COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Seattle Sounders FC 2's playoff hopes came to an end Saturday night after Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC scored the game-winner in the final minute of stoppage time. Forward Mike Seth was found one-on-one with goalkeeper Matt Bersano after S2 had nearly put the winner in at the other end, leaving them vulnerable on the counter. Seth slipped his shot through Bersano’s legs for the 2-1 victory in the match’s final breaths.
This result ends an impressive resurgence from S2 who battled their way back into playoff contention after finding themselves in the basement of the Western Conference just 10 weeks ago.
“Always give your best effort,” head coach Ezra Hendrickson preached leading up to the final stretch. “Most people give up, not these guys.”
S2 played true to those words as they battled not only until the end of the season despite a mountain of points to climb but into the final seconds of Saturday’s match. In the end, the second-place Switchbacks were too much for S2 as they soar into the USL playoffs, having now locked up two home matches and a shot at first place in the conference.
Forward Darwin Jones tallied another goal in the match, giving him seven on the year. His goal was the equalizer after S2 had conceded early on a rocket from midfielder Rony Argueta. Jones danced his way into the right side of the box where he’s been a menace all season, earned an angle, and finished back post across goalkeeper Devala Gorrick.
S2 wrap up the 2016 season against Swope Park Rangers in their final match on Sept. 24 (5 p.m. PT, live stream on SoundersFC.com).
