San Antonio Football Club beat Colorado Springs Switchbacks Football Club 3-2 on Wednesday at Toyota Field.
SAFC (5-2) came back from a 2-point deficit by scoring three goals in the span of 13 minutes to overcome the Switchbacks (1-3-4) first-half offensive performance. Following a scoreless first half, a dramatic downfall and ejection marked a turning point as midfielder Mohamed Omar tied up the match, scoring for the first time since his surgery in 2024.
“That goal came with so many different emotions. I had some family in the crowd tonight, so that was really special as well,” Omar said. “Last season was difficult, dealing with the injury, and feeling bummed out because I wasn’t able to be out there with my brothers. Coming into this season, I felt rejuvenated, and I had a lot to prove not only to myself but to everybody.”
11 minutes after halftime, Switchback defender Matt Real knocked forward Alex Greive off his feet. Amidst his collapse, Greive’s knee made a deep impact with the ground and picked up a divot in the process, which prompted the medical team to join his side and left his team with the mentality to physically and verbally defend him against Real.
After Real’s ejection from the match, the ball was pushed toward the Switchbacks third. In an attempt to save the ball, Colorado Springs became their own worst enemy, kicking the ball out of bounds near the goal. Midfielder Jorge Hernandez lined up for a corner kick and launched the ball to the left side of the box, where defender Alex Crognale and Omar waited.
Dubbed “Man of the Match” by SAFC, Omar opted for a header, but from his angle, the ball bounced and hit the ground three feet in front of the goal. The ball shot up another three feet into the air before landing behind the goal line as Omar claimed his first goal of the season, tying the game at 2-2.
“First of all, all glory to God,” Omar said of his goal of the season. “At the end of the day, it’s a group of guys and a coaching staff that all believe in one and other. No matter the score line, this group is never gonna back down.”
Six minutes later, a taped-up Greive scored his second goal of the season to push San Antonio past Colorado Springs.
SAFC broke its two-game loss streak and terminated the Switchbacks two-match tie-game streak. The two teams competed with the same 4-2-3-1 formation but San Antonio offensively outperformed Colorado Springs: taking 17 shots, seven of those on goal and blocking five shots. Whereas the Switchbacks defended three shots on goal, made 12 interceptions and recorded six blocks. The two teams were evenly matched with 13 clearances a piece. This was the 13th consecutive game that SAFC has scored in.
Colorado Springs forward Justin Dhillon scored the second goal against San Antonio at the 42-minute mark, although the previous SAFC resident was the first to congratulate his team, hugging Hernandez in the process. Hernandez also scored the first goal against the Switchbacks six minutes after half.
“He’s a great friend of mine. We go way back,” Hernandez said. “I actually assisted his first professional goal, and I’m happy to see him scoring as well.”
San Antonio Football Club will take on the Phoenix Rising Football Club at 9 p.m. Saturday at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex.
