Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Jason Smith

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Colorado Springs Switchbacks control game, but need PKs to oust Spokane

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Apr 1, 2026; Colorado Springs, CO, USA; Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defender Talen Maples (24) celebrates his goal with forward Levonte Johnson (11) and midfielder Adrien Perez (10) against Spokane Velocity FC at Weidner Field. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC

If you had told the Colorado Springs Switchbacks that it would take 120 minutes and penalty kicks to get past the Spokane Velocity, they might have suggested it was an April Fool’s joke. However, that’s what the USL Championship squad needed — a 4-2 win on PKs after a 1-1 draw against the USL League One side — to secure a ticket to the Round of 32 in the US Open Cup.

The night started ominously as dark clouds erupted in freezing rain 30 minutes before kickoff. While the skies cleared up at kickoff, the temperature stayed at a chilly 48 degrees, keeping the hundreds of Switchbacks fans stay bundled up for the remainder of the game.

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For Spokane, their temperature continued running cold, coming off a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of USL League One’s Charlotte Independence in league play. The USL Championship’s Switchbacks came in after losing to rival New Mexico United after surrendering the winning goal in injury time, falling 3-2. 

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Both teams hoped to warm things up in their first-ever meeting.
For most of the evening, the field was tilted in the Switchbacks favor, dominating 70% of the possession. Despite the dominance, it would take until the 45th minute for the home team to break through with a Talen Maples left-footed goal for a 1-0 lead. The Switchbacks smothering defense kept the Velocity out of their penalty box altogether in the first half, not allowing them an offensive touch.

For much of the second half the story remained the same. Spokane didn’t notch a shot on goal until forcing Switchbacks keeper Christian Herrera into a save in the 60th minute. However, their strategy of staying compact defensively frustrated the Switchbacks all night.

Things looked secure for the Switchbacks to advance until the 87th minute when Spokane received a free kick off of a Colorado Springs handball. Velocity midfielder Joe Gallardo placed the free kick perfectly to Andrew Booth, who headed it past an outstretched Herrera for the equalizer at 1-1. 

Despite a hurried remaining four minutes of injury time, neither team scored, and the game advanced into extra time.

Colorado Springs pressed the attack in a frenzy to begin the extra time, garnering 11 of their 28 shots on goal in the final 30 minutes. Despite the shots, none of them challenged Spokane keeper Sean Lewis with zero shot on frame. As the Velocity’s legs became heavier between the minutes played and the altitude, they appeared content to take the game to penalty kicks.

The Switchbacks chose to play to the goal in front of their supporters section, and the hundreds that remained after two hours of rain and cold rushed to join the Trailheads as the noise in Weidner Field went from near deafening to silence as Colorado Springs, Khori Bennett lined up for the opening shot. 

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC goalkeeper Christian Herrera makes a save in the PK shootout vs. Spokane Velocity in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC goalkeeper Christian Herrera makes a save in the PK shootout vs. Spokane Velocity in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC

They erupted as he buried it into the back of the to start the session. Up next came Spokane’s Anuar Jose Pelaez, who attempted to slide it to his bottom left, only to be saved by Herrera. Adrien Perez scored next for the Switchbacks, and Herrera again made a save, this time against Simon Fitch. Maples failed to convert on his kick, bouncing it off the woodwork. Mark Hernandez gave the visitors hope, converting his kick, as the home side’s Yosuke Hanya likewise converted his shot. 

Former Switchback Andre Lewis gave his current squad hope by converting his shot, setting the scene for the Switchbacks to win with a successful penalty kick. Then, 21-year-old Sadam Masereka stepped up and buried his chance, sending the Championship side on to the next round, and the visitors home empty handed.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: In first-ever game, 10-man Northern Colorado Hailstorm stun Switchbacks

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Northern Colorado Hailstorm Colorado Springs Switchbacks 2022 US Open Cup
Players from Northern Colorado Hailstorm (white) and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks battle for the ball in their Second Round match in the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Northern Colorado Hailstorm

On a chilly April Colorado night, the Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC found just enough magic to defeat the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in extra time 1-0 to advance to the Third Round of the US Open Cup.

