Oklahoma City Energy FC handed Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC a rare home defeat as OKC advanced to the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup a 2-1 winner at Weidner Field.
Oklahoma City advances to the Fourth Round, where they will face MLS side Colorado Rapids at Dicks Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado on June 13.
“I thought we played a very, very smart game,” said Energy head coach Jimmy Nielsen. “We defended extremely well, counter attacked a few times, and dominated the second .”
The Energy controlled the game from the outset, controlling the pace and kept Colorado Springs on its back heels. Oklahoma City dominated statistically, outshooting the home side 8-3 and earning six corners, but despite the numerous opportunities, the teams were even heading into the half, 0-0.
“We fought hard tonight, but it wasn’t good enough,” said Switchbacks midfielder Conner Bevans. “We didn’t take advantage of our opportunities in the first half.”
Colorado Springs came out brightly to start the second half, and managed several scoring chances, but never seriously challenged Oklahoma City goalkeeper C.J. Cochran. The Energy broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, when Jose Barril curled in a beauty past Colorado Springs keeper Dan “Stonewall” Jackson. Oklahoma City doubled the lead less than 10 minutes later, when Wojciech Wojcik slipped behind the Switchbacks backline and slotted a goal in the 83rd minute. Wojcik, who celebrated his 25th birthday, convened a celebration with his teammates, as the game looked well in hand.
Colorado Springs managed to build some steam late when Kevaughn Frater was fouled in the box, resulting in a penalty kick in the 90th minute. Defender Jordan Burt stepped to the spot and calmly converted, giving Switchbacks faithful some hope but they could not find an equalizer.
“We weren’t good enough tonight and lacked the energy we needed to win,” said Switchbacks head coach Steve Trittschuh.