For the first time in club history, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks of the United Soccer League (USL) Championship have won a playoff game away from home. It was a close game between the Switchbacks and Lexington SC, which ran the full 120 minutes of both regulation and extra time, culminating in a penalty shootout that saw goalkeeper Christian Herrera save Lexington’s fifth and final kick to send the Switchbacks through.
The contest didn’t start well for the Switchbacks; a lunge from midfielder Sam Williams earned Lexington a penalty in minute 11, which they proceeded to convert to take a 1-0 lead. The hosts held this lead until minute 75, when they gave away a penalty of their own. Switchbacks top scorer Khori Bennett slotted it in and equalized the game with less than 20 minutes to play.
A cagey extra-time period then sent both teams to a penalty shootout, where both teams converted each of their first four kicks. Bennett sent the Lexington goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 5-4, before Herrera saved brilliantly to end the game and send the No. 5 Switchbacks through.
The next round won’t be easy; the Switchbacks will once again be on the road, this time against their regional rival, No. 1 New Mexico United. The two teams have already faced each other four times this season, with the Switchbacks winning one, drawing one and losing two. The next round of the playoffs will take place on Nov. 7, as the Switchbacks edge closer to a return to the USL Championship final.