The host Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C) defeated FC Denver (USASA) 1-0 in Round 2 of the 2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. This was the second year in a row the two sides have met in the Open Cup, with the Switchbacks pulling out a 3-2 victory in 2018.
The scoring chances came early with a flourish of opportunities by both sides turned away by goalkeepers on both sides. FC Denver keeper Jacob Peterson made several saves, including a point blank stop on a Mike Seth shot in the 14th minute, and a Matt Hundley blast in the 39th minute. His counterpart in the net for Colorado Springs, 16-year-old Abraham Rodriguez, was equal to the task making several spectacular saves, including turning away a Peter Jacobson shot in a seemingly wide open net in the 25th minute.
Last year it was 3-2, this year it’s 1-0 as @cospringsfc (USLC) eliminate @FC_Denver (USASA) two years straight in #USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/s01mM8JKNh
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 16, 2019
“I was just doing my job. I was trying to keep the team in the game and saves like that help give us the win.” Rodriguez said.
The deadlock was finally broke in the 45th minute as Kwansi Donsu struck a shot from 30 yards out to open the scoring for the Switchbacks.
“First of all, I want to thank God and our supporters. They always support us. It was a good game for me because it was my first goal for the Switchbacks,” Donsu said. “I’m very happy I scored a goal and we won.”
In the second half, FC Denver attempted to push the play but could not solve the Switchbacks defense. The first half-goal proved to be the game winner and push Colorado Springs on to the Round 3, facing New Mexico United.