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Colorado Springs came into the game as the only perfect team in the USL Championship, with a record of 4-0-0. While they decided to rest regular starters Hadji Barry, Michee Ngalina, and Cam Lindley, they did come prepared with their regular back line of Jimmy Ockford, Tristan Hodge, and Dennis Erdmann.

For Northern Colorado, this was the first competitive game in club history, and all eyes were on USL veteran Irvin Parra, who came into this season with 103 USL Championship appearances and 39 goals.

The night started quickly as the Hailstorm almost saw disaster when Switchbacks forward Kharlton Belmar scored in the first minute, but the goal was ruled offside and waived off.

Both teams exchanged possessions early, but the tenor of the game changed in the 27th minute when Parra swung an elbow that connected with Dennis Erdmann’s face. Referee Laura Rodriguez consulted at length with her linesman before concluding the offense was deserving of a straight red card, and the Hailstorm found themselves down to 10 men early in the game.

The Switchbacks began to press hard, with Zach Zandi missing a wide open goal on a Belmar pass, and Belmar missing a point blank shot shortly before the half. The Hailstorm held on with a bend-don’t-break defense and the first half ended deadlocked at 0-0.

The second half began much as the first half ended, with the Hailstorm withstanding a furious attack by the Switchbacks. Despite controlling play, and pressing at will, the Switchbacks could not find the back of the net, with their best chances coming from a pair of shots from Tristan Hodge that bounced off the woodwork.

Northern Colorado nearly pulled out the victory in the 89th minute when Lachlan McLean struck a shot that was barely saved by keeper Christian Herrera. By the end of 90 minutes, both teams were still unable to find glory, and went into extra time scoreless.

The stalemate was quickly broken in extra time, when in the 96th minute McLean fed a ball to Jerry Desdunes who bashed it home to give the debutant Hailstorm their first ever goal, and the lead.

Things further unraveled for the Switchbacks in the 103rd minute, Hodge picked up his second yellow, and was sent off, evening the sides at 10 men apiece. The Switchbacks continued to frantically press but could not find the equalizer. The final whistle blew and the Hailstorm picked up their first win, 1-0.

Northern Colorado will advance to Round 3 of the Open Cup, and will await their next opponent, which will be announced Friday when the pairings are drawn at Noon ET. They open League One league play Saturday April 9 at the Richmond Kickers.

Colorado Springs failed to advance out of the Second Round for the first time in club history (five previous appearances). They will look to turn things around and continue their undefeated Championship league campaign April 6 at the Las Vegas Lights, who were also eliminated from the tournament on Wednesday night.

2019 US Open Cup Round 3: New Mexico United, aided by Switchbacks red card in OT, advance to Round 4

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Players from the Colorado Springs Switchbacks (left) and New Mexico United battle for the ball in a Third Round matchup in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC
Players from the Colorado Springs Switchbacks (left) and New Mexico United battle for the ball in a Third Round matchup in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC

On a cold rainy night, New Mexico United defeated the Colorado Springs Switchbacks for the second time in a row, this time bringing their Four Corners Cup rival’s US Open Cup run to a bitter end, 2-1.

The USL Championship Western Conference rivals faced off for the second time in 10 days, with the expansion powerhouse from New Mexico winning the league game 3-1 at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs. United, who are currently in first place in the league in their inaugural season, continued their inaugural US Open Cup campaign by defeating the last place Switchbacks in Wednesday’s Third Round matchup.

With the win, United continues to add to their Open Cup resume as they only New Mexico-based club in the Modern Era to win a tournament game.

