COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and New Mexico United played to a 0-0 draw in the preseason finale for both clubs on Saturday evening at Weidner Field, with the result seeing United end its preseason undefeated as both clubs look toward the start of the 2023 USL Championship season.

New Mexico almost grabbed an early lead in then second minute when a header by Amando Moreno went just wide of the post, but the Switchbacks gradually began to find pressure in the attacking third as the first half progressed. In the 12th minute the hosts hit the post after a corner kick led to a scramble in the penalty area, while six minutes later NMU goalkeeper Alex Tambakis denied a chance for Colorado Springs’ Maalique Foster.

The Switchbacks hit the woodwork again in the 63rd minute as Zach Zandi set up an opportunity that flicked the post and went wide, while with 15 minutes to go New Mexico went close when Cristian Nava curled a left-footed strike from the top of the penalty area just wide of the post.

Colorado Springs had one final chance in stoppage time to find a winner when Drew Skundrich’s flick found Aaron Wheeler cutting into the penalty area, but the forward was unable to keep his balance and the pass rolled harmlessly out of play on the far side of the pitch.

The Switchbacks will open their new season on Wednesday, March 15 as they visit El Paso Locomotive FC at Southwest University Park. New Mexico, meanwhile, kicks off its campaign on Saturday, March 18 with a visit to Eastern Conference side Miami FC at Riccardo Silva Stadium.