COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Khori Bennett scored a pair of goals as Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC swept to a 4-1 victory against Monterey Bay FC at Weidner Field as the hosts also got goals from Adrien Pérez and Juan Tejada to seal an impressive result.
The Switchbacks opened the game strongly and were rewarded in the 18th minute when Pérez produced a spectacular free kick from more than 30 yards out that picked the top-right corner of the net to give the hosts the lead. Pérez also hit the crossbar just past the half-hour mark after Yosuke Hanya’s initial shot was saved, but just before the halftime break Bennett volleyed home a cross by Sadam Masereka for his fifth goal of the season to double the advantage.
Monterey Bay pulled a goal back on its first shot of the game when Ilijah Paul got in behind the Switchbacks’ back line and curled home a finish to the right corner in the 57th minute. Colorado Springs regained its two-goal lead with 20 minutes to play, however, as Tejada received a pass from Masereka inside the left side of the penalty area and shot low int the right corner. Three minutes later, Bennett made it four from the penalty spot after Masereka was brought down in the box, and that wrapped up the scoring in a complete performance for the hosts.
Takeaways
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – The Switchbacks picked up where they left off in their midweek U.S. Open Cup victory against Sporting Kansas City with a pair of outstanding first-half goals by Adrien Pérez and Khori Bennett before putting the game away as Monterey Bay threatened to rally. With seven goals over the week, the Switchbacks continue to be one of the most entertaining sides in the league.
Monterey Bay FC – The visitors remained winless this season as they were unable to get a grip of the game in the first half, going without a shot and recording only two touches in the attacking penalty area. Ilijah Paul’s second-half finish was well taken but it stood as Monterey Bay’s only shot on target for the game.