Colorado Springs held their own in the first half, largely pushing the New Mexico side to the brink and controlling the run of play. Both teams brought their regular starters to the match, with only New Mexico captain, and former Switchback captain, Josh Suggs taking the night off.

After a scoreless first half, the Switchbacks opened the scoring early in the second half, when Jordan Burt found the lower-left hand corner to beat keeper Cody Mizzel for a goal. After taking the lead, the home-side Colorado Springs elected to play defense, often dropping nine players into the defensive third in an effort to keep the high-scoring New Mexico side from equalizing.

The plan nearly worked, with 16-year-old goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez making several spectacular saves and the defense frustrating New Mexico. Finally, in the 87th minute, former Switchback Kevaughn Frater found Chris Wehan open in front of the goal to equalize the game at 1-1, sending the match into extra time.

Extra time opened immediately with a bit of controversy. In the 93rd minute, a New Mexico player appeared to be pulled down in the box, and a penalty kick was awarded. In the ensuing rush, referee Karen Abt and Switchback midfielder Rony Argueta collided. Abt, feeling that the contact unnecessary, immediately issued Argueta a red card. New Mexico United’s Kevaugn Frater calmly converted the penalty kick to give the visitors the lead, 2-1.

The 10-man Switchbacks never managed to overcome the turn of events, and largely spent the extra 30 minutes stuck in their defensive third as New Mexico controlled the ball. New Mexico ended the night victorious, much to the delight of the 20-30 traveling supporters.

The loss is the third straight year the Switchbacks have been eliminated in the Third Round, having lost to San Antonio in 2018 in PKs, and to the Oklahoma City Energy in 2017. With the exit out of the US Open Cup, the Switchbacks continue the USL Championship season looking to improve their last play position.

New Mexico United move on to the Fourth Round in their inaugural Open Cup run where they will travel to take on MLS side Colorado Rapids.

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Colorado Springs Switchbacks earn home win vs. FC Denver … again

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Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC midfielder Kwasi Donsu (20) celebrates with teammates after his goal in the first half against FC Denver in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Weidner Field. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC midfielder Kwasi Donsu (20) celebrates with teammates after his goal in the first half against FC Denver in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Weidner Field. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC

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.

“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.

2018 US Open Cup Round 2: Switchbacks FC scores late PK to get past FC Denver

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The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC won their opening round game in the US Open Cup for the fourth year in a row. Photo: Isaiah Downing | Switchbacks FC
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC won their opening round game in the US Open Cup for the fourth year in a row. Photo: Isaiah Downing | Switchbacks FC

On a night that saw many United Soccer League (USL) teams fall to open division teams, it took everything the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC had not to join the list. The Switchbacks welcomed FC Denver to Weidner Field, an amateur team that was coming off a First Round victory over Azteca FC, 4-2.

From the opening whistle, FC Denver looked to be the more aggressive side, jumping on miscues from the sluggish-looking home team, often to the delight of the large traveling contingent in the stands who made the 90-minute trip south to Colorado Springs. Their devotion was rewarded in the 38th minute when Fernando Magallanes headed in a goal for the visiting team. The half ended, with FC Denver leading 1-0.

The second half saw the Switchbacks make some adjustments, bringing in Saeed Robinson and Luke Vercollone. Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute when a Josh Suggs corner kick found Pascal Eboussi who deflected the ball into the net, bringing the game back into a tie, 1-1. Just three minutes later, Robinson set up Uriel Macias for his first professional goal, giving the Switchbacks a 2-1 lead over FC Denver.

FC Denver did not go down quietly, however, and kept the pressure on the home team. Their aggressive play led to a would-be tying goal on a howler of a mistake from the Switchbacks back line and goalkeeper Mouise Pouaty. FC Denver had a free kick from their own half of the field in the 70th minute. The ball was played in from the kick, and indecision between Pouaty and his defense led to the ball bounce untouched in the goal, seemingly tying up the contest. During the celebration, the referee and his side judge convened, and after several minutes of discussion waived off the goal. Because the goal was scored off of an offside restart, which is an indirect free kick, and did not touch any player before being scored, by rule, the goal was waived off, and Colorado Springs was awarded a goal kick.

