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Ten days of preparation since their last competitive fixture will see the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC travel to Los Angeles, California for two crucial matches.  The first, on Wednesday night versus the Los Angeles Galaxy II, will give the Switchbacks a tangible indicator of their progress and potential against the 2015 USL Western Conference Champions.

Rain and unseasonable springtime snow led to the cancellation of the Switchbacks hosting the Real Monarchs SLC at Switchbacks Stadium on Saturday, April 30th.  The first of a scheduled three meetings between the two Rocky Mountain Rivals, the match has been moved to Wednesday, June 29th in Colorado Springs.  The change in the Switchbacks’ schedule will now see them host the Real Monarchs twice in the span of four days and will eliminate what was originally seen as a vitally important week-and-a-half break for the Switchbacks in the midst of the congested regular season.

Goalkeeper Devala Gorrick will no doubt be pushing for a return to the Colorado Springs starting lineup after Billy Thompson’s Man of the Match substitute performance against San Antonio FC on April 23rd.  In maintaining the Switchbacks’ clean sheet with three top-drawer saves after Gorrick departed in the first half due to injury, Thompson was named to the USL Team of the Week.

When asked about the conditions that led to Saturday evening’s postponement, Gorrick referenced last season’s meeting between the two teams, on April 17, 2015, which ended in a 5-2 victory for the Switchbacks and in near winter-like heavy snow.  “It’s disappointing and unfortunate about Salt Lake because we played the same game last year in even worse conditions,” said the Switchbacks’ number one.  “The conditions don’t make any difference to us.  Only the other teams complain…we’re ready for anything in Colorado.”

“We 100% wanted to play against the Monarchs,” said midfielder Jacob Cawsey.  “We’ve got a squad of competitors and we’ll play in any conditions.  The cancellation only gives us more motivation for L.A.  We would have had three games in a week, but this [postponement] gives us more time for our preparation and we need that time to get ready for the Los Angeles trip.”

One of the standout partnerships for the Switchbacks in 2016 has been the central defensive pairing of Josh Phillips and Christian Ibeagha.  While both players lamented the missed opportunity at another home win against the Real Monarchs, the trip to Los Angeles dominated their pre-match thoughts.  “Last time in the snow versus SLC they weren’t happy,” said Phillips.  “We definitely wanted to play that game, and it would have been a game I think we could have won.  But missing that game doesn’t change our preparation for L.A. II at all.  Canceling the game doesn’t cancel practice, so we need to keep training hard and stay focused.”

Phillips and Ibeagha have started all four of this season’s Switchbacks matches next to each other, and have so far helped to limit their opponents to only two goals in 360 minutes.  “It helps my game a lot to play with Josh – especially at center back,” said Ibeagha.  “It’s a position where we aren’t afforded any mistakes.  At this point we know how we each think and what we want to do before it happens.”

After a 2015 MLS regular season that saw the Los Angeles Galaxy finish in 5th place in the Western Conference, the Seattle Sounders won a hotly-contested match that sent the Galaxy out of the playoffs in the Knockout Round.  The highest profile and most successful club in Major League Soccer, the Galaxy have won a record five MLS Cups and have been crowned as the Western Conference Champions on seven occasions.  The commitment to quality soccer that has been present from the earliest days of the Galaxy’s expansion has been directly influenced their USL parent club, Los Angeles Galaxy II.

Three meetings between the Switchbacks and Galaxy II last season resulted in two wins for the team from the City of Angels, as they triumphed in California by 2-1 on May 29th and by a single goal in Colorado Springs to end the regular season on September 19th.  The Switchbacks were able to capture three points at Switchbacks Stadium on July 31st with Luke Vercollone netting both goals.

Still undefeated, Galaxy II, otherwise known as Los Dos, currently lead the USL’s Western Conference with 13 points.  Back-to-back wins that saw the Galaxy II defeat Arizona United SC and Saint Louis FC gave Head Coach Curt Onalfo a perfect start to the 2016 regular season before four consecutive draws stunted the early season momentum.  Los Dos finished April with an impressive 2-0 win in Edinburg, Texas against USL newcomers Rio Grande Valley FC.  Two goals within the opening ten minutes of the second half were more than enough for the Galaxy II to hold on for the shutout win, as Los Dos silenced a sellout crowd that welcomed RGVFC to Texas’ southern border for the first time.

Galaxy II striker Jack McBean opened the scoring two minutes into the second half with his sixth goal of the 2016 campaign.  McBean has now scored in three consecutive matches, as the rangy forward from Newport Beach, California is once again proving to be one of the most dangerous forwards in the USL.

French goalkeeper Clement Diop posted his third clean sheet of the young season in the victory against the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.  21-year-old Ariel Lassiter, a player who has already featured in MLS, scored Los Dos’ second on 53 minutes, bringing the former Cal Poly San Luis Obispo standout’s 2016 goal total to three.  Forward Bradford Jamieson IV is a player who can both lead the attacking line or play as a winger, and that will no doubt force the Switchbacks into plenty of pre-game defensive scheming, as will the potential presence of attacking midfielder Raúl Mendiola.

MLS’s Galaxy have the week of the Switchbacks’ visit to Los Dos between league matches, which only complicates potential personnel changes for the Galaxy II.  “They’ll bring first-team guys down to face us,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh.  “They [Galaxy II] play the same way; it’s just who they’ll bring that we don’t yet know.  We prepare on how we play, and I know they’ll be organized and up for the fight.  It’s always a good game versus L.A. and we’re ready.”

Defender JJ Greer, who has also seen time this season as a holding midfielder, is ready for the trip to the Stub Hub Center complex in Carson, California for Wednesday night’s game.  “They’re a very good team – Western Conference Champions last year and they score a lot of goals,” said the Memphis, Tennessee native.  “It’s hard to play against them in L.A. as they bring down guys all the time, but it doesn’t affect us mentally.  We will come to play and stay positive.  Guys here are experienced professionals and we’ll be ready for Wednesday.”

“We can’t think about who they’ll bring down to play us,” insisted Christian Ibeagha.  “Regardless of who’s on the field it doesn’t change our approach.  It will change our preparation if we worry about them.  We must focus on ourselves alone.”

Josh Phillips and Devala Gorrick are each hoping that the Galaxy II bring as many MLS players to Wednesday’s match as possible, as the Switchbacks have both the quality to play against them and the ability to use Los Angeles’ roster rotation as motivation.  “Whenever we play MLS 2 teams we focus on ourselves and don’t worry about them,” said Phillips, who trained in the offseason with the MLS’ New England Revolution.  “I want them to play as many first teamers as possible because it gives us an opportunity to shine and I believe a lot of our guys could play in MLS.”

“If they’re bringing players down from MLS it shows they’re scared of us,” said starting goalkeeper Devala Gorrick. “We hope they bring players down, because if we win it’s so much more satisfying.  I expect it to be a very good and hard fought game between two very good teams.  After playing them last year, and also this preseason, I believe we have the better team and I’m looking forward to proving it on Wednesday.”

Ten days of preparation since their last competitive fixture will see the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC travel to Los Angeles, California for two crucial matches.  The first, on Wednesday night versus the Los Angeles Galaxy II, will give the Switchbacks a tangible indicator of their progress and potential against the 2015 USL Western Conference Champions.

Rain and unseasonable springtime snow led to the cancellation of the Switchbacks hosting the Real Monarchs SLC at Switchbacks Stadium on Saturday, April 30th.  The first of a scheduled three meetings between the two Rocky Mountain Rivals, the match has been moved to Wednesday, June 29th in Colorado Springs.  The change in the Switchbacks’ schedule will now see them host the Real Monarchs twice in the span of four days and will eliminate what was originally seen as a vitally important week-and-a-half break for the Switchbacks in the midst of the congested regular season.

Goalkeeper Devala Gorrick will no doubt be pushing for a return to the Colorado Springs starting lineup after Billy Thompson’s Man of the Match substitute performance against San Antonio FC on April 23rd.  In maintaining the Switchbacks’ clean sheet with three top-drawer saves after Gorrick departed in the first half due to injury, Thompson was named to the USL Team of the Week.

When asked about the conditions that led to Saturday evening’s postponement, Gorrick referenced last season’s meeting between the two teams, on April 17, 2015, which ended in a 5-2 victory for the Switchbacks and in near winter-like heavy snow.  “It’s disappointing and unfortunate about Salt Lake because we played the same game last year in even worse conditions,” said the Switchbacks’ number one.  “The conditions don’t make any difference to us.  Only the other teams complain…we’re ready for anything in Colorado.”

“We 100% wanted to play against the Monarchs,” said midfielder Jacob Cawsey.  “We’ve got a squad of competitors and we’ll play in any conditions.  The cancellation only gives us more motivation for L.A.  We would have had three games in a week, but this [postponement] gives us more time for our preparation and we need that time to get ready for the Los Angeles trip.”

