Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing/Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
T2 1- Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 0
Portland Timbers 2 (1-1-0, 3 points) beat Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (1-1-0, 3 points) 1-0 for their first win of the 2018 regular season. Forward Augustine Williams was the lone goal scorer on Saturday and has now scored two goals in as many matches.
T2 and Switchbacks FC both showed well in a match defined by stymieing defense, with only late chances setting the sides apart.
The first-half provided Portland and their young forward Williams with two scoring opportunities. The first came in the 2nd minute off an early cross from right back Jimmy Mulligan that Williams could not head on frame. Opportunity knocked again in the 21st minute. Former Switchbacks FC defender Josh Phillips sent a cross into the Colorado Springs’ 18-yard-box, where it rattled about for a moment, before falling to Williams, who powered the ball into the stands.
Throughout the match Switchbacks FC would find a litany of minor chances rebuked by T2’s goalkeeper Jeff Attinella. Colorado Springs had four shots on target and Attinella had a match high four saves. Although mishandling a ball early, the Portland keeper, on loan from the first team, looked confident and capable in his first minutes following a preseason injury.
Winger Devyn Jambga was brought on in the 62nd minute providing a lively attacking presence and near immediate impact. Four minutes after coming on, Jambga sent a dangerous cross into the Switchbacks FC 6-yard-box, which center back Jamal Jack could only redirect toward his own goal. Goalkeeper Steward Ceus was there for a timely save.
T2 would find the decisive goal in 82nd minute when late-substitute Lamar Batista ripped a shot from just outside the box, which keeper Ceus could only parry into space. Williams beat his strike-partner Jeremy Ebobisse and center back Taylor Hunter in the scramble for the ball and scored.
Switchbacks FC hoped to level the match in the 89th minute when pacy forward AJ Ajeakwa was played in on a long through ball, but Ajeakwa whiffed attempting to strike the ball from a difficult angle.
Saturday’s match was the much-anticipated debut of 21-year-old Eryk Williamson. Paired with Andre Lewis in the center of pitch, without a true defensive midfielder, the combination showed chemistry and balance. Williamson was adroit on the ball and alleviated pressure with quick, intelligent passing.
T2
USL
