win
in the Rose City, and will no doubt again be looking to feature, this time against the Austin
Aztex. A forward blessed with tremendous speed, Eloundou’s work off the ball against Portland
was first-class. Capped at U-20 International level by his native Cameroon, Eloundou joined
the Switchbacks from the Colorado Rapids of MLS as the Rapids begin to wrap a frustrating
2015 season to a close.
The addition of Eloundou gives Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh a wealth of striking
options to choose from, as fellow MLS loanee Chandler Hoffman (from the Houston Dynamo)
continues to impress in Colorado Springs. Veteran forward Aaron King has scored seven times
this season for the Switchbacks, while Marty Maybin has added three goals and great energy
when inserted into the lineup. With most of the Switchbacks’ goals coming from central and
wide midfield in Captain Luke Vercollone (12 goals) and the aforementioned Miguel Gonzalez
(10 goals), defending the Switchbacks will no doubt be a near-nightmare for Austin Aztex Head
Coach Paul Dalglish.
Austin Aztex strikers Kris Tyrpak and Trevin Cesar lead their team with 8 goals each, while
fellow forward Drew Yates is another offensive name to watch. Aztex defender Fernando Timbo
is a player who can influence the game at both ends. A strapping center back, Timbo is effective
in the air and must be well watched by the Switchbacks’ defense when under set-piece threats.
Lance Rozeboom, a defender who can push forward into midfield, has linked well this season
with box-to-box midfielder Tony Rocha who has so far accounted for 3 assists.
Josh Phillips, the lynchpin of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s defense, gave another
all-out performance in Portland to help secure his teams’ clean-sheet. While thrilled to have
made the playoffs, Phillips insisted that simply reaching them is not sufficient. “Making the
playoffs is no longer good enough. The conference title is now our new goal. Win our last three
games – we win it outright. And that’s what we need to do,” said Phillips in typically no-nonsense
fashion.
Midfielder Mike Seth – one of the most outstanding and under-the-radar performers for the
Switchbacks this season, echoed the sentiments of Phillips. Seth, having appeared in 23
games so far and with three goals and two assists to his name, pushed the idea of clinching
the Western Conference as the Switchbacks’ new goal. “It was good to clinch [playoff spot]
and get the pressure off,” insisted Seth. “Now we have to try everything to get first place…the
title would mean a lot with the great home record we have. It would mean everything to us!”
While there may be some concern as to how to balance the fact the Switchbacks have already
clinched their all-important playoff spot with the need to rest players and keep them from
potential injury, Head Coach Trittschuh would not be drawn on easing his team into the playoffs.
“Teams don’t want to come to Sand Creek Stadium,” said Trittschuh. “We have a tough week
ahead, but we will be going all-out for the regular season title.”
For more information about the Switchbacks FC, or to purchase tickets, go to http://
switchbacksfc.com. Fans can also follow the team on Facebook www.facebook.com/
switchbacksfc or Twitter @SwitchbacksFC.
STATISTICS
Overall: 13-9-3
Home: 8-2-2
Away: 5-7-1
Overall: 9-13-3
Home: 6-5-3
Away: 3-8-0
Exclusive commercial and retail banking partner
of the Switchbacks FC
2015
TEAMCOLORADO
ROSTER
SPRINGS
SWITCHBACKS FC
1 (GK)
Devala
Gorrick
2 (D)
Josh
7 (M)
8 (M)
Phillips
3 (D)
Chris
Nate
Robinson
9 (F)
Christian
4 (M)
Luke
Vercollone
5 (D)
Jamie
McGuinness
6 (M)
Davy
Armstrong
Rony
Argueta
Martin
Maybin
10 (F)
Miguel
Gonzalez
11 (M)
Saeed
Robinson
12 (F)
Mike
Seth
Head Coach
Steve Trittschuh
13 (M)
Kevin
Durr
14 (M)
Carlos
Contreras
15 (F)
Chandler
Assistant Coaches
Wolde Harris
Trey Harrington
Lou Sagastume
19 (GK)
Jeremy
Crumpton
21 (D)
Shintaro
Harada
22 (D)
Hoffman
16 (F)
Charles
23 (GK)
Eloundou
17 (D)
Kareem
Aaron
King
Samir
Badr
25 (D)
Smith
18 (F)
Taylor
Hunter
Jordan
Burt
34 (D)
JJ
Greer
2015
TEAM ROSTER
AUSTIN
AZTEX
1 (GK)
Devin
9 (M)
Perales
2 (D)
Ryan
Gall
10 (F)
Roushandel
3 (D)
Michael
Ambrose
4 (D)
Juan
Travis
11 (M)
Julio
Cuero
Gregory
Mulamba
12 (F)
Drew
Yates
14 (D)
Golden
8 (M)
Mozesh
Gyorio
Cruz
5 (D)
Romain
Brian
Fekete
15 (F)
Bryce
Taylor
Head Coach
Paul Dalglish
16 (M)
Tony
Rocha
17 (M)
Brendan
King
18 (F)
Kristopher
Tyrpak
19 (D)
Max
Gunderson
20 (F)
Sainey
Touray
21 (F)
Trevin
Caesar
Assistant Coaches
Zack Pope
Ben Crawley
Ric Granryd
Junro Narita
23 (M)
Guaraci
25 (M)
Lance
Rozeboom
66 (GK)
Cody
Laurendi
77 (D)
Fernando
Timbo
Two outstanding
orthopaedic programs,
joined at the hip!
Penrose-St. Francis Health Services and Front Range Orthopaedics,
a Centura Health Clinic, are proud partners bringing you world-class
orthopaedic care for bones, joints, muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons.
Let us keep your body in motion with personalized, patient centered care.