One of the standout partnerships for the Switchbacks in 2016 has been the central defensive pairing of Josh Phillips and Christian Ibeagha.  While both players lamented the missed opportunity at another home win against the Real Monarchs, the trip to Los Angeles dominated their pre-match thoughts.  “Last time in the snow versus SLC they weren’t happy,” said Phillips.  “We definitely wanted to play that game, and it would have been a game I think we could have won.  But missing that game doesn’t change our preparation for L.A. II at all.  Canceling the game doesn’t cancel practice, so we need to keep training hard and stay focused.”

Phillips and Ibeagha have started all four of this season’s Switchbacks matches next to each other, and have so far helped to limit their opponents to only two goals in 360 minutes.  “It helps my game a lot to play with Josh – especially at center back,” said Ibeagha.  “It’s a position where we aren’t afforded any mistakes.  At this point we know how we each think and what we want to do before it happens.”

After a 2015 MLS regular season that saw the Los Angeles Galaxy finish in 5th place in the Western Conference, the Seattle Sounders won a hotly-contested match that sent the Galaxy out of the playoffs in the Knockout Round.  The highest profile and most successful club in Major League Soccer, the Galaxy have won a record five MLS Cups and have been crowned as the Western Conference Champions on seven occasions.  The commitment to quality soccer that has been present from the earliest days of the Galaxy’s expansion has been directly influenced their USL parent club, Los Angeles Galaxy II.

Three meetings between the Switchbacks and Galaxy II last season resulted in two wins for the team from the City of Angels, as they triumphed in California by 2-1 on May 29th and by a single goal in Colorado Springs to end the regular season on September 19th.  The Switchbacks were able to capture three points at Switchbacks Stadium on July 31st with Luke Vercollone netting both goals.

Still undefeated, Galaxy II, otherwise known as Los Dos, currently lead the USL’s Western Conference with 13 points.  Back-to-back wins that saw the Galaxy II defeat Arizona United SC and Saint Louis FC gave Head Coach Curt Onalfo a perfect start to the 2016 regular season before four consecutive draws stunted the early season momentum.  Los Dos finished April with an impressive 2-0 win in Edinburg, Texas against USL newcomers Rio Grande Valley FC.  Two goals within the opening ten minutes of the second half were more than enough for the Galaxy II to hold on for the shutout win, as Los Dos silenced a sellout crowd that welcomed RGVFC to Texas’ southern border for the first time.

Galaxy II striker Jack McBean opened the scoring two minutes into the second half with his sixth goal of the 2016 campaign.  McBean has now scored in three consecutive matches, as the rangy forward from Newport Beach, California is once again proving to be one of the most dangerous forwards in the USL.

French goalkeeper Clement Diop posted his third clean sheet of the young season in the victory against the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.  21-year-old Ariel Lassiter, a player who has already featured in MLS, scored Los Dos’ second on 53 minutes, bringing the former Cal Poly San Luis Obispo standout’s 2016 goal total to three.  Forward Bradford Jamieson IV is a player who can both lead the attacking line or play as a winger, and that will no doubt force the Switchbacks into plenty of pre-game defensive scheming, as will the potential presence of attacking midfielder Raúl Mendiola.

MLS’s Galaxy have the week of the Switchbacks’ visit to Los Dos between league matches, which only complicates potential personnel changes for the Galaxy II.  “They’ll bring first-team guys down to face us,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh.  “They [Galaxy II] play the same way; it’s just who they’ll bring that we don’t yet know.  We prepare on how we play, and I know they’ll be organized and up for the fight.  It’s always a good game versus L.A. and we’re ready.”

Defender JJ Greer, who has also seen time this season as a holding midfielder, is ready for the trip to the Stub Hub Center complex in Carson, California for Wednesday night’s game.  “They’re a very good team – Western Conference Champions last year and they score a lot of goals,” said the Memphis, Tennessee native.  “It’s hard to play against them in L.A. as they bring down guys all the time, but it doesn’t affect us mentally.  We will come to play and stay positive.  Guys here are experienced professionals and we’ll be ready for Wednesday.”

“We can’t think about who they’ll bring down to play us,” insisted Christian Ibeagha.  “Regardless of who’s on the field it doesn’t change our approach.  It will change our preparation if we worry about them.  We must focus on ourselves alone.”

Josh Phillips and Devala Gorrick are each hoping that the Galaxy II bring as many MLS players to Wednesday’s match as possible, as the Switchbacks have both the quality to play against them and the ability to use Los Angeles’ roster rotation as motivation.  “Whenever we play MLS 2 teams we focus on ourselves and don’t worry about them,” said Phillips, who trained in the offseason with the MLS’ New England Revolution.  “I want them to play as many first teamers as possible because it gives us an opportunity to shine and I believe a lot of our guys could play in MLS.”

“If they’re bringing players down from MLS it shows they’re scared of us,” said starting goalkeeper Devala Gorrick. “We hope they bring players down, because if we win it’s so much more satisfying.  I expect it to be a very good and hard fought game between two very good teams.  After playing them last year, and also this preseason, I believe we have the better team and I’m looking forward to proving it on Wednesday.”

(Colorado Springs, CO – April 28, 2016) –

The Rocky Mountain Rivalry will be renewed this Saturday as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC welcome Real Monarchs SLC to Switchbacks Stadium at 7:00pm MST.

Arguably the only team in the USL equipped to handle the altitude and spring weather of Colorado Springs, Real Monarchs will be playing their third game in the span of seven days.  After a 1-0 loss in Sandy, Utah to Rio Grande Valley FC on April 23rd, the Real Monarchs hosted Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Tuesday evening at Rio Tinto Stadium.  Despite finishing a disappointing 0-0 draw, Real Monarchs will no doubt take positives from a match that saw them play with six players from their MLS parent club, Real Salt Lake.

It’s been an inconsistent start to the 2016 season for the Real Monarchs, after a terrifying on-field incident marred their home opener on March 26th against Saint Louis FC.  Midfielder Omar Holness, already a senior Jamaican international, suffered a seizure in the 33rd minute of his professional debut.  After a lengthy delay for emergency medical treatment, Holness was transported to hospital where he was eventually discharged later that evening.

The fifth pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Holness stared at the University of North Carolina after a childhood that saw him attend the same school in Kingston, Jamaica as Switchbacks winger Saeed Robinson.  Although four years apart at Wolmer’s Boy’s School, Robinson wished his compatriot nothing but the best in his recovery to first-team football.  “I wish I could see him to see how he’s doing and wish him well,” said Robinson.  “I hope he has a speedy recovery so he can return to doing what he loves.”

Switchbacks Assistant Coach Wolde Harris, also a native of Kingston, Jamaica, was effusive in his praise of Holness and in his hope that his countryman returns to the pitch again soon.  “Holness is a technically good player with an attacking brain and I thought he was a key midfield piece for SLC,” said the winner of 28 caps with the Jamaican National Team.  “It’s unfortunate what happened.  I’m hoping he has a very speedy recovery – you always want to see players with that type of talent on the field.”

Real Monarchs SLC and the Switchbacks met four times in the 2015 regular season, with the Switchbacks winning three of those matches, including the first ever USL victory for the team from Colorado Springs.  The offense for the Switchbacks was in full flow against Saturday’s opponents last season, as a 5-2 victory on April 17th was followed by a 2-1 win just under two months later.

A final meeting between the two teams, on August 26th in Sandy, Utah, gave the Real Monarchs their lone win in the rivalry to date, but Switchbacks defender Josh Phillips believes the Real Monarchs will be out to avenge their three 2015 regular season losses to the Switchbacks.  “Including the preseason we played them five times last season, and we beat them in four of those,” said Phillips.  “They’ll want revenge and they’ll want to get a good result here.”

As likely the club with the clearest example of following their MLS parent club’s model, the Real Monarchs predicate their play on retaining possession.  Their defense has kept three clean sheets so far this season, and while only scoring more than a single goal once (a 3-3 draw with L.A. Galaxy II on April 2nd) this season, the Monarchs can be dangerous going forward when given time and space on the ball.

Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh, albeit wary of the Monarchs’ style, put the onus for a positive showing squarely on his own team.  “They possess the ball and do a lot the same as their 1st team,” said Trittschuh.  “We need to be better on the attack than last week.  We don’t need to concentrate on them – we need to worry about ourselves.  We need to put 90 minutes together and we must take our chances.”

Tyler Arnone has featured in five matches for the Real Monarchs this season and he helps form an impressive midfield alongside Ricardo Velazco and Danilo Acosta.  With controlling possession being the foundation upon which Real Salt Lake have built their franchise, the Real Monarchs midfield must be in fine form on Saturday in order to support and supply Jamaican striker Kevaughn Frater.

After playing 90 minutes in all four Switchbacks games this season, midfielder Luke Vercollone is primed for the inevitable test that the Real Monarchs’ style will pose his team.  “They have a lot of quality and a talented squad.  They have a lot of the possession, and this game is going to be a fight,” said the Switchbacks’ captain.  “This game will be a possession team in Salt Lake versus a hard working team in us.  We’re going to come out on top, especially if we get a goal early.”