FC Denver pressed on, and were rewarded with a penalty kick in the 77th minute off an apparent handball in the box. Cesar Castillo, who scored a hat trick in FC Denver’s opening round win over Azteca FC, stepped up and deftly converted the shot, and tied the game at 2-2.

The game seemed to be destined for extra time, as both teams continued to pressure for the decisive goal. In the 88th minute, Robinson used his speed to break down the FC Denver defense, and was clipped in the heel in the box, leading to a penalty kick. Longtime Switchbacks defender Jordan Burt stepped up and converted, giving the home team the 3-2 lead. Despite desperate pressure by FC Denver in injury time, the game ended with a spectacular diving save from Pouaty.

Switchbacks assistant coach Wolde Harris stepped into the head coach’s role for the game and handled the training, planning and game management.

“It’s Wolde’s game – he’s the man,” said head coach Steve Trittschuh. “It’s a part of taking my Pro License and it’s for Wolde’s development as a coach. Wolde will prepare the team and get them ready for Wednesday and it’s all him for this game and that’s great for him and for everybody.”

After the game, Harris commented, “We came out flat in the first half which we can’t do against a USL opponent. We fought back in the second half after we made two impactful substitutions. Saeed Robinson came on and got an assist and set up the game-winning penalty kick. Luke’s experience stabilized the team even after the second goal.”

The Switchbacks will advance to the Third round, and face fellow USL Western Conference side, San Antonio FC, who easily handled their second-round opponent, Midland-Odessa Sockers FC (NPSL), shutting them out 4-0.

2017 US Open Cup Round 4: Colorado Rapids pull off historic comeback in win over OKC Energy

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Dillon Powers of the Colorado Rapids delivered the corner kick in the 89th minute that Dennis Castillo headed in for the game-winning goal against the OKC Energy FC in the Fourth Round of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Bart Young/Colorado Rapids
Dillon Powers of the Colorado Rapids delivered the corner kick in the 89th minute that Dennis Castillo headed in for the game-winning goal against the OKC Energy FC in the Fourth Round of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Bart Young/Colorado Rapids

The Colorado Rapids (MLS) needed a dramatic, come-from-behind effort to defeat the Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL) 3-2 in the Fourth Round of the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The go ahead goal came off a Dillon Powers corner that connected with Dennis Castillo in the 89th minute.

The Rapids have been competing in the US Open Cup since the club’s inaugural season in 1996 and Tuesday night’s contest marked the first time in the Rapids’ tournament history that they have overcome a two-goal deficit.

With both sides missing or resting regular starters, Oklahoma City appeared to start the game content to sit back and defend, willing to wait for counter attacking opportunities. The Rapids almost made them pay early, when Dillon Serna had a rocket miss just wide in the 8th minute.

Oklahoma City’s patience paid off in the 38th minute when Daniel Jackson found Daniel Gonzalez to open up the scoring.

Things went from bad to worse for the Rapids when in the 40th minute, defender Bobby Burling appeared to take a knock on his leg, and headed straight to the locker room. The Rapids were forced to play with 10 men while a Dominique Badji prepared to be subbed in. Oklahoma City took quick advantage, with Philip Rasmussen scoring off another assist by Daniel Jackson.

At halftime, the lower division Energy had the top flight Rapids reeling with a 2-0 lead.

The Rapids came out from halftime with an increased sense of urgency, and found joy in the 49th minute when a Dennis Castillo cross found Badji at the top of the six-yard box to cut the deficit in half.

Oklahoma City dodged a bullet shortly after when in the 53rd minute, it appeared that Energy defender Kyle Hyland pulled down Rapids’ midfielder Josh Gatt in the box. Referee Karen Abt was not impressed however and did not call for a penalty kick.

The Rapids continued the pressure into the second half, and found the equalizer off a corner kick in the 66th minute when Eric Miller redirected a header from Alan Gordon into the net. The game appeared to be destined for extra time, knotted up 2-2 until the 89th minute when Dennis Castillo scored off of a Dillon Powers corner kick. The final whistle blew shortly after, completing the desperate 3-2 victory for the Rapids.

Statistically, the Rapids dominated the game, in both in shots (12-8) and possession (56.4%-43.6%) The Rapids also held a decisive advantage on corner kicks for the night, shutting out the visitors 7-0.

The Rapids move on to the Fifth Round of the US Open Cup looking to break a streak of 13 straight US Open Cup tournaments without multiple wins, a Modern Era record.

In MLS league play, they will welcome the Portland Timbers to Dicks Sporting Goods Park on Saturday night at 7 p.m. MT.

The Oklahoma City Energy will return to USL league play on Friday night, as they visit the Timbers USL affiliate, T2, in Portland Friday night at Providence Park.

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: OKC Energy beat Switchbacks to earn MLS matchup for third straight year

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oklahoma city energy logo

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.

2017 US Open Cup Round 2: Colorado Springs Switchbacks surge in second half to topple FC Tucson

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Colorado Springs SwitchbacksThe Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defeated FC Tucson 2-0 in the Second Round of the US Open Cup on a brisk spring night at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs before a crowd of 1,472.

Switchbacks FC knew heading into their match that they had their work cut out for them. Coming
off a road defeat in USL league play the past weekend to Vancouver Whitecaps 2, and heading into a crucial road match up against Salt Lake City this weekend, Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh knew that he would have some heavy legs on his team, and needed to rest some crucial starters. As expected, a lot of bench players saw game action, which could account for the slow start to the game, as each team tried to figure out where the other stood. Most notable of the changes was Switchbacks defender Sean McFarlane starting at center forward, who played remarkably well despite being lined up drastically out of position. While both sides took venturing stabs into the offensive third, neither side found themselves in any real danger. At the half the two teams went to the locker room knotted up 0-0.

The Switchbacks came out aggressively to start the second half and were immediately rewarded when Jun-Gyeong Park found the back of the net in the 46th minute. Fans barely had time to sit down after celebrating as Diego Gutierrez connected with Kevaughn Frater in the 48th minute to put the home side up 2-0.

“We came out running tonight. The offensive played well, and tonight we really played for each other,” Frater said.

FC Tucson didn’t cave however, as they quickly regrouped and continually applied pressure throughout the second half, including some near misses from Nico Salabarrieta, and Nic Harguindeguy late. Colorado Springs had several opportunities in transition as well, the best being a Jack Jones curler that was deftly parried by FC Tucson keeper Luis Barraza. In the end, FC Tucson could not solve the Switchbacks defense and Switchbacks keeper Dan “Stonewall” Jackson earned the first shutout of his pro career.

“FC Tucson brought a good fight,” former FC Tucson player and current Switchbacks defender Conner Bevans said. “We got off to a fast start in the second half and really took control.”

Added Trittschuh: “It was a good chance for guys who haven’t been playing to get some minutes and rest some of our regular starters. Now it’s onto the next round.”

The Switchbacks win means they will face Oklahoma City Energy FC in the Third Round on May 31 at Weidner Field. The two teams met earlier in league play at Weidner Field, a game that ended in a 1-1 tie.

FC Tucson starting XI; Barraza, Krutzen, Vasquez, Pineda, Hinkson, Perez, Polster, Berumen, Pinheiro, Solabarrieta, Schmitt. (SUB Harguinday 58”, Musovski 58”)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC starting XI; Jackson, Bevans, Eboussi, Gutierrez, Suggs, Prugh, Kim, Park, Cawsey, Frater, McFarlane. (SUB Jones 62”, King 67”, Argueta 78”)

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