COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Charleston Battery suffered defeat on the road against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 2-0, on Saturday at Weidner Field. Charleston were unable to overcome the Colorado Springs defense and goals on either side of halftime by the hosts made the difference.
The Battery, however, still clinched a spot in the 2024 playoffs with the combination of other results around the league. It’s another important milestone achievement for the club as their Eastern Conference title defense is officially on.
Charleston and Colorado Springs kicked off over a mile above sea level and with ample playoff implications for both clubs in the match.
Colorado Springs managed to strike first in the 14th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Goalkeeper Adam Grinwis made a save on the initial shot by Yosuke Hanya but Justin Dhillon was narrowly onside to tap in the rebound.
The Battery looked to get back into the game and began to make more significant progress into Colorado Springs’ defensive half of the field. They also dominated possession, holding over 73% possession in the time after goal through the half-hour mark. Despite the effective ball movement, Charleston were unable to record a shot on target before halftime.
Switchbacks FC took the 1-0 lead into the break.
Charleston came out of halftime looking to change the state of play with Leland Archer and Arturo Rodriguez entering off the bench.
Juan David Torres recorded the Battery’s first shot in the 59th minute, a thundering strike that stung the gloves of goalkeeper Christian Herrera. The play represented some of Charleston’s best movements to that point, moving from the right to the left while opening up the Switchbacks FC defense.
Colorado Springs added a second goal in the 73rd minute when Ronaldo Damus converted from the penalty spot. The infraction was for a handball on Nick Markanich that appeared to go off his knee and chest, but appeals to the referee were unsuccessful.
Charleston’s efforts for a comeback bid fell short as Switchbacks FC saw out the 2-0 result.
Despite the loss, Charleston punched their ticket to the playoffs thanks to North Carolina FC losing their match against Memphis 901 FC. The math works out in the Battery’s favor as 11th place North Carolina’s maximum points is capped at 55 points, below the Battery’s 56.
The Battery’s record moves to 16W-5L-8D (56pts), placing them in second place and 10 points clear of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in third place, who are also next week’s opponent.