With three goals and an assist to his name, Switchbacks striker Marty Maybin is off to a near-perfect individual start to the 2016 season.  While his scoring has deservedly grabbed the headlines, his incessant pressurizing of opponent defenders has been of the highest order through the Switchbacks’ first four games.  Combining with winger Mike Seth, Maybin forced San Antonio FC into the error that led to Maybin’s tap-in finish last Saturday that preserved the Switchbacks’ perfect 2016 home record.

“It’s always good to score no matter what fashion,” said Maybin.  “The goals give me a huge boost, but a lot of it comes from being rewarded for hard work – my own and the team’s.  I want to score a goal per game.  That’s a realistic target, and when chances come along I need to take them.  Monarchs are a good playing team and a very good possession team.  They’ll keep the ball so we must apply pressure as soon as they break into our half.”

A Man of the Match performance against San Antonio FC for Switchbacks goalkeeper Billy Thompson was rewarded by the USL as he was named a starter on the USL Team of the Week.  Coming on after twenty minutes for starter Devala Gorrick who went down with an injury after a heavy collision, Thompson was commanding for the Switchbacks as he made three brilliant saves to preserve the Switchbacks’ clean sheet.  “It’s great to get the recognition from the league,” said Thompson when asked about being named to the Team of the Week.  “But it’s not why we do what we do.  It’s just good to see all the hard work we do behind the scenes for all of us not in the normal starting XI to be noticed.  We all work hard.  I just came in and wanted to keep things rolling in a positive direction for the team.”

Midfielder Jacob Cawsey couldn’t hide his delight at the accolade for his teammate:  “I’m so proud of Billy Thompson for getting Team of the Week,” said a beaming Cawsey.  “He got his moment, stood up, and took his chance brilliantly.”

Playing their home games at nearly 4,500 feet above sea level greatly reduces the impact of the Colorado Springs altitude on the Real Monarchs, but weather conditions this weekend at Switchbacks Stadium could still affect the final result.  With the early blooms of spring set to be extinguished by a late April cold front, passing and possession control will be all the more important on Saturday night.  “We’re expecting them to be a good technical team,” said Switchbacks defender Josh Phillips.  “They move the ball well and have a lot of possession.  But we expect the worse from the weather and we’ll prepare for it.  We’ll be ready for whatever comes our way and I’m very excited for another home game in front of our fans.”

After Saturday night’s matchup against the Real Monarchs, the Switchbacks will travel to California – and assuredly more summer-like conditions – for games against Los Angeles Galaxy II and the Orange County Blues FC.

“It’s going to be a classic Salt Lake City versus Switchbacks battle just like last year,” said Luke Vercollone.  “We’re used to the weather.  This is a big game for us and we need to set the standard, get some momentum, and catapult us to the top of the league – especially with two tough away games next week.”

(Colorado Springs, CO – April 28, 2016) –

The Rocky Mountain Rivalry will be renewed this Saturday as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC welcome Real Monarchs SLC to Switchbacks Stadium at 7:00pm MST.

Arguably the only team in the USL equipped to handle the altitude and spring weather of Colorado Springs, Real Monarchs will be playing their third game in the span of seven days.  After a 1-0 loss in Sandy, Utah to Rio Grande Valley FC on April 23rd, the Real Monarchs hosted Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Tuesday evening at Rio Tinto Stadium.  Despite finishing a disappointing 0-0 draw, Real Monarchs will no doubt take positives from a match that saw them play with six players from their MLS parent club, Real Salt Lake.

It’s been an inconsistent start to the 2016 season for the Real Monarchs, after a terrifying on-field incident marred their home opener on March 26th against Saint Louis FC.  Midfielder Omar Holness, already a senior Jamaican international, suffered a seizure in the 33rd minute of his professional debut.  After a lengthy delay for emergency medical treatment, Holness was transported to hospital where he was eventually discharged later that evening.

The fifth pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Holness stared at the University of North Carolina after a childhood that saw him attend the same school in Kingston, Jamaica as Switchbacks winger Saeed Robinson.  Although four years apart at Wolmer’s Boy’s School, Robinson wished his compatriot nothing but the best in his recovery to first-team football.  “I wish I could see him to see how he’s doing and wish him well,” said Robinson.  “I hope he has a speedy recovery so he can return to doing what he loves.”

Switchbacks Assistant Coach Wolde Harris, also a native of Kingston, Jamaica, was effusive in his praise of Holness and in his hope that his countryman returns to the pitch again soon.  “Holness is a technically good player with an attacking brain and I thought he was a key midfield piece for SLC,” said the winner of 28 caps with the Jamaican National Team.  “It’s unfortunate what happened.  I’m hoping he has a very speedy recovery – you always want to see players with that type of talent on the field.”

Real Monarchs SLC and the Switchbacks met four times in the 2015 regular season, with the Switchbacks winning three of those matches, including the first ever USL victory for the team from Colorado Springs.  The offense for the Switchbacks was in full flow against Saturday’s opponents last season, as a 5-2 victory on April 17th was followed by a 2-1 win just under two months later.

A final meeting between the two teams, on August 26th in Sandy, Utah, gave the Real Monarchs their lone win in the rivalry to date, but Switchbacks defender Josh Phillips believes the Real Monarchs will be out to avenge their three 2015 regular season losses to the Switchbacks.  “Including the preseason we played them five times last season, and we beat them in four of those,” said Phillips.  “They’ll want revenge and they’ll want to get a good result here.”

As likely the club with the clearest example of following their MLS parent club’s model, the Real Monarchs predicate their play on retaining possession.  Their defense has kept three clean sheets so far this season, and while only scoring more than a single goal once (a 3-3 draw with L.A. Galaxy II on April 2nd) this season, the Monarchs can be dangerous going forward when given time and space on the ball.

Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh, albeit wary of the Monarchs’ style, put the onus for a positive showing squarely on his own team.  “They possess the ball and do a lot the same as their 1st team,” said Trittschuh.  “We need to be better on the attack than last week.  We don’t need to concentrate on them – we need to worry about ourselves.  We need to put 90 minutes together and we must take our chances.”

Tyler Arnone has featured in five matches for the Real Monarchs this season and he helps form an impressive midfield alongside Ricardo Velazco and Danilo Acosta.  With controlling possession being the foundation upon which Real Salt Lake have built their franchise, the Real Monarchs midfield must be in fine form on Saturday in order to support and supply Jamaican striker Kevaughn Frater.

After playing 90 minutes in all four Switchbacks games this season, midfielder Luke Vercollone is primed for the inevitable test that the Real Monarchs’ style will pose his team.  “They have a lot of quality and a talented squad.  They have a lot of the possession, and this game is going to be a fight,” said the Switchbacks’ captain.  “This game will be a possession team in Salt Lake versus a hard working team in us.  We’re going to come out on top, especially if we get a goal early.”

With three goals and an assist to his name, Switchbacks striker Marty Maybin is off to a near-perfect individual start to the 2016 season.  While his scoring has deservedly grabbed the headlines, his incessant pressurizing of opponent defenders has been of the highest order through the Switchbacks’ first four games.  Combining with winger Mike Seth, Maybin forced San Antonio FC into the error that led to Maybin’s tap-in finish last Saturday that preserved the Switchbacks’ perfect 2016 home record.

“It’s always good to score no matter what fashion,” said Maybin.  “The goals give me a huge boost, but a lot of it comes from being rewarded for hard work – my own and the team’s.  I want to score a goal per game.  That’s a realistic target, and when chances come along I need to take them.  Monarchs are a good playing team and a very good possession team.  They’ll keep the ball so we must apply pressure as soon as they break into our half.”

A Man of the Match performance against San Antonio FC for Switchbacks goalkeeper Billy Thompson was rewarded by the USL as he was named a starter on the USL Team of the Week.  Coming on after twenty minutes for starter Devala Gorrick who went down with an injury after a heavy collision, Thompson was commanding for the Switchbacks as he made three brilliant saves to preserve the Switchbacks’ clean sheet.  “It’s great to get the recognition from the league,” said Thompson when asked about being named to the Team of the Week.  “But it’s not why we do what we do.  It’s just good to see all the hard work we do behind the scenes for all of us not in the normal starting XI to be noticed.  We all work hard.  I just came in and wanted to keep things rolling in a positive direction for the team.”

Midfielder Jacob Cawsey couldn’t hide his delight at the accolade for his teammate:  “I’m so proud of Billy Thompson for getting Team of the Week,” said a beaming Cawsey.  “He got his moment, stood up, and took his chance brilliantly.”

