U.S. OPEN CUP: Spokane Velocity FC Rallies Late, Falls to Switchbacks FC in Penalty Heartbreaker
- Staff Writer
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Spokane Velocity FC’s 2026 U.S. Open Cup journey came to a dramatic and bittersweet end on Wednesday night. Facing USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, the League One underdogs rallied from a late deficit to force extra time, only to fall 4–2 in a penalty shootout.
Despite the result, Velocity FC head coach Leigh Veidman praised the resilience of a squad that has been rapidly integrating several new signings.
"Always a tough way to lose a game, but the biggest thing we need to take away from this is that it was important we responded in a positive way," said Veidman. "Our mentality certainly shone tonight, so I'm proud of the players."
Soaking Up the Pressure
The Switchbacks controlled the tempo for much of the first half, maintaining over 67% possession. Spokane’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Sean Lewis, was under constant duress. Lewis was called into action early, denying a dangerous run by Frank Daroma in the 25th minute.
Colorado finally broke the deadlock in the 45th minute when defender Talen Maples threaded a shot through a crowded box to give the home side a 1–0 lead heading into the locker room.
The Great Escape
As the second half progressed, Spokane began to find their footing. Midfielder Nil Vinyals forced a save from Christian Herrera in the 60th minute, signaling a shift in momentum. On the opposite end, Lewis kept the dream alive with a spectacular diving save in the 78th minute to prevent Colorado from doubling their lead.
Spokane’s persistence paid off in the 87th minute. Joe Gallardo delivered a pinpoint set piece into the box, finding the head of Andrew Booth. The midfielder—who joined the club on a 25-day contract just this week—buried the equalizer to stunned silence at Weidner Field.
"Set pieces are a really important part of the game," Booth remarked. "Today, we were under a lot of pressure... but the service was really good when we had them and we were able to score."
Extra Time and Penalties
The additional 30 minutes mirrored the regulation period, with Colorado launching nine shots in an attempt to avoid a shootout. Again, Lewis and the Spokane backline stood firm, forcing the match to be decided from the spot.
In the shootout, Colorado proved clinical, converting four of their attempts. While Andre Lewis and Marky Hernández successfully converted for Spokane, the Switchbacks ultimately secured the 4–2 win to advance to the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32.
Looking Ahead
While the Open Cup run is over, Coach Veidman sees the performance as a vital building block for a roster still finding its chemistry.
"It's difficult to gauge where we are at, but we saw a lot of positives tonight," Veidman noted.
Next Match:
Spokane Velocity FC travels to Idaho this Saturday, April 4, to face expansion side AC Boise in USL Cup action.
Kickoff: 6:00 PM PT
Watch: Live on ESPN+
Next Home Match: April 7 vs. AV Alta FC
Match Statistics:
Stat | Switchbacks FC | Velocity FC |
Score (AET) | 1 | 1 |
Penalties | 4 | 2 |
Possession (1st Half) | 67% | 33% |
Regulation Goals | Maples (45') | Booth (87') |
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