Whenever lower-tier teams have an opportunity to play an MLS opponent in the countries longest running pro soccer tournament – the US Open Cup, which dates back to 1914 – they typically play with a chip on their shoulder and hopes of catching the eye of an MLS scout.
That’s especially true for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
In what turned into a testy matchup halfway through the game, the Colorado Rapids crushed the third-tier Switchbacks out of the United Soccer League, 4-1 in the US Open Cup fourth round.
This is the first time two in-state professional soccer teams faced off in the Centennial state with Colorado Springs being a new expansion team. It also marks the first time the Switchbacks has faced an MLS opponent, so it was definitely an uphill battle for the team from right down the highway, even with the recent Rapids struggles.
Head coach Pablo Mastroeni rested many of his starters because of a tough upcoming regular season match against FC Dallas on Friday at Dicks Sporting Good Park, but that didn’t let the burgundy bench stray from topping the ‘Backs.
The Rapids jumped out to a quick start notching two goals in the first half. The first by forward Dom Badji, who scored off an assist from midfielder Sam Cronin, and the second on a free kick by defender Joseph Greenspan, his first of the season.
The game’s only red card was thrown at minute 61 when Switchbacks defender Josh Phillips tackled Badji down the right side.
After both teams scored a goal later in the second half, the Rapids scored one last goal in extra time on an outlandish ball from Dillon Serna who side-netted a slow roller to cap the 4-1 victory.
There are actually a couple of other links between the two teams besides sharing the same Rocky Mountain state.
Head coach for the Switchbacks is Steve Trittschuh who is a former Rapids player (1996-99) and also former assistant coach from 2002-06.
Another former Rapids player now playing for Colorado Springs is midfielder Davy Armstrong who played with the Colorado development team from 2010-13.
Tuesday’s win advances the Rapids to the fifth round for a second straight time. Last year they were upset by the Atlanta Silverbacks; a second-tier team out of the North American Soccer League.
Colorado has not been able to get past the fifth round since making it to the semifinals in 2010 where they lost to the New York Red Bulls, 3-0.
The 2015 fifth round will resume June 30-July 1. The Rapids will draw for their fifth round opponent on June 18.
Mike Tolbert, a Mile High Sports intern and student at MSU-Denver, contributed to this report