Playing their home games at nearly 4,500 feet above sea level greatly reduces the impact of the Colorado Springs altitude on the Real Monarchs, but weather conditions this weekend at Switchbacks Stadium could still affect the final result.  With the early blooms of spring set to be extinguished by a late April cold front, passing and possession control will be all the more important on Saturday night.  “We’re expecting them to be a good technical team,” said Switchbacks defender Josh Phillips.  “They move the ball well and have a lot of possession.  But we expect the worse from the weather and we’ll prepare for it.  We’ll be ready for whatever comes our way and I’m very excited for another home game in front of our fans.”

After Saturday night’s matchup against the Real Monarchs, the Switchbacks will travel to California – and assuredly more summer-like conditions – for games against Los Angeles Galaxy II and the Orange County Blues FC.

“It’s going to be a classic Salt Lake City versus Switchbacks battle just like last year,” said Luke Vercollone.  “We’re used to the weather.  This is a big game for us and we need to set the standard, get some momentum, and catapult us to the top of the league – especially with two tough away games next week.”

Colorado Springs, CO (April 20, 2016) – Despite losing their unbeaten record after a hard-fought 1-0 defeat in Seattle on Sunday night, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC still sit in the top-half of the standings and will look to extend their enviable home dominance at Switchbacks Stadium this Saturday afternoon against San Antonio FC.

One of three new franchises added to the USL’s Western Conference for the 2016 season, San Antonio FC finish a three game road trip with Saturday’s match.  A 1-1 draw against Los Angeles Galaxy II was followed four days later by a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Orange County Blues that left San Antonio in eighth place after four matches.

San Antonio FC’s owners, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, are best known for their namesake, the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA.  The company also owns five other sports franchises: The San Antonio Rampage play in the American Hockey League, and are the minor league affiliate of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.  The San Antonio Stars are one of six Western Conference teams in the WNBA, while the Austin Spurs play in the NBA’s Developmental League.

Tapping into an already soccer-rich environment in Texas, San Antonio FC were named as a USL’s franchise in January.  San Antonio has been rumored to be on the list of potential future Major League Soccer franchises since the first MLS matches in 1996.  With San Antonio FC, soccer fans in the River City have a near-guaranteed entry into the MLS; if San Antonio FC fail to be named an MLS franchise before 2022 severe financial forfeitures would result for Spurs Sports & Entertainment due to an agreement between SS&E and both the City of San Antonio and Bexar County, Texas.

Leading San Antonio FC’s offensive line is Jamaican international Jason Johnson.  With two goals to his name this season – both coming in SAFC’s USL debut against the Seattle Sounders FC 2 – Johnson is a player who has so far formed a prosperous relationship with his midfield teammate, Carlos Alvarez.  Once a member of the Colorado Rapids, Alvarez is a box-to-box midfielder whose passing has been an offensive key for San Antonio FC.  Alvarez scored the all-important late equalizer against LA Galaxy II on April 13th, and has given SAFC a strong foundation in the center of the field alongside teammate Rafael Castillo.

Head Coach Darren Powell arrived in San Antonio after working for Orlando City SC in both their developmental and professional academy.   Before his duties with MLS’ Orlando City SC, Powell, a native of England, compiled a distinguished collegiate coaching career in the United States.  After coaching at North Carolina’s Greensboro College, Powell moved twenty miles east along Interstate 40 to Elon University to become Head Coach of The Phoenix where he won three consecutive Southern Conference Tournaments.

Despite the obvious disappointment of defeat in Seattle, the Switchbacks will be looking to strengthen their home field advantage against an opponent that has never faced 90 minutes at more than 6,500 feet above sea level.  “We can and must take advantage of the altitude here,” said veteran midfielder Shintaro Harada.  “Teams coming in here suffer, but we train here everyday.”

While tight-lipped on any potential lineup changes, Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh has a fully healthy squad from which to choose from and stressed the importance of retaining possession.  “In Seattle we lost the ball too easily, and we must improve on that,” said Trittschuh.  “We were slow in Seattle and we didn’t play our game.  If we can focus on ourselves and keep the ball this weekend we’ll be alright.”

Players and coaches alike were circumspect when asked about the challenges posed by facing a new expansion team.  “We don’t know exactly who they are,” said Shin Harada.  “We have to watch them and find their weak points and analyze them.”

Captain Luke Vercollone agreed with Harada, and stressed that his teammates needed to concentrate on their own game.  “It doesn’t change much that we haven’t faced them yet.  We need to think about building ourselves and focus what we can control,” said Vercollone before mentioning the bonus of once again playing in Colorado Springs.  “Our style suits the altitude – high pressure and a hard work ethic.  I’m optimistic about the game on Saturday and really motivated to bounce back after a tough result in Seattle – and I think we will!”

Switchbacks Assistant Coach Wolde Harris was succinct about this weekend’s matchup: “We’ve watched them and they have a couple dangerous players,” said the former Jamaican international.  “We need to bring our A Game and focus on our mobility and work-rate and use the altitude to our advantage.”

The Switchbacks have only allowed two goals this season, as a new-look central defensive partnership of Josh Phillips and Christian Ibeagha has so far proved immovable in front of starting goalkeeper Devala Gorrick.  “Our defense has been solid so far,” said Head Coach Trittschuh.  “We’ve only given up an own-goal and a penalty kick this season…but now we just need to put our chances away.”

One of the players who may well prove to be key at unlocking San Antonio FC’s defense is winger Saeed Robinson.  Appearing in all three games this season off the bench, Robinson will no doubt be pushing for a spot in the starting XI as his speed and creativity lend a dangerous dimension to the Switchbacks’ attack.  “We’re capable of beating all the teams in this league,” said Robinson.  “We’re just going to have to play like we can and do better together than the last two games. They have a good team and we must analyze what they can do well against us…but we can also always use the altitude to our advantage.”

Striker Aaron King is another offensive player whose minutes have so far been limited in the first three games – in no small part due to the powerful forward play of Marty Maybin.  King, when asked about new-look San Antonio FC, couldn’t hide his excitement about the challenge: “I love playing teams we don’t know much about!  It’s always a great test for us and it keeps us honest.  We have to go and play our game; play our high-pressure style, control the tempo, and stay on our front foot…I’m hungry and ready to play,” said King.

The first of two back-to-back USL matches to be played at Switchbacks Stadium in Colorado Springs, Saturday afternoon’s game against San Antonio FC will be followed one week later by a 7pm start against Rocky Mountain rivals Real Monarchs SLC.

Typically wild Colorado spring weather has seen snow dropped on Colorado Springs in the last few days, although conditions and temperatures on Saturday will be far milder and warmer.  “The snow might help the surface [at Switchbacks Stadium] for Saturday,” said Steve Trittschuh.  “Hopefully the snow and water settles the pitch down for us.”

In addition to the altitude, playing in front of their home support was a bonus not lost on the Switchbacks’ players and an edge they look to capitalize on throughout the season.  “It will be great to be back,” said Captain Luke Vercollone.  “I love playing at home in front of our crowd – we’ll take care of results.”  When asked about the return to Switchbacks Stadium, Saeed Robinson was equally bullish:  “I’m always very excited to play at home.  We’re trying to not lose any games at home this year.”

A return game between the Switchbacks and San Antonio FC will take place on June 18th in the Texas heat at Toyota Field, but that game couldn’t have been further from the mind of Shintaro Harada: “Don’t think too far in front; just focus on our game,” declared Harada.  “We need to change the momentum from last weekend to get back on the right track.  No matter what, we must get three points on Saturday.”

Colorado Springs, CO (April 20, 2016) – Despite losing their unbeaten record after a hard-fought 1-0 defeat in Seattle on Sunday night, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC still sit in the top-half of the standings and will look to extend their enviable home dominance at Switchbacks Stadium this Saturday afternoon against San Antonio FC.

One of three new franchises added to the USL’s Western Conference for the 2016 season, San Antonio FC finish a three game road trip with Saturday’s match.  A 1-1 draw against Los Angeles Galaxy II was followed four days later by a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Orange County Blues that left San Antonio in eighth place after four matches.

San Antonio FC’s owners, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, are best known for their namesake, the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA.  The company also owns five other sports franchises: The San Antonio Rampage play in the American Hockey League, and are the minor league affiliate of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.  The San Antonio Stars are one of six Western Conference teams in the WNBA, while the Austin Spurs play in the NBA’s Developmental League.

Tapping into an already soccer-rich environment in Texas, San Antonio FC were named as a USL’s franchise in January.  San Antonio has been rumored to be on the list of potential future Major League Soccer franchises since the first MLS matches in 1996.  With San Antonio FC, soccer fans in the River City have a near-guaranteed entry into the MLS; if San Antonio FC fail to be named an MLS franchise before 2022 severe financial forfeitures would result for Spurs Sports & Entertainment due to an agreement between SS&E and both the City of San Antonio and Bexar County, Texas.

Leading San Antonio FC’s offensive line is Jamaican international Jason Johnson.  With two goals to his name this season – both coming in SAFC’s USL debut against the Seattle Sounders FC 2 – Johnson is a player who has so far formed a prosperous relationship with his midfield teammate, Carlos Alvarez.  Once a member of the Colorado Rapids, Alvarez is a box-to-box midfielder whose passing has been an offensive key for San Antonio FC.  Alvarez scored the all-important late equalizer against LA Galaxy II on April 13th, and has given SAFC a strong foundation in the center of the field alongside teammate Rafael Castillo.