Official Hospital and Orthopaedic Partner of the Switchbacks FC.
719-473-3332
We are part of Centura Health, the
region’s leading health care network.
Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual
orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information
about this policy contact Centura Health’s Office of the General Counsel at (303) 804-8166.
Our Journey
November 25, 2013
Franchise Approved
The USL and MLS approved Ragain Sports’ franchise application.
December 5, 2013
Franchise Announced
Mayor Steve Bach, USL President Tim Holt, and Franchise Owner Ed Ragain
announced the team at the Penrose House.
January 24, 2014
Name Announced
Ragain Sports, LLC announced its team name at Jack Quinn’s Pub downtown. Seven
hundred people contributed name ideas and input. The top five names from the five
most common name categories were submitted back to the public for their vote. Live
radio, newspaper, and local television covered the event.
March 11, 2014
Head Coach Selected
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC selected and announced their head coach
Steve Trittschuh at St. Francis Hospital. Steve played on the 1988 Olympic Soccer
Team and the 1990 World Cup Team, the first American to compete in the Premier
League championship, played with the Colorado Rapids for 6 years, coached with
the Rapids for 4 years, coached with top competitive clubs in the state including
Rush and Storm, and was admitted to the Colorado Youth Soccer Hall of Fame. The
announcement was covered by local television and newspaper.
June 5, 2014
Crest Reveal Party
After months of anticipation, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC officially unveils
the logo at Ivy Wild and Bristol Brewery. The fanfare includes a balloon drop, DJ, lighting effects, video and a 3D motion graphic real-piece. Two hundred and fifty soccer
fans fill the venue to maximum capacity. Following the unveiling of the Switchback
logo, fans rush for the opportunity to purchase the first Switchbacks merchandise
to go on sale.
July 17, 2014
Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks hosted the Major, City officials, and the design/
construction team at Sand Creek Stadium to officially break ground on the stadium
improvements project. This project will complete a vision that the US Soccer Federation, the USOC, and the City of Colorado Springs began thirty years ago.
October 16, 2014
Stadium Renovation
Sand Creek Stadium remodel opens to the press for the first time and Arizona United
SC practice on the field in preparation for the Pro Soccer Kickoff. The project was
under such a crunch that it didn’t receive RBD approval until the day before the game.
The City was a great partner in completing this project.
October 18, 2014
Pro Soccer Kickoff
LA Galaxy II faced off against Arizona United SC in the first ever pro soccer exhibition
in Colorado Springs. The stadium saw nearly 3,000 fans fill the stadium to watch the
two teams compete. Arizona United’s Long Tan scored the only goal of the match to
substantiate all the press the Chinese native has been receiving.
Partnership
OPPORTUNITIES
The Switchbacks are looking for partners that share a big vision for their
organization and desire to use sports and entertainment to create and
enhance their customer relationships. We are seeking partners who demand
more out of their marketing budgets, seeking higher quality marketing
opportunities. At our core, the Switchbacks Football Club is a marketing
company focused on generating quality content and experiences for soccer
fans in Colorado Springs. Critical to our success are partners who want a
unique and exciting platform to engage and drive business. The Switchbacks
FC desire to understand our partners’ business needs and develop unique
and custom approaches to generate success. Our goal is to create fewer
but larger partnerships to increase value and return (More information
available upon request).
Choose to believe! Choose to partner with the Switchbacks!
Trailheads
SUPPORTERS GROUP
Trailheads SG is an independent fan supporters
group of Switchbacks FC. Our aim is to support
our beloved Switchbacks and to create the
best atmosphere in the United Soccer League.
Hearts on our sleeves and many voices strong,
the Trailheads SG fills Sand Creek Stadium with
songs, scarves, flags, and confetti. Our energy
flows onto the pitch whenever the Switchbacks
play. Look to the Southeast end to see and
hear Trailheads SG in action on game day. The
Trailheads are filled with people from every part of the community and every
walk of life, turning each game into a celebration of its love of Colorado
Springs, of soccer, and of the Switchbacks.
If you like your sports passionate - if you’re proud of the Springs -if you
appreciate the Beautiful Game - YOU are a Trailhead! Join us before the
game in the Southeast parking lot for a tailgate or just wander into the
Southeast end and join the fun! While our in-game activities are centered
on the Southeast stands, members are welcome from every area of the
stadium. No membership, no initiation, no rules, no fuss. Check us out on
facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/TrailheadsSG/
PUB PARTNERS
Team Store
For great deals, visit our Team Stores at the East and
West side entrances of Sand Creek Stadium. Also, come down
to our office store location at 234 N Tejon - Colorado Springs, CO
80903 or drop by our store on the web at shop.switchbacks.com
VillaSport invites
you to enjoy a
FREE
DAY
PASS
and see firsthand
what makes VillaSport
the only place where
fitness, family and
community all come
together.
Bring this ad when you
visit the club. Offer
expires on June 15, 2015.
5904 Prairie Schooner Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80923 | 719-522-1221 | www.villasport.com
Associates in Dental Care
“We put the CARE back in Dental Care!”
Official Dental Care provider for the Switchbacks FC
Our goal is to keep our
patients healthy through
comprehensive oral care
for their whole lives.
www.associatesindentalcare.com
TAKING GOOD HEALTH TO NEW HEIGHTS
We believe everyone should have access to a healthy life,
no matter where they are. That’s why our health plans give
you a choice – members in Southern Colorado can visit a
Kaiser Permanente medical office or visit a network provider in
their plan. Because when you can get the care you need,
when you need it, it’s a whole lot easier to score that goal.
kp.org/thrive
soccerad_print_CO.indd 1
This is the summer
I will …
/myhealthycoloradan
@HealthColo
HealthyColoradan.com
3/24/15 1:18 PM