SPOKANE, WA — Spokane Velocity FC showed resilience but fell to Colorado Springs this Wednesday in a 4-5 penalty shootout, eliminating the side from the Prinx Tires USL Cup.
Velocity FC head coach Leigh Veidman reflected on Wednesday’s match against the Switchbacks.
“They’re a very good team, we had to defend and sit back a little deeper in that second half. We probably could have done better on the goal we conceded,” said Veidman. “Penalties are a coin toss-up sometimes, sometimes it works in your favor and sometimes it doesn’t.”
Colorado Springs forward Jonas Fjeldberg led the charge early, getting two shots on target in the first 10 minutes of the match, both of which were saved by Velocity goalkeeper Carlos Merancio. Wednesday’s match was Merancio’s first appearance since July 11, when he started against Oakland Roots SC.
Velocity FC captain Luis Gil got the party started in the 14th minute, knocking in a perfect goal to give his side an early 1-0 lead in the quarterfinals. The play started with a crossfield pass from Derek Waldeck that slipped past multiple people before finding Gil near the top right of the box, who needed just one touch to score his first goal in USL Cup play this season.
Gil spoke on the difficulties the team faced heading into Wednesday’s match, including consecutive away match postponements and wildfire smoke that hampered Velocity FC’s schedule.
“It’s been tough, especially not having games these past couple of weeks and at the same time not having proper training sessions because of the air quality,” said Gil. “We don’t use that as an excuse, because I know the guys on the team are gonna push themselves when we get the opportunity to play a game.”
Spokane’s lead did not last long, however, as Fjeldberg found an equalizer in the 30th minute to lift the Switchbacks back into this match. The Norwegian forward’s constant pressure paid off, with his third shot on target ringing true to level the score at 1-1. Fjeldberg came close to a second goal minutes before halftime when he sent a free kick from a couple yards outside the box too high, with the attempt missing the top left of the net by inches. Colorado Springs dominated possession for over 60% of the first half and attempted eight shots, while Velocity FC’s goal served as their only attempt.
It was a slow starting second half for both sides, with neither getting a shot attempt off through the first 20 minutes. The Switchbacks had a promising chance in the 74th minute when forward Juan Tejada took a right-footed shot inside the box that was blocked by Spokane defender Simon Fitch.
Moments later, Colorado Springs forward Adrien Pérez nearly connected on a header attempt that would have given his side a 2-1 lead in the 77th minute. The chance came off a corner kick, which Pérez received and barely missed his header inches to the right.
Both defenses held up for the remainder of regulation, sending the match to a penalty shootout with a spot in the Prinx Tires USL Cup Semifinals on the line. The Switchbacks went a perfect 5-for-5 in the shootout, while Velocity FC missed the last of its five attempts, securing Colorado
Springs a spot in the Cup semifinals.
The match was also a farewell for hometown legend Rocky Wells, the club’s historic first academy signing. The 18-year-old played his final match for Velocity FC on Wednesday as he prepares to start college at Oregon State University.
Wells, who subbed on in the 80th minute, spoke on what his time with Velocity FC has meant to him over the years.
“I’m very sad to be leaving, but with that being said I am also excited for my next adventure,” said Wells. “The amount I’ve learned and developed as a player has been exponential, and I’m so lucky to have amazing guys in the locker room, amazing staff, and an amazing city.”
Coach Veidman spoke highly of Rocky and wished him the best as he begins his college career.
“He’s a great human being, and that’s the first box we want checked when people step through our door,” said Veidman. “He exhibits all the qualities we want to see as a club.”
Velocity FC will aim to rebound from this loss this Saturday when Corpus Christi FC comes to town for a League One match. Kickoff is slated for 6 P.M. PT with streaming available on ESPN+.
$5 from every ticket sold to this match will be donated to Project Beauty Share, supporting wildfire relief in the region. Purchase your tickets now to cheer on the Lads and support Spokane!