Head Coach Darren Powell arrived in San Antonio after working for Orlando City SC in both their developmental and professional academy.   Before his duties with MLS’ Orlando City SC, Powell, a native of England, compiled a distinguished collegiate coaching career in the United States.  After coaching at North Carolina’s Greensboro College, Powell moved twenty miles east along Interstate 40 to Elon University to become Head Coach of The Phoenix where he won three consecutive Southern Conference Tournaments.

Despite the obvious disappointment of defeat in Seattle, the Switchbacks will be looking to strengthen their home field advantage against an opponent that has never faced 90 minutes at more than 6,500 feet above sea level.  “We can and must take advantage of the altitude here,” said veteran midfielder Shintaro Harada.  “Teams coming in here suffer, but we train here everyday.”

While tight-lipped on any potential lineup changes, Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh has a fully healthy squad from which to choose from and stressed the importance of retaining possession.  “In Seattle we lost the ball too easily, and we must improve on that,” said Trittschuh.  “We were slow in Seattle and we didn’t play our game.  If we can focus on ourselves and keep the ball this weekend we’ll be alright.”

Players and coaches alike were circumspect when asked about the challenges posed by facing a new expansion team.  “We don’t know exactly who they are,” said Shin Harada.  “We have to watch them and find their weak points and analyze them.”

Captain Luke Vercollone agreed with Harada, and stressed that his teammates needed to concentrate on their own game.  “It doesn’t change much that we haven’t faced them yet.  We need to think about building ourselves and focus what we can control,” said Vercollone before mentioning the bonus of once again playing in Colorado Springs.  “Our style suits the altitude – high pressure and a hard work ethic.  I’m optimistic about the game on Saturday and really motivated to bounce back after a tough result in Seattle – and I think we will!”

Switchbacks Assistant Coach Wolde Harris was succinct about this weekend’s matchup: “We’ve watched them and they have a couple dangerous players,” said the former Jamaican international.  “We need to bring our A Game and focus on our mobility and work-rate and use the altitude to our advantage.”

The Switchbacks have only allowed two goals this season, as a new-look central defensive partnership of Josh Phillips and Christian Ibeagha has so far proved immovable in front of starting goalkeeper Devala Gorrick.  “Our defense has been solid so far,” said Head Coach Trittschuh.  “We’ve only given up an own-goal and a penalty kick this season…but now we just need to put our chances away.”

One of the players who may well prove to be key at unlocking San Antonio FC’s defense is winger Saeed Robinson.  Appearing in all three games this season off the bench, Robinson will no doubt be pushing for a spot in the starting XI as his speed and creativity lend a dangerous dimension to the Switchbacks’ attack.  “We’re capable of beating all the teams in this league,” said Robinson.  “We’re just going to have to play like we can and do better together than the last two games. They have a good team and we must analyze what they can do well against us…but we can also always use the altitude to our advantage.”

Striker Aaron King is another offensive player whose minutes have so far been limited in the first three games – in no small part due to the powerful forward play of Marty Maybin.  King, when asked about new-look San Antonio FC, couldn’t hide his excitement about the challenge: “I love playing teams we don’t know much about!  It’s always a great test for us and it keeps us honest.  We have to go and play our game; play our high-pressure style, control the tempo, and stay on our front foot…I’m hungry and ready to play,” said King.

The first of two back-to-back USL matches to be played at Switchbacks Stadium in Colorado Springs, Saturday afternoon’s game against San Antonio FC will be followed one week later by a 7pm start against Rocky Mountain rivals Real Monarchs SLC.

Typically wild Colorado spring weather has seen snow dropped on Colorado Springs in the last few days, although conditions and temperatures on Saturday will be far milder and warmer.  “The snow might help the surface [at Switchbacks Stadium] for Saturday,” said Steve Trittschuh.  “Hopefully the snow and water settles the pitch down for us.”

In addition to the altitude, playing in front of their home support was a bonus not lost on the Switchbacks’ players and an edge they look to capitalize on throughout the season.  “It will be great to be back,” said Captain Luke Vercollone.  “I love playing at home in front of our crowd – we’ll take care of results.”  When asked about the return to Switchbacks Stadium, Saeed Robinson was equally bullish:  “I’m always very excited to play at home.  We’re trying to not lose any games at home this year.”

A return game between the Switchbacks and San Antonio FC will take place on June 18th in the Texas heat at Toyota Field, but that game couldn’t have been further from the mind of Shintaro Harada: “Don’t think too far in front; just focus on our game,” declared Harada.  “We need to change the momentum from last weekend to get back on the right track.  No matter what, we must get three points on Saturday.”

Colorado Springs, CO (April 15, 2016) -Top of the USL’s Week 3 Power Rankings and undefeated on the young 2016 season, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC head to the Pacific Northwest this weekend with a victory against the Seattle Sounders FC 2 squarely in their sights.

It’s been a desperately disappointing start to the 2016 campaign for both versions of the Seattle Sounders; as the Major League Soccer squad sit bottom of the Western ConUnference after five games, while the USL’s Sounders FC 2 have managed only a solitary point from four matches and have the worst goal differential in the entire league.

The early struggles for the Sounders organization come as a shock to most across America’s soccer landscape, as both the Sounders and Sounders 2 made the playoffs in 2015.  The Sounders fell in MLS’ Conference Semifinals to FC Dallas, while the Sounders 2 were beaten 2-0 by the Switchbacks at Switchbacks Stadium on September 25th in the First Round of the USL Western Conference Playoffs.

All three meetings between the Switchbacks and Sounders 2 came in the second half of the 2015 season.  A hard-fought 1-1 draw on July 18th at Switchbacks Stadium was followed by a 3-2 win for the Sounders 2 on August 19th at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington.  The conditions just after midday were a struggle for both teams as the Switchbacks eventually fell to a second half brace by S2 forward Myron Samuel.  Miguel Gonzalez had given the Switchbacks an early lead that they held into the second half, while Aaron King scored a late consolation in injury time.  A hotly contested game opened the Switchbacks’ 2015 USL Playoff run as goals by Gonzalez and JJ Greer and a commanding performance from goalkeeper Devala Gorrick saw the Switchbacks shutout S2 in Colorado Springs.

Despite their tepid start to the 2016 season, Sounders 2 will no doubt be out to avenge last year’s playoff loss.  “They want to get a win no matter who it’s against,” declared Switchbacks defender Nate Robinson, before adding, “we’re in great spirits as we head up there and we should fully expect to win.”

Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh refused to be drawn on the question of reprisal from S2, with his pre-match thoughts falling on his team.  “We’ve got to focus on what we need to do,” said Trittschuh when asked about Sunday’s opponents.  “We have to come to play and be organized defensively.  We need to bring energy to the game and if we play our style I think we should be fine.”

One of the most difficult aspects of the game against Sounders 2 is the sheer uncertainty that surrounds their starting XI.  One of six USL Western Conference clubs that are direct affiliates of an MLS franchise (Swope Park Rangers joined the USL for 2016) the Sounders 2 play a vital role in both the development and fostering of talent which the organization hopes will one day feature in Major League Soccer.  “They’ve [Sounders 2] added a couple of guys, but we won’t know who plays until we get there,” said Head Coach Trittschuh.

Sounders 2 striker Andy Craven is a player who will most likely feature on Sunday against the Switchbacks.  Craven has started all four of S2’s games this season after appearing in 2015 for both S2 and MLS’ Sounders.  An inventive striker possessing quickness of thought and movement, Craven has shown signs of forming what could turn into an effective partnership with fellow forward Victor Mansaray.  Mansaray opened the scoring in S2’s last match, a 2-2 tie with Rio Grande Valley FC on April 12th.  Tuesday’s draw in Tukwila was the fourth of five regular season games for the Sounders 2 to be consecutively played at Starfire Sports Complex, but so far S2 have been unable to take advantage of their home-field start to 2016.

Three shutout losses in a row – to Sacramento Republic FC, Arizona United SC, and San Antonio FC – started the season on disastrous footing for the Sounders 2, before they were able to salvage the late draw against the RGVFC Toros on Tuesday evening.

A late addition to Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson’s Seattle Sounders FC 2 roster who may well see his first game action against the Switchbacks on Sunday is newly obtained defender Nouhou Tolo.  A native of Cameroon, Tolo was officially signed by S2 on April 12th, with the announcement of his acquisition coming the next morning.  There have been a lot of changes throughout the S2 defensive unit to begin the season, which may have hastened the arrival of Tolo.

In stark contrast to the start of the Sounders 2 has been that of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.  Two wins from their first two matches has the Switchbacks just 2 points off the top of the USL’s Western Conference while having played half the number of matches as current leaders Los Angeles Galaxy II.

One of seven new arrivals for the Switchbacks as they entered the 2016 season, Josh Suggs has already proven his worth.  A willing runner who is never shy to overlap his midfield teammates, Suggs’ ability from set pieces gives the Switchbacks great strength in depth as they head to The Emerald City.

Suggs believes that should the Switchbacks reach their full, free-flowing potential in Seattle, three points is inevitable.  “We didn’t play as well as we could [vs. Arizona United] but to get a result is what good teams are all about,” said Suggs.  “We’re kind of on a roll: Play as good as we can and we’ll get a win in Seattle.”

Two Switchbacks players will experience a homecoming as they land in Seattle.  Defender Josh Phillips is a native of Seattle who played collegiately in Spokane, Washington at Gonzaga University.  Miguel Gonzalez grew up just an hour south of Seattle in Yelm, Washington before attending both Peninsula College and Seattle University.  Gonzalez appeared for the Seattle Sounders U-23 squad and he also played professionally with the Kitsap Pumas, located in Bremerton, Washington.

“I try to give my best every game,” said Miguel Gonzalez when asked about playing in his adopted home state.  “It’s a bit more exciting because my family will be there, but I’ve got to have the same intensity and will to win.  I’ll have my whole family there and lots of friends also.  I’m excited to play in front of them and it should be a good game where we go and get the win.”

Josh Phillips admitted that last season’s game against the Sounders 2 in Washington threw off his normal routine.  “I’m excited to see my family as always,” said a beaming Phillips, before pausing to add, “But last year I treated it as far too important.  This year it’s just another game…although I do play my best in front of my friends and family!”

When asked about the impact of playing close to home for Phillips and Gonzalez, Head Coach Steve Trittschuh insisted Sunday’s match wouldn’t be as daunting as in 2015.  “Last year was the first time for Miggy and Josh playing with us there,” said Trittschuh.  “I think they’ll be focused because they’ve been there before and they’re ready to win.”

One of the most important partnerships for the Switchbacks has been that of Phillips and his central defensive teammate Christian Ibeagha.  “We’re always on the same page and I think we’re becoming really hard to play against,” said Ibeagha.  “I’m trying to understand our games and we have progressed really well together – we have a good connection.”

With Phillips and Ibeagha leading the defensive line in front of goalkeeper Devala Gorrick the Switchbacks have only conceded one goal in their first two games.  The defensive ability and work rate of holding midfielder Rony Argueta can’t be overlooked, as Argueta’s shielding of the back four has so far been impeccable.

Argueta, while concentrating most of his thoughts on his own team’s performance, didn’t overlook the revenge factor for S2.  “I feel they’ll come out with everything,” said Argueta.  “They’ve still got that hurt from the playoff game last year, but if we continue to focus on ourselves we’ll be fine.  We need to stay compact, have good movement off the ball, and be ready for Seattle.”

Ibeagha, who has never played before in Seattle, didn’t hide his emotion for his first trip to the Pacific Northwest.  “I’m excited to go to a club like them,” said Ibeagha.  “I don’t know exactly what to expect – they seem to have a pretty good team and they look good.  It’s always good to play in places where so many people watch, and I’m excited to see how we progress there and as the season goes on.”

Colorado Springs, CO (April 15, 2016) -Top of the USL’s Week 3 Power Rankings and undefeated on the young 2016 season, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC head to the Pacific Northwest this weekend with a victory against the Seattle Sounders FC 2 squarely in their sights.

It’s been a desperately disappointing start to the 2016 campaign for both versions of the Seattle Sounders; as the Major League Soccer squad sit bottom of the Western ConUnference after five games, while the USL’s Sounders FC 2 have managed only a solitary point from four matches and have the worst goal differential in the entire league.

The early struggles for the Sounders organization come as a shock to most across America’s soccer landscape, as both the Sounders and Sounders 2 made the playoffs in 2015.  The Sounders fell in MLS’ Conference Semifinals to FC Dallas, while the Sounders 2 were beaten 2-0 by the Switchbacks at Switchbacks Stadium on September 25th in the First Round of the USL Western Conference Playoffs.

All three meetings between the Switchbacks and Sounders 2 came in the second half of the 2015 season.  A hard-fought 1-1 draw on July 18th at Switchbacks Stadium was followed by a 3-2 win for the Sounders 2 on August 19th at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington.  The conditions just after midday were a struggle for both teams as the Switchbacks eventually fell to a second half brace by S2 forward Myron Samuel.  Miguel Gonzalez had given the Switchbacks an early lead that they held into the second half, while Aaron King scored a late consolation in injury time.  A hotly contested game opened the Switchbacks’ 2015 USL Playoff run as goals by Gonzalez and JJ Greer and a commanding performance from goalkeeper Devala Gorrick saw the Switchbacks shutout S2 in Colorado Springs.

Despite their tepid start to the 2016 season, Sounders 2 will no doubt be out to avenge last year’s playoff loss.  “They want to get a win no matter who it’s against,” declared Switchbacks defender Nate Robinson, before adding, “we’re in great spirits as we head up there and we should fully expect to win.”

Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh refused to be drawn on the question of reprisal from S2, with his pre-match thoughts falling on his team.  “We’ve got to focus on what we need to do,” said Trittschuh when asked about Sunday’s opponents.  “We have to come to play and be organized defensively.  We need to bring energy to the game and if we play our style I think we should be fine.”

One of the most difficult aspects of the game against Sounders 2 is the sheer uncertainty that surrounds their starting XI.  One of six USL Western Conference clubs that are direct affiliates of an MLS franchise (Swope Park Rangers joined the USL for 2016) the Sounders 2 play a vital role in both the development and fostering of talent which the organization hopes will one day feature in Major League Soccer.  “They’ve [Sounders 2] added a couple of guys, but we won’t know who plays until we get there,” said Head Coach Trittschuh.

Sounders 2 striker Andy Craven is a player who will most likely feature on Sunday against the Switchbacks.  Craven has started all four of S2’s games this season after appearing in 2015 for both S2 and MLS’ Sounders.  An inventive striker possessing quickness of thought and movement, Craven has shown signs of forming what could turn into an effective partnership with fellow forward Victor Mansaray.  Mansaray opened the scoring in S2’s last match, a 2-2 tie with Rio Grande Valley FC on April 12th.  Tuesday’s draw in Tukwila was the fourth of five regular season games for the Sounders 2 to be consecutively played at Starfire Sports Complex, but so far S2 have been unable to take advantage of their home-field start to 2016.

Three shutout losses in a row – to Sacramento Republic FC, Arizona United SC, and San Antonio FC – started the season on disastrous footing for the Sounders 2, before they were able to salvage the late draw against the RGVFC Toros on Tuesday evening.

A late addition to Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson’s Seattle Sounders FC 2 roster who may well see his first game action against the Switchbacks on Sunday is newly obtained defender Nouhou Tolo.  A native of Cameroon, Tolo was officially signed by S2 on April 12th, with the announcement of his acquisition coming the next morning.  There have been a lot of changes throughout the S2 defensive unit to begin the season, which may have hastened the arrival of Tolo.

In stark contrast to the start of the Sounders 2 has been that of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.  Two wins from their first two matches has the Switchbacks just 2 points off the top of the USL’s Western Conference while having played half the number of matches as current leaders Los Angeles Galaxy II.

One of seven new arrivals for the Switchbacks as they entered the 2016 season, Josh Suggs has already proven his worth.  A willing runner who is never shy to overlap his midfield teammates, Suggs’ ability from set pieces gives the Switchbacks great strength in depth as they head to The Emerald City.

Suggs believes that should the Switchbacks reach their full, free-flowing potential in Seattle, three points is inevitable.  “We didn’t play as well as we could [vs. Arizona United] but to get a result is what good teams are all about,” said Suggs.  “We’re kind of on a roll: Play as good as we can and we’ll get a win in Seattle.”

Two Switchbacks players will experience a homecoming as they land in Seattle.  Defender Josh Phillips is a native of Seattle who played collegiately in Spokane, Washington at Gonzaga University.  Miguel Gonzalez grew up just an hour south of Seattle in Yelm, Washington before attending both Peninsula College and Seattle University.  Gonzalez appeared for the Seattle Sounders U-23 squad and he also played professionally with the Kitsap Pumas, located in Bremerton, Washington.

“I try to give my best every game,” said Miguel Gonzalez when asked about playing in his adopted home state.  “It’s a bit more exciting because my family will be there, but I’ve got to have the same intensity and will to win.  I’ll have my whole family there and lots of friends also.  I’m excited to play in front of them and it should be a good game where we go and get the win.”

Josh Phillips admitted that last season’s game against the Sounders 2 in Washington threw off his normal routine.  “I’m excited to see my family as always,” said a beaming Phillips, before pausing to add, “But last year I treated it as far too important.  This year it’s just another game…although I do play my best in front of my friends and family!”

When asked about the impact of playing close to home for Phillips and Gonzalez, Head Coach Steve Trittschuh insisted Sunday’s match wouldn’t be as daunting as in 2015.  “Last year was the first time for Miggy and Josh playing with us there,” said Trittschuh.  “I think they’ll be focused because they’ve been there before and they’re ready to win.”

One of the most important partnerships for the Switchbacks has been that of Phillips and his central defensive teammate Christian Ibeagha.  “We’re always on the same page and I think we’re becoming really hard to play against,” said Ibeagha.  “I’m trying to understand our games and we have progressed really well together – we have a good connection.”

With Phillips and Ibeagha leading the defensive line in front of goalkeeper Devala Gorrick the Switchbacks have only conceded one goal in their first two games.  The defensive ability and work rate of holding midfielder Rony Argueta can’t be overlooked, as Argueta’s shielding of the back four has so far been impeccable.

Argueta, while concentrating most of his thoughts on his own team’s performance, didn’t overlook the revenge factor for S2.  “I feel they’ll come out with everything,” said Argueta.  “They’ve still got that hurt from the playoff game last year, but if we continue to focus on ourselves we’ll be fine.  We need to stay compact, have good movement off the ball, and be ready for Seattle.”

Ibeagha, who has never played before in Seattle, didn’t hide his emotion for his first trip to the Pacific Northwest.  “I’m excited to go to a club like them,” said Ibeagha.  “I don’t know exactly what to expect – they seem to have a pretty good team and they look good.  It’s always good to play in places where so many people watch, and I’m excited to see how we progress there and as the season goes on.”

Colorado Springs, CO (April 6, 2016) – After more than six months without a home USL match, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC will finally return to Switchbacks Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face Arizona United SC. 

A precious 2-1 road win against Oklahoma City Energy FC on March 26th gave the Switchbacks a near-perfect start to the 2016 campaign.  Since the Switchbacks’ season opener, Arizona United have played three matches in the USL with varying degrees of success.  With their first five games taking place away from the cozy confines of the Peoria Sports Complex in the Valley of the Sun, Arizona United were tasked with a mightily difficult three-game West Coast road trip before heading to Colorado Springs.

Opening the season against 2015’s USL Western Conference Champions Los Angeles Galaxy II, Arizona United were ultimately unable to recover from conceding two first half goals as they fell 2-0 at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California.  Four days later United made history with their first-ever win in Washington State as they condemned Seattle Sounders FC 2 to a 2-0 defeat.  A goal and assist by standout striker Chris Cortez was more than enough offensive production for Arizona to hold on to the win, as they comprehensively defended against a Sounders 2 team who have lost all three of their USL matches in 2016.

On April 2nd, Arizona United fell 1-0 to Sacramento Republic FC at Bonney Field in California’s capital city, in a match that preserved Sacramento’s perfect USL start.

While Arizona United have been earning their frequent flier miles on America’s West Coast, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks have been training at altitude in Colorado’s famously unpredictable spring weather.  Mild and warm conditions are predicted in Colorado’s second city for Saturday’s Switchbacks home opener, with a newly refurbished and expanded Switchbacks Stadium ready to host an Arizona United team that lost 5-0 to the Switchbacks in Colorado Springs in May of 2015.

The 5-0 destruction of Arizona United tied for the largest home win of the 2015 USL season, with the Switchbacks also defeating Orange County Blues FC by the same score line in late June.  Much has changed for Arizona since that game, with new Head Coach Frank Yallop bringing a wealth of experience to United SC.  Twice a winner of the MLS Cup and a two-time recipient of the MLS Coach of the Year Award, Yallop played professionally in England with Ipswich Town before moving stateside to represent the Tampa Bay Mutiny.  English-born, Yallop both played for and managed Canada at international level, with his last coaching stop before Arizona United coming as the Head Coach of MLS’ Chicago Fire.

Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh believes his counterpart Yallop has given United SC a strong foundation.  “Frank has them organized, that’s for sure,” said former United States international Trittschuh.  “They’ve improved every game that they have played, and we’ve got to be ready for them.”

Striker Marty Maybin, fresh off scoring the opening goal against Oklahoma City Energy FC, doesn’t take much stock in last season’s 5-0 win and believes this year’s United SC will pose a real test for the Switchbacks.  “We’re going to get their best game.  We’ve got a target on our back after last year, but we’re all prepared and ready to go for Saturday,” said Belfast-born Maybin.

With a fully healthy squad to choose from, Head Coach Steve Trittschuh has an abundance of options at his disposal from which to choose his starting XI, and believes the extra week since the win in Oklahoma City has come at the perfect time.  “It was good for us to get that time,” said Trittschuh.  “We had a few niggling injuries, but everyone is healthy now and ready to play against Arizona.”

One of four players to make their debuts for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks against OKC Energy, midfielder Jacob Cawsey will no doubt be pushing for a start this Saturday.  The young man from Scunthorpe, England echoed his Head Coach’s comments when asked about the two weeks of preparation.  “We’re all so excited after OKC,” said Cawsey.  “The extra week has only added to the buzz and I can’t wait for Saturday.  The club is growing so much and it’s brilliant to be a part of it.”

Arizona United has a roster that’s brimming with talent and experience.  Chinese striker Long Tan was named to the 2015 USL All-League First Team, and he’s the club’s all-time leading goal scorer with nineteen goals to his name after just two seasons.  So far this campaign Tan has been relegated to a substitute role due to the form of Chris Cortez.  After three seasons with the USL’s Orange County Blues FC, Cortez joined Arizona United SC in late March of 2016 and has so far proved his worth across the forward line.  Equally adept as a central striker or drifting into wider attacking positions, Cortez will no doubt be the central offensive threat for Arizona United on Saturday.  With Tan and fellow forward Sam Garza, Arizona has a potent strike-force that relies upon the midfield distribution of Scottsdale, Arizona native Blair Gavin.

Chris Cortez was named to the bench of the USL’s Team of the Week on April 5th, with the Switchbacks missing out on any nominations as they had an additional week off after the match in Oklahoma City.

Julian Ringhof, who broke onto the professional scene with 2015 USL Champions Rochester Rhinos, anchors the defense of Arizona United.  Hailing from Freiburg on the edge of Germany’s beautiful Black Forest, Ringhof is a commanding and powerful defender who forms a formidable defensive backline along with Daniel Antùnez.  Uchenna Uzo and Brock Granger round-out United’s four-man defense, with Head Coach Frank Yallop having the luxury of versatile veteran Scott Morrison and youngster Nick Costa as defensive reinforcements.  Morrison is dynamic left back who also thrives as a winger and has the pace and experience to cause the Switchbacks problems.

Switchbacks right back Jordan Burt believes the opening match at Switchbacks Stadium could well see his team cement their stadium as one of the most daunting to visit in the USL.  “We got the season off on the right foot [in OKC],” said the always-barnstorming Burt.  “We have one of the best home field advantages in the country and we want to win every home game.”

When asked directly about the challenge posed by a new-look United SC team, Burt didn’t waste any words.  “They’re better than last year, no doubt,” said Burt.  “We have to focus on what we do best and let the result take care of itself.”

Competition within the Switchbacks for starting places is one of a number of interesting storylines heading into Saturday’s match, with an off-season injection of talent giving the Switchbacks’ coaching staff any number of possible starting lineups.  “Starters and non-starters alike, everyone shows a ton of grit and passion, and everyone shows it day in and day out,” said Jordan Burt, before adding, “Every practice your spot is up for grabs so know we have to bring it.”

The fight for places was not lost on Jacob Cawsey, and while a new addition to the Switchbacks, the midfielder is well aware of the strength in depth.  “There’s tough competition for places,” said Cawsey.  “Players bring new and different things, and we’ve got a great eleven and a great squad in total.”

A return to Switchbacks Stadium, while over half a year in coming, elicited the most passionate response among players and coaches alike. “I’m absolutely buzzing to be home, especially after our first big win,” said a beaming Maybin.  “We’ve got to worry about our game and our play and I think we’ll do well.”

Head Coach Steve Trittschuh was equally thrilled to finally be getting the season at Switchbacks Stadium underway: “After this weekend’s game everything starts to roll with our schedule,” said Trittschuh.  “Our guys are ready to go and really excited to play in front of our fans and on our home field.”

Colorado Springs, CO (April 6, 2016) – After more than six months without a home USL match, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC will finally return to Switchbacks Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face Arizona United SC. 

A precious 2-1 road win against Oklahoma City Energy FC on March 26th gave the Switchbacks a near-perfect start to the 2016 campaign.  Since the Switchbacks’ season opener, Arizona United have played three matches in the USL with varying degrees of success.  With their first five games taking place away from the cozy confines of the Peoria Sports Complex in the Valley of the Sun, Arizona United were tasked with a mightily difficult three-game West Coast road trip before heading to Colorado Springs.

Opening the season against 2015’s USL Western Conference Champions Los Angeles Galaxy II, Arizona United were ultimately unable to recover from conceding two first half goals as they fell 2-0 at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California.  Four days later United made history with their first-ever win in Washington State as they condemned Seattle Sounders FC 2 to a 2-0 defeat.  A goal and assist by standout striker Chris Cortez was more than enough offensive production for Arizona to hold on to the win, as they comprehensively defended against a Sounders 2 team who have lost all three of their USL matches in 2016.

On April 2nd, Arizona United fell 1-0 to Sacramento Republic FC at Bonney Field in California’s capital city, in a match that preserved Sacramento’s perfect USL start.

While Arizona United have been earning their frequent flier miles on America’s West Coast, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks have been training at altitude in Colorado’s famously unpredictable spring weather.  Mild and warm conditions are predicted in Colorado’s second city for Saturday’s Switchbacks home opener, with a newly refurbished and expanded Switchbacks Stadium ready to host an Arizona United team that lost 5-0 to the Switchbacks in Colorado Springs in May of 2015.

The 5-0 destruction of Arizona United tied for the largest home win of the 2015 USL season, with the Switchbacks also defeating Orange County Blues FC by the same score line in late June.  Much has changed for Arizona since that game, with new Head Coach Frank Yallop bringing a wealth of experience to United SC.  Twice a winner of the MLS Cup and a two-time recipient of the MLS Coach of the Year Award, Yallop played professionally in England with Ipswich Town before moving stateside to represent the Tampa Bay Mutiny.  English-born, Yallop both played for and managed Canada at international level, with his last coaching stop before Arizona United coming as the Head Coach of MLS’ Chicago Fire.

Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh believes his counterpart Yallop has given United SC a strong foundation.  “Frank has them organized, that’s for sure,” said former United States international Trittschuh.  “They’ve improved every game that they have played, and we’ve got to be ready for them.”

Striker Marty Maybin, fresh off scoring the opening goal against Oklahoma City Energy FC, doesn’t take much stock in last season’s 5-0 win and believes this year’s United SC will pose a real test for the Switchbacks.  “We’re going to get their best game.  We’ve got a target on our back after last year, but we’re all prepared and ready to go for Saturday,” said Belfast-born Maybin.

With a fully healthy squad to choose from, Head Coach Steve Trittschuh has an abundance of options at his disposal from which to choose his starting XI, and believes the extra week since the win in Oklahoma City has come at the perfect time.  “It was good for us to get that time,” said Trittschuh.  “We had a few niggling injuries, but everyone is healthy now and ready to play against Arizona.”

One of four players to make their debuts for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks against OKC Energy, midfielder Jacob Cawsey will no doubt be pushing for a start this Saturday.  The young man from Scunthorpe, England echoed his Head Coach’s comments when asked about the two weeks of preparation.  “We’re all so excited after OKC,” said Cawsey.  “The extra week has only added to the buzz and I can’t wait for Saturday.  The club is growing so much and it’s brilliant to be a part of it.”

Arizona United has a roster that’s brimming with talent and experience.  Chinese striker Long Tan was named to the 2015 USL All-League First Team, and he’s the club’s all-time leading goal scorer with nineteen goals to his name after just two seasons.  So far this campaign Tan has been relegated to a substitute role due to the form of Chris Cortez.  After three seasons with the USL’s Orange County Blues FC, Cortez joined Arizona United SC in late March of 2016 and has so far proved his worth across the forward line.  Equally adept as a central striker or drifting into wider attacking positions, Cortez will no doubt be the central offensive threat for Arizona United on Saturday.  With Tan and fellow forward Sam Garza, Arizona has a potent strike-force that relies upon the midfield distribution of Scottsdale, Arizona native Blair Gavin.

Chris Cortez was named to the bench of the USL’s Team of the Week on April 5th, with the Switchbacks missing out on any nominations as they had an additional week off after the match in Oklahoma City.

Julian Ringhof, who broke onto the professional scene with 2015 USL Champions Rochester Rhinos, anchors the defense of Arizona United.  Hailing from Freiburg on the edge of Germany’s beautiful Black Forest, Ringhof is a commanding and powerful defender who forms a formidable defensive backline along with Daniel Antùnez.  Uchenna Uzo and Brock Granger round-out United’s four-man defense, with Head Coach Frank Yallop having the luxury of versatile veteran Scott Morrison and youngster Nick Costa as defensive reinforcements.  Morrison is dynamic left back who also thrives as a winger and has the pace and experience to cause the Switchbacks problems.

Switchbacks right back Jordan Burt believes the opening match at Switchbacks Stadium could well see his team cement their stadium as one of the most daunting to visit in the USL.  “We got the season off on the right foot [in OKC],” said the always-barnstorming Burt.  “We have one of the best home field advantages in the country and we want to win every home game.”

When asked directly about the challenge posed by a new-look United SC team, Burt didn’t waste any words.  “They’re better than last year, no doubt,” said Burt.  “We have to focus on what we do best and let the result take care of itself.”

Competition within the Switchbacks for starting places is one of a number of interesting storylines heading into Saturday’s match, with an off-season injection of talent giving the Switchbacks’ coaching staff any number of possible starting lineups.  “Starters and non-starters alike, everyone shows a ton of grit and passion, and everyone shows it day in and day out,” said Jordan Burt, before adding, “Every practice your spot is up for grabs so know we have to bring it.”

The fight for places was not lost on Jacob Cawsey, and while a new addition to the Switchbacks, the midfielder is well aware of the strength in depth.  “There’s tough competition for places,” said Cawsey.  “Players bring new and different things, and we’ve got a great eleven and a great squad in total.”

A return to Switchbacks Stadium, while over half a year in coming, elicited the most passionate response among players and coaches alike. “I’m absolutely buzzing to be home, especially after our first big win,” said a beaming Maybin.  “We’ve got to worry about our game and our play and I think we’ll do well.”

Head Coach Steve Trittschuh was equally thrilled to finally be getting the season at Switchbacks Stadium underway: “After this weekend’s game everything starts to roll with our schedule,” said Trittschuh.  “Our guys are ready to go and really excited to play in front of our fans and on our home field.”

Colorado Springs, CO (March 24, 2016) In perhaps the marquee Week One matchup in the USL’s Western Conference, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC travel southeast to take on the club that ended their magical inauguration season of 2015: Oklahoma City Energy FC.

This weekend’s game in Oklahoma’s capital city will no doubt feature a tinge of revenge for the Switchbacks who endured a winless three-match 2015 against the Energy FC.

The first ever USL match played at Switchbacks Stadium ended in a 2-1 victory for the Energy FC on April 4th of last year.  A pulsating 3-3 draw was contested on the penultimate match-day of the regular season on September 12th in Oklahoma City.

A 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders FC 2 in the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs set the Switchbacks on their way to a showdown game at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City, after the Energy FC earned a First-Round bye.  Extra time wasn’t enough to separate the USL Western Conference rivals who finished tied at 2-2.  OKC Energy FC eventually prevailed on penalty kicks to end the Switchbacks’ season in heartbreaking fashion.

Oklahoma City Energy’s season ended a week later as they fell 2-1 to the Los Angeles Galaxy II in the Western Conference Finals.

For the 2016 USL regular season, the Energy FC return two of the most feared players in the league.  Danish striker Danni König, named to the 2015 USL All-League First Team, will spearhead an OKC attack that relies heavily upon the distribution of Welsh midfielder Gareth Evans.  Evans, who was rewarded for a fantastic 2015 season with a place on the 2015 USL All-League Second Team, is a deep-lying midfielder who acts as the fulcrum of a potent Energy FC offense.

Both König and Evans were on the minds of the Switchbacks’ coaches and players during preparation for the trip of Oklahoma City.  “Danni König is hard to stop,” said Switchbacks captain Luke Vercollone before adding, “he’s a great finisher with good speed.”

Vercollone’s midfield partner Rony Argueta echoed the comments of his captain with regard to König.  “We’ve got to keep König in front of us,” insisted Argueta.  “He’s fast, he can finish…we can’t let him in behind or he’ll hurt us.”

Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh, while clearly aware of the dangers posed by Evans and König, wouldn’t be drawn into focusing on just those two players.  “We can’t worry about Evans and König and nobody else,” warned Trittschuh.  “We have to pay attention to them and be aware, but we must play our game…They [OKC] have a lot of players to keep our eyes on.”

Head Coach Trittschuh praised the Switchbacks’ defensive partnership of Josh Phillips and JJ Greer for their performances against OKC Energy last season.  “Josh and JJ did great to keep Köning from hurting us,” said Trittschuh, before pausing and adding, “but he’s very dangerous.”

Despite the aforementioned feeling of revenge inevitably being a motivational factor for the Switchbacks against the Energy, not a single player or coach cited it as paramount in their pre-match preparation.  “Our focus is on this match,” insisted Davy Armstrong.  “We’ve got to start off the season in the right way.  This is a team we really want to beat after last year where we tied them twice and lost on PK’