2015 gameday program - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

2015 GAMEDAY PROGRAM
FRIDAY
JULY 3
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
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Sitting just two points off the top of the USL Western Conference, the
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC are arguably the hottest team in the
league. Due to uneven schedules, Switchbacks FC have played fewer
games in the Western Conference than joint-leaders Sacramento Republic
FC and the Seattle Sounders FC 2. Should the winning-streak for
Switchbacks FC continue against the Austin Aztex, they will reestablish
their lead atop the league.
Undefeated and the scorers of fourteen goals in June, Switchbacks FC
will look to start July in similar high-scoring fashion against an Aztex team that has struggled so far
this season for consistency.
Sitting 8th in the USL Western Conference, the Aztex enter Sand Creek Stadium on the back of
two ties. After a rainy 1-1 draw in Austin against the Tulsa Roughnecks FC, Head Coach Paul Dalglish’s
squad was held scoreless against Sacramento Republic FC.
Left-sided defender Fernando Timbo, who brings both a domineering physical presence and keen
eye for a pass, was named to the USL Team of the Week after helping the Aztex keep the
aforementioned Sacramento Republic goalless last Saturday. A native of Curitiba, Brazil, Timbo is
joined on the Aztex roster by fellow Brazilian Guaraci, a midfielder with good speed and the positional
awareness that has so helped in defining his country’s soccer prowess.
Aztex Head Coach Paul Dalglish is the son of one of Scottish football’s greatest ever players:
Kenny Dalglish. Known by fans of Liverpool F.C. as simply ‘King Kenny’, Kenny Dalglish enjoyed a
marvelous playing career with his hometown Celtic F.C. before moving south to Liverpool where his
goals wrote his name into Liverpudlian folklore. King Kenny enjoyed two spells as Manager of his
beloved Liverpool F.C. once his playing days ended, as well as taking the reigns at Blackburn Rovers,
Newcastle United, and Celtic F.C.
Paul Dalglish – who, like his father, was born in Glasgow, Scotland – enjoyed a career that spanned
two decades and two continents. After spells around England and Scotland, Paul moved to the
Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer. After his playing career, Paul Dalglish began his coaching
as an assistant with the Dynamo. Now in his second stint as Head Coach of the Austin Aztex, Paul
Dalglish is also the team’s Technical Director.
Aztex striker and Texas native Kris Tyrpak leads the team from Texas’ capitol city with 6 goals so
far in the 2015 USL campaign. Named to the USL Team of the Week on May 12th, Tyrpak is also the
Aztex’s team leader in shots with a whopping 34. Fellow striker Trevin Caesar is second on the
Aztex with 4 goals, and while he has been coming off the bench in recent weeks, Caesar brings
quality to the Aztex’s forward line. Capped at senior international level by his native Trinidad and
Tobago, Trevin Caesar may have the opportunity to face off against his fellow countryman in
Switchbacks FC defender Kareem Smith.
Like the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, the Austin Aztex have two genuine number 1
starting goalkeepers on their roster. Cody Laurendi, who was named to the USL Team of the
Week after an outstanding performance in a 1-0 win against the Switchbacks on April 25th, is
joined by Austin-native Devin Perales. Perales started for Paul Dalglish’s team last weekend
against Sacramento Republic FC, and has had the majority of starts over the 2015 season.
With the expansion of the USL for the 2015 season came a split by the league into Eastern
and Western Conferences. Along with this new format, the USL paired teams against geographic
rivals four times per season in order to create a local rivalry. The Colorado Springs Switchbacks
FC were tasked with facing off against Rocky Mountain adversaries Real Monarchs of Salt Lake
City and the Austin Aztex for these local meetings.
Having already played the Aztex twice this season – both in Austin – Switchbacks FC will look
to use that familiarity with the Aztex to their advantage. Both games in Austin lead to Switchbacks
FC defeats. A 2-0 loss in the first-ever USL game for the Switchbacks FC on March 28th was
followed by a tight 1-0 loss on April 25th. Despite these two shutouts, Switchbacks FC will
no doubt be looking forward to both a little home cooking at Sand Creek Stadium and the fact
the Switchbacks FC’s offense has been in unstoppable form in recent weeks.
A 5-0 thrashing of the Orange County Blues FC in their last match has lead the rest of the
USL Western Conference to sit up and take notice of just how powerful Switchbacks FC can
be at Sand Creek Stadium. The match against the OC Blues was the 6th consecutive home
win for the Switchbacks, who have scored an eye watering 23 goals in those victories.
With two goals in the demolition of the OC Blues FC, Switchbacks FC striker Aaron King earned
himself a place on the bench of the USL Team of the Week. Joined there by Mike Seth – who
himself had a goal, as well as two magnificent assists in the 5-0 win – Switchbacks FC were
the most represented squad in the USL Team of the Week. Switchbacks FC defender Josh
Phillips was named in the starting XI of the Team of Week after his powerful performances in
recent weeks.
A defender with tremendous aerial ability, Phillips has formed a rock-solid partnership with
fellow center back JJ Greer that has helped Switchbacks FC in relenting just four goals over
their 6-match home winning streak.
As speedy winger Saeed Robinson edges ever closer to his return from injury, the Switchbacks
FC’s offense is in full-flowing goal scoring form. The offense, bolstered by the foundation of
a rock solid defense and the tenacious midfield play of Captain Luke Vercollone, Rony Argueta,
and Shintaro Harada, the Switchbacks are the hottest in the USL with a total of 31 goals scored.
A pre-4th of July fireworks display will follow the game at Sand Creek Stadium, but with the
Switchbacks FC offense clicking to such a dominating extent, there are sure to be even more
sparkling incidents on the field against the Austin Aztex to satisfy even the most ardent offensive
soccer fan.
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: 9-5-0
Home: 6-1-0
Away: 3-4-0
Overall: 5-7-3
Home: 3-3-3
Away: 2-4-0
Exclusive commercial and retail banking partner
of the Switchbacks FC
2015
TEAMCOLORADO
ROSTER
SPRINGS
SWITCHBACKS FC
1 (GK)
Devala
8 (M)
Gorrick
2 (D)
Josh
9 (F)
Phillips
4 (M)
Luke
Vercollone
5 (D)
Jamie
McGuinness
6 (M)
Davy
Rony
Argueta
10 (F)
Nate
Robinson
Miguel
Gonzalez
11 (M)
Saeed
Robinson
12 (F)
Mike
Seth
Armstrong
7 (M)
Martin
Maybin
13 (M)
Kevin
Durr
Head Coach
Steve Trittschuh
14 (M)
Carlos
Assistant Coaches
Wolde Harris
Trey Harrington
Lou Sagastume
23 (GK)
Contreras
17 (D)
Kareem
Badr
25 (D)
Aaron
King
19 (GK)
Jeremy
Crumpton
21 (D)
Shintaro
Harada
22 (D)
Taylor
Hunter
Jordan
Burt
Smith
18 (F)
Samir
30 (D)
Kley
Bejarano
34 (D)
JJ
Greer
2015
TEAM ROSTER
AUSTIN
AZTEX
1 (GK)
Devin
8 (M)
Perales
2 (D)
Ryan
10 (F)
Roushandel
3 (D)
Michael
Ambrose
4 (D)
Juan
Travis
11 (M)
Kyle
Hoffer
Gregory
Mulamba
12 (F)
Drew
Yates
14 (D)
Golden
6 (D)
Mozesh
Gyorio
Cruz
5 (D)
Julio
Cuero
Brian
Fekete
15 (F)
Bryce
Taylor
Head Coach
Paul Dalglish
16 (M)
Tony
Assistant Coaches
Zack Pope
Ben Crawley
Ric Granryd
Scott Frost
22 (D)
Rocha
17 (M)
Brendan
King
18 (F)
Kristopher
Tyrpak
19 (D)
Max
Gunderson
20 (F)
Sainey
Touray
21 (F)
Trevin
Caesar
Kalen
Ryden
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