The Switchbacks officially announced today Josh Suggs has been named the new captain for the 2018 season. 

Suggs returns to the Switchbacks for his third year with the club with this year being the first as the captain. Suggs has been a strong force for the Switchbacks in his first two years with the club, with a high work rate in both the attack and defense. Suggs has scored four goals with the club including an "Olympico" (directly from a corner) against Phoenix Rising in 2016. Suggs led the team last year with 8 assists, double his total from 2016 which was second on the team. Suggs' 201 crosses were among the highest in the league finishing 4th.

"I'm happy to announce Josh as our captain for the Switchbacks this year,"  said Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. "He has great leadership skills that will help us get back on track to where we need to be. He was the captain for Orange County before he came here so he knows the process. He and I have a great relationship so I know we are going to be on the same page to accomplish getting back to the playoffs."

"I'm honored and humbled to be leading a great group of men, of workers, and of fighters," said Suggs of becoming the captain. "We're very excited to get the season underway and play in front of all of our fans as we work toward a championship this year."

The Switchbacks will kick their 2018 USL campaign on March 17 as they host LA Galaxy II at 6:00 PM at Weidner Field for St. Paddy's day celebration with fireworks and $1 beer the first 30 minutes after gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at just $12 and are available here.

For Media Passes, please contact Communications Manager Joel Huber.

The Switchbacks officially announced today Josh Suggs has been named the new captain for the 2018 season. 

Suggs returns to the Switchbacks for his third year with the club with this year being the first as the captain. Suggs has been a strong force for the Switchbacks in his first two years with the club, with a high work rate in both the attack and defense. Suggs has scored four goals with the club including an “Olympico” (directly from a corner) against Phoenix Rising in 2016. Suggs led the team last year with 8 assists, double his total from 2016 which was second on the team. Suggs’ 201 crosses were among the highest in the league finishing 4th.

“I’m happy to announce Josh as our captain for the Switchbacks this year,”  said Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. “He has great leadership skills that will help us get back on track to where we need to be. He was the captain for Orange County before he came here so he knows the process. He and I have a great relationship so I know we are going to be on the same page to accomplish getting back to the playoffs.”

“I’m honored and humbled to be leading a great group of men, of workers, and of fighters,” said Suggs of becoming the captain. “We’re very excited to get the season underway and play in front of all of our fans as we work toward a championship this year.”

The Switchbacks will kick their 2018 USL campaign on March 17 as they host LA Galaxy II at 6:00 PM at Weidner Field for St. Paddy’s day celebration with fireworks and $1 beer the first 30 minutes after gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at just $12 and are available here.

For Media Passes, please contact Communications Manager Joel Huber.

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC officially announced Capelli Sport as their official uniform and equipment supplier in a multi-year deal. 

Per the terms of the agreement, Capelli Sport will supply its innovative apparel and training gear to the organization for the 2018 season. This will mark the first year of a five-year agreement between the two organizations.

“Ed Ragain and I met George Altirs at the 2013 USL Final in Orlando,” Switchbacks FC’s President Nick Ragain said. “Both his and Jason Arnold’s commitment to the growth of soccer in America has been inspiring, and we are proud to partner with them in elevating the game and the United Soccer League.”

“Switchbacks FC has created an impressive standard since entering the USL in 2013,” CapellibSport president George Altirs said. “With Capelli Sport, the club will receive our on-field support with quality, innovative apparel and training gear that will assist with their development in practice and on game day.”

Capelli Sport was founded in 2011 by President George Altirs, with the mission to provide quality, functionality and design for high-level performance on the field. Altirs’ more than 25 years in the apparel, fashion and accessory business with parent company GMA Accessories led to the creation of Capelli Sport.

In seven years of operation, Capelli Sport has become the official outfitter for a number of internationally recognized sporting organizations and clubs including, but not limited to, MSV Duisburg of Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, Penn FC of the United Soccer League, Fútbol Consultants Moravia of the Liga De Ascenso in Costa Rica, Montego Bay United FC of Jamaica’s National Premier League, and Inter Allies FC of the Ghana Premier League. Additionally, Capelli Sport outfits PanachaikiFC of the Second Division in Greece, and Deportes Temuco of the Primera División and San Luis De Quillota of the Primera División B in Chile.

Capelli Sport is an innovative sportswear and teamwear brand focusing on design of the highest quality, latest fabric technology and design functionality for world-class performance on the field. For more information on Capelli Sport, current partners, and how to join the team today, visit Capelli Sport, follow them on Twitter (@capellisport) and Instagram (CapelliSport), or visit the Capelli Sport Facebook page.

The Switchbacks will kick their 2018 USL campaign on March 17 as they host LA Galaxy II at 6:00 PM at Weidner Field for St. Paddy's day celebration with fireworks and $1 beer the first 30 minutes after gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at just $12 and are available here.

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC officially announced Capelli Sport as their official uniform and equipment supplier in a multi-year deal. 

Per the terms of the agreement, Capelli Sport will supply its innovative apparel and training gear to the organization for the 2018 season. This will mark the first year of a five-year agreement between the two organizations.

“Ed Ragain and I met George Altirs at the 2013 USL Final in Orlando,” Switchbacks FC’s President Nick Ragain said. “Both his and Jason Arnold’s commitment to the growth of soccer in America has been inspiring, and we are proud to partner with them in elevating the game and the United Soccer League.”

“Switchbacks FC has created an impressive standard since entering the USL in 2013,” CapellibSport president George Altirs said. “With Capelli Sport, the club will receive our on-field support with quality, innovative apparel and training gear that will assist with their development in practice and on game day.”

Capelli Sport was founded in 2011 by President George Altirs, with the mission to provide quality, functionality and design for high-level performance on the field. Altirs’ more than 25 years in the apparel, fashion and accessory business with parent company GMA Accessories led to the creation of Capelli Sport.

In seven years of operation, Capelli Sport has become the official outfitter for a number of internationally recognized sporting organizations and clubs including, but not limited to, MSV Duisburg of Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, Penn FC of the United Soccer League, Fútbol Consultants Moravia of the Liga De Ascenso in Costa Rica, Montego Bay United FC of Jamaica’s National Premier League, and Inter Allies FC of the Ghana Premier League. Additionally, Capelli Sport outfits PanachaikiFC of the Second Division in Greece, and Deportes Temuco of the Primera División and San Luis De Quillota of the Primera División B in Chile.

Capelli Sport is an innovative sportswear and teamwear brand focusing on design of the highest quality, latest fabric technology and design functionality for world-class performance on the field. For more information on Capelli Sport, current partners, and how to join the team today, visit Capelli Sport, follow them on Twitter (@capellisport) and Instagram (CapelliSport), or visit the Capelli Sport Facebook page.

The Switchbacks will kick their 2018 USL campaign on March 17 as they host LA Galaxy II at 6:00 PM at Weidner Field for St. Paddy’s day celebration with fireworks and $1 beer the first 30 minutes after gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at just $12 and are available here.

Colorado Springs, CO (February 12, 2018) – The Switchbacks officially announced today the return of forward Aj Ajeakwa and the release of Masta Kacher. Both moves are pending league and USSF approval.

Ajeakwa returns to the Switchbacks for the 2018 after joining the club in early September via free agency from San Antonio. Ajeawka scored as a substitute in his first match for the club in a 1-2 home loss to Phoenix Rising FC. He would go on to start in the Switchbacks final five matches of the 2018 campaign playing all but 12 minutes of those matches. Prior to joining the Switchbacks, Ajeawka played in 15 matches for San Antonio scoring three goals. 

The Switchbacks also announced the release of Masta Kacher. Per club policy, the terms of his release were not disclosed. 

The Switchbacks will kick their 2018 USL campaign on March 17 as they host LA Galaxy II at 6:00 PM at Weidner Field for St. Paddy's day celebration with fireworks and $1 beer the first 30 minutes after gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at just $12 and are available here.
 

Colorado Springs, CO (February 12, 2018) – The Switchbacks officially announced today the return of forward Aj Ajeakwa and the release of Masta Kacher. Both moves are pending league and USSF approval.

Ajeakwa returns to the Switchbacks for the 2018 after joining the club in early September via free agency from San Antonio. Ajeawka scored as a substitute in his first match for the club in a 1-2 home loss to Phoenix Rising FC. He would go on to start in the Switchbacks final five matches of the 2018 campaign playing all but 12 minutes of those matches. Prior to joining the Switchbacks, Ajeawka played in 15 matches for San Antonio scoring three goals. 

The Switchbacks also announced the release of Masta Kacher. Per club policy, the terms of his release were not disclosed. 

The Switchbacks will kick their 2018 USL campaign on March 17 as they host LA Galaxy II at 6:00 PM at Weidner Field for St. Paddy’s day celebration with fireworks and $1 beer the first 30 minutes after gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at just $12 and are available here.
 

STAY HERE FOR THE LATEST PLAYER SIGNINGS

STAY HERE FOR THE LATEST PLAYER SIGNINGS

ALL SIGNINGS ARE PENDING USL AND USSF APPROVAL

ALL SIGNINGS ARE PENDING USL AND USSF APPROVAL

Returning PLayers:

Returning PLayers:

Listed players do not signify complete list. Stay tuned for additional player re-signings

Listed players do not signify complete list. Stay tuned for additional player re-signings

Aj Ajeakwa (F) – Ajeakwa returns to the Switchbacks for the 2018 season after joining the club in early September via free agency from San Antonio. Ajeawka scored as a substitute in his first match for the club in a 1-2 home loss to Phoenix Rising FC. He would go on to start in the Switchbacks final five matches of the 2018 campaign playing all but 12 minutes of those matches. Prior to joining the Switchbacks, Ajeawka played in 15 matches for San Antonio scoring three goals. 

Aj Ajeakwa (F) – Ajeakwa returns to the Switchbacks for the 2018 season after joining the club in early September via free agency from San Antonio. Ajeawka scored as a substitute in his first match for the club in a 1-2 home loss to Phoenix Rising FC. He would go on to start in the Switchbacks final five matches of the 2018 campaign playing all but 12 minutes of those matches. Prior to joining the Switchbacks, Ajeawka played in 15 matches for San Antonio scoring three goals. 

Jordan Burt (RB) – Burt, a member of the Switchback's inaugural 2015 season, arguably had his best season despite an injury that kept him sidelined for nearly three months. Burt finished second on the team with 8 goals scored providing support in the attack in addition to his defensive duties.  Burt made two USL Team of the Week appearances during the 2017 campaign, having scored twice in both weeks he was named to the Team of the Week. 

Jordan Burt (RB) – Burt, a member of the Switchback’s inaugural 2015 season, arguably had his best season despite an injury that kept him sidelined for nearly three months. Burt finished second on the team with 8 goals scored providing support in the attack in addition to his defensive duties.  Burt made two USL Team of the Week appearances during the 2017 campaign, having scored twice in both weeks he was named to the Team of the Week. 

Pascal Eboussi (CB) – Eboussi returns to the Switchbacks after his first season with the club during the 2017 campaign. Despite a learning curve at the beginning of the season, Eboussi fought his way back into the lineup as he began to learn the American game from his native country of Cameroon. Eboussi came on as a late sub to score the game-tying goal in Sacramento in stoppage time to earn a spot on the USL Team of the Week. He also scored in a home loss to Swope Park Rangers late in the season.  

Pascal Eboussi (CB) – Eboussi returns to the Switchbacks after his first season with the club during the 2017 campaign. Despite a learning curve at the beginning of the season, Eboussi fought his way back into the lineup as he began to learn the American game from his native country of Cameroon. Eboussi came on as a late sub to score the game-tying goal in Sacramento in stoppage time to earn a spot on the USL Team of the Week. He also scored in a home loss to Swope Park Rangers late in the season.  

Taylor Hunter (D) – Hunter returns to the Switchbacks after spells on loan at Rio Grande Valley Toros from Houston Dynamo. A Colorado native and University of Denver product, Hunter was drafted by Houston Dynamo of the MLS in 2015. He was loaned out to the Switchbacks where he made 14 appearances and scored once. With the Toros, he made 43 appearances.

Taylor Hunter (D) – Hunter returns to the Switchbacks after spells on loan at Rio Grande Valley Toros from Houston Dynamo. A Colorado native and University of Denver product, Hunter was drafted by Houston Dynamo of the MLS in 2015. He was loaned out to the Switchbacks where he made 14 appearances and scored once. With the Toros, he made 43 appearances.

Taeseong Kim (CM) – Kim returns to the Switchbacks for his third season with the club. Kim has quietly put together two successful seasons for the Switchbacks including making his first USL Team of the Week appearance last season. 

Taeseong Kim (CM) – Kim returns to the Switchbacks for his third season with the club. Kim has quietly put together two successful seasons for the Switchbacks including making his first USL Team of the Week appearance last season. 

Shane Malcolm (RW) – Malcolm returns to the Switchbacks after spending his first season with the club in 2017. Malcolm played in all but two games for the Switchbacks in 2017, recording 1,947 minutes played. Malcolm finished fourth on the team with 5 goals scored and  added three assists. Malcolm also received a USL Team of the Week nod in week 21 after his goal against Orange County was nominated for Goal of the Week.

Shane Malcolm (RW) – Malcolm returns to the Switchbacks after spending his first season with the club in 2017. Malcolm played in all but two games for the Switchbacks in 2017, recording 1,947 minutes played. Malcolm finished fourth on the team with 5 goals scored and  added three assists. Malcolm also received a USL Team of the Week nod in week 21 after his goal against Orange County was nominated for Goal of the Week.

Marty Maybin (F) – Maybin, a member of the Switchbacks inaugural 2015 squad, returns to the Switchbacks after spending the 2017 season away. Maybin was a clinical goal scorer for the Switchbacks during the 2016 campaign that saw him finish second on the team with 7 goals adding one assist in 29 games played.

Marty Maybin (F) – Maybin, a member of the Switchbacks inaugural 2015 squad, returns to the Switchbacks after spending the 2017 season away. Maybin was a clinical goal scorer for the Switchbacks during the 2016 campaign that saw him finish second on the team with 7 goals adding one assist in 29 games played.

Moise Pouaty (GK) – Pouaty returns to the Switchbacks after his first season with the club in 2017. After returning from time with the Cameroon National Team, Pouaty assumed the starting role between the sticks.  Playing and starting in 26 matches, Pouaty led the Western Conference and set a new club record with 97 saves finishing second to FC Cincinnati's Mitch Hildebrandt for the league lead with 105 saves in 32 games played. Pouaty also earned a spot on the USL Team of the Week after saving two penalties in a 4-1 victory over Timbers 2 at Weidner Field.

Moise Pouaty (GK) – Pouaty returns to the Switchbacks after his first season with the club in 2017. After returning from time with the Cameroon National Team, Pouaty assumed the starting role between the sticks.  Playing and starting in 26 matches, Pouaty led the Western Conference and set a new club record with 97 saves finishing second to FC Cincinnati’s Mitch Hildebrandt for the league lead with 105 saves in 32 games played. Pouaty also earned a spot on the USL Team of the Week after saving two penalties in a 4-1 victory over Timbers 2 at Weidner Field.

Josh Suggs (LB) (CAPTAIN) –  Suggs returns to the Switchbacks for his third year with the club with this year being the first as the captain. Suggs has been a strong force for the Switchbacks in his first two years with the club, with a high work rate in both the attack and defense. Suggs has scored four goals with the club including an "Olympico" (directly from a corner) against Phoenix Rising in 2016. Suggs led the team last year with 8 assists, double his total from 2016 which was second on the team. Suggs' 201 crosses were among the highest in the league finishing 4th. 

Josh Suggs (LB) (CAPTAIN) –  Suggs returns to the Switchbacks for his third year with the club with this year being the first as the captain. Suggs has been a strong force for the Switchbacks in his first two years with the club, with a high work rate in both the attack and defense. Suggs has scored four goals with the club including an “Olympico” (directly from a corner) against Phoenix Rising in 2016. Suggs led the team last year with 8 assists, double his total from 2016 which was second on the team. Suggs’ 201 crosses were among the highest in the league finishing 4th. 

Saeed Robinson (LW)- Robinson, a member of the Switchbacks inaugural 2015 squad, returns to the Switchbacks after spending the 2017 season with North Carolina FC. In his first season with the club, Robinson played in 22 matches scoring three goals and adding an assist in 891 minutes played. He followed up with 1,456 minutes played in 2017 scoring three goals and adding three assists.

Saeed Robinson (LW)- Robinson, a member of the Switchbacks inaugural 2015 squad, returns to the Switchbacks after spending the 2017 season with North Carolina FC. In his first season with the club, Robinson played in 22 matches scoring three goals and adding an assist in 891 minutes played. He followed up with 1,456 minutes played in 2017 scoring three goals and adding three assists.

Tobenna Uzo (ST) –  Uzo, the PDL's #9 prospect, also returns for the 2018 season. Uzo made 6 appearances for the club after being signed in late August. He added one assist to his tally in a loss to Swope Park Rangers at home. Uzo trained with the Switchbacks early last season before joining Myrtle Beach. Uzo played 1,032 minutes in 14 games, tallying 13 goals and adding three assists before joining the club.

Tobenna Uzo (ST) –  Uzo, the PDL’s #9 prospect, also returns for the 2018 season. Uzo made 6 appearances for the club after being signed in late August. He added one assist to his tally in a loss to Swope Park Rangers at home. Uzo trained with the Switchbacks early last season before joining Myrtle Beach. Uzo played 1,032 minutes in 14 games, tallying 13 goals and adding three assists before joining the club.

Luke Vercollone (CM) – The original Switchback returns for his fourth season with the club.  Vercollone became the first player to reach 100 games played in the USL during the Switchbacks 2015 season opener. Vercollone was named to the 2015 First Team All-League team and was a finalist for the league MVP. Vercollone holds the club record for goals in a season (14), assists in a season (9) and holds the all-time goal scoring record (22).

Luke Vercollone (CM) – The original Switchback returns for his fourth season with the club.  Vercollone became the first player to reach 100 games played in the USL during the Switchbacks 2015 season opener. Vercollone was named to the 2015 First Team All-League team and was a finalist for the league MVP. Vercollone holds the club record for goals in a season (14), assists in a season (9) and holds the all-time goal scoring record (22).

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new players:

new players:

Steward Ceus (GK) – Ceus joins the Switchbacks having most recently spent time with the San Francisco Deltas of the NASL. Ceus was drafted in the third round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids. Ceus has made 11 appearances for the Haitian National Team since making his debut in 2010.

Steward Ceus (GK) – Ceus joins the Switchbacks having most recently spent time with the San Francisco Deltas of the NASL. Ceus was drafted in the third round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids. Ceus has made 11 appearances for the Haitian National Team since making his debut in 2010.

Jamal Jack (CB) – Jack joins the Switchbacks after spending the 2017 USL season with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Jack played and started 28 matches for the Riverhounds totaling 2,408 minutes played. Jack led the team in clearances, blocks, duels won, and aerial duels won. Jack is also a member of the Trinidad and Tobago National Team where he has two caps for the Soca Warriors.

Jamal Jack (CB) – Jack joins the Switchbacks after spending the 2017 USL season with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Jack played and started 28 matches for the Riverhounds totaling 2,408 minutes played. Jack led the team in clearances, blocks, duels won, and aerial duels won. Jack is also a member of the Trinidad and Tobago National Team where he has two caps for the Soca Warriors.

Jordan Schweitzer (CM) – Schweitzer joins the Switchbacks having most recently spent time with Orlando City B. A University of Denver product, Schweitzer joined Seattle Sounders FC on a Homegrown Player contract. He made his professional debut in a 1-0 victory over the Switchbacks in 2016. Schweitzer went on to play for Orlando City B where he appeared in 24 matches totaling 1,699 minutes.

Jordan Schweitzer (CM) – Schweitzer joins the Switchbacks having most recently spent time with Orlando City B. A University of Denver product, Schweitzer joined Seattle Sounders FC on a Homegrown Player contract. He made his professional debut in a 1-0 victory over the Switchbacks in 2016. Schweitzer went on to play for Orlando City B where he appeared in 24 matches totaling 1,699 minutes.

Ayukokata Tambe (CB) – Tambe joins the Switchbacks after spending last year with Isidro Metapan in the Primera Division, the top flight in the El Salvador football league system. The Cameroonian has also played for African club FC Kallon and is an alumnus of the Houston Dynamo Academy.

Ayukokata Tambe (CB) – Tambe joins the Switchbacks after spending last year with Isidro Metapan in the Primera Division, the top flight in the El Salvador football league system. The Cameroonian has also played for African club FC Kallon and is an alumnus of the Houston Dynamo Academy.

Verneri Välimaa (M) – Välimaa joins the Switchbacks having most recently spent time with JJK Jyväskylä in the 2nd division of the Finnish League. Prior to that, he was on loan with Orange County SC from the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2016. Välimaa played in 23 matches for Orange County including both home matches against the Switchbacks. The Finnish native moved to Florida at the age of 5 and was named the Gatorade Florida Boys Soccer Player of the Year in 2011. He went on to play at North Carolina playing in 56 matches and scoring 6 times.

Verneri Välimaa (M) – Välimaa joins the Switchbacks having most recently spent time with JJK Jyväskylä in the 2nd division of the Finnish League. Prior to that, he was on loan with Orange County SC from the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2016. Välimaa played in 23 matches for Orange County including both home matches against the Switchbacks. The Finnish native moved to Florida at the age of 5 and was named the Gatorade Florida Boys Soccer Player of the Year in 2011. He went on to play at North Carolina playing in 56 matches and scoring 6 times.

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Departed Players:

Departed Players:

Listed players have formally been signed by another team or have officially announced their departure. 

Listed players have formally been signed by another team or have officially announced their departure. 

Rony Argueta (Fresno FC) 
Kevaughn Frater (Phoenix Rising FC)
Jack Jones (unsigned)
Josh Phillips (unsigned)
Masta Kacher (Real Monarchs)

Rony Argueta (Fresno FC) 
Kevaughn Frater (Phoenix Rising FC)
Jack Jones (unsigned)
Josh Phillips (unsigned)
Masta Kacher (Real Monarchs)

Colorado Springs, CO (January 19, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC officially announced their full 2018 schedule along with the USL today.

After announcing home openers last week, the United Soccer League (USL), one of the most prominent Division II professional leagues in the world, today announced its 2018 regular season schedule as it prepares for the biggest season in its history. The regular season will span 31 weeks and 561 games as 33 teams compete for a place in the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs.

The Switchbacks will open the 2018 campaign with a two-game homestand against LA Galaxy II and Portland Timbers 2 before hitting the road for matches against returning Western Conference rivals Saint Louis FC and USL Cup runner-up Swope Park Rangers.

The Switchbacks will see two clubs for the first time as Las Vegas Lights and Fresno FC will play their inaugural season this year. The Switchbacks will host Las Vegas May 11th and Fresno FC June 23rd.

The Switchbacks will face Rio Grande Valley FC Toros twice and home and face OKC Energy FC twice on the road. The Switchbacks will face all other Western Conference teams twice in a home-and-home series.

The Switchbacks full schedule can be found here.

The Switchbacks will kick their 2018 USL campaign on March 17 as they host LA Galaxy II at 6:00 PM at Weidner Field for St. Paddy's day celebration with fireworks and green beer. Tickets start at just $12 and are available here.

Colorado Springs, CO (January 19, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC officially announced their full 2018 schedule along with the USL today.

After announcing home openers last week, the United Soccer League (USL), one of the most prominent Division II professional leagues in the world, today announced its 2018 regular season schedule as it prepares for the biggest season in its history. The regular season will span 31 weeks and 561 games as 33 teams compete for a place in the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs.

The Switchbacks will open the 2018 campaign with a two-game homestand against LA Galaxy II and Portland Timbers 2 before hitting the road for matches against returning Western Conference rivals Saint Louis FC and USL Cup runner-up Swope Park Rangers.

The Switchbacks will see two clubs for the first time as Las Vegas Lights and Fresno FC will play their inaugural season this year. The Switchbacks will host Las Vegas May 11th and Fresno FC June 23rd.

The Switchbacks will face Rio Grande Valley FC Toros twice and home and face OKC Energy FC twice on the road. The Switchbacks will face all other Western Conference teams twice in a home-and-home series.

The Switchbacks full schedule can be found here.

The Switchbacks will kick their 2018 USL campaign on March 17 as they host LA Galaxy II at 6:00 PM at Weidner Field for St. Paddy’s day celebration with fireworks and green beer. Tickets start at just $12 and are available here.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC President Nick Ragain and high-profile local attorney Perry Sanders Jr. fielded questions and made a strong case for a new downtown home for the club on Monday evening in a public Q&A session at the Antlers Hotel.

The session followed a presentation to the Colorado Springs City Council at its workshop session on January 8. The proposal would see a proposed City of Champions Complex that would include an 8,000-seat outdoor stadium and 2,000-seat indoor venue built in Antlers Park, near the adjacent hotel.

Invoking the spirit of one of Colorado Springs founders, Gen. William Jackson Palmer, Sanders said the new facility would help modernize an area of then city that has fallen into disrepair, and provide a strong platform for the city’s professional sports clubs.

“In our opinion, the proposal complies with Palmer's wishes and is the best solution to a problem that has been going on for 40 years,” said Sanders. “We are trying very hard to fulfil Palmer's wishes in 2018. The plan is far better than anything the city has done over the last 40 years with the park.”

READ MORE: Switchbacks Make Proposal for Downtown Stadium

The Switchbacks currently play at 5,000-seat Weidner Field, located a half-hour drive from downtown on the outskirts of the city. Ragain believes the move to a downtown facility would offer a greater opportunity for the club to attract new fans, citing the success of fellow USL clubs who this past year opened new facilities, such as Western Conference rivals Phoenix Rising FC and Rio Grande Valley FC, which both saw substantial rises in 2017 after the opening of the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex and H-E-B Park.

“The importance of location in sports is a lot like real estate,” said Ragain. “We've seen three teams in the USL see a two-and-a-half times to 10 times attendance rise,” said Ragain. “We want to be a catalyst to create a sense of pride for other local sports teams in Colorado Springs that doesn't exist. At the end of the day, location is the most important part of the equation, that's what's going to have the positive impact.”

While projected to open with an 8,000 capacity, Ragain added the potential to expand the venue could be available should the club and league’s current attendance trend continue. The Switchbacks saw another rise in attendance in the 2017 USL season as the league surpassed two million in total attendance for the first time in its history over the regular season.

With ground needing to be broken by December 13, 2018 for the project to be eligible for funding from the Colorado's Regional Tourism Act enacted five years ago, both Ragain and Sanders are hopeful the project will get the green light soon.