Colorado Springs went scoreless in the club’s loss at Las Vegas Lights FC last week, so the Switchbacks scored the only goal they needed five minutes in on Saturday.
Colorado Springs forward Yosuke Hanya sent a cross pass to fellow forward Khori Bennett, whose shot deflected off the foot of a defender and in for an own goal to claim a 1-0 victory at Oakland Roots SC.
The result marks Colorado Springs’ (3-3-4) first road win in USL Championship play. Bennett entered Saturday’s contest tied for the league lead in goals with seven.
The Switchbacks created several opportunities to increase their advantage. Colorado Springs outshot Oakland 13-5, took nine shots inside the 18-yard box, and earned eight corners to Roots’ three.
The Switchbacks also earned their first shutout of the regular season as well, allowing no shots on goal. Perhaps the highlight of their defensive effort came in the 85th minute when midfielder Wolfgang Prentice was alone with the ball for a moment just outside the six-yard box. Switchback defenders Patrick Burner and Talen Maples quickly closed in on Prentice, denying a shot attempt.
Colorado Springs returns to Prinx Tires USL Cup play next week, hosting El Paso Locomotive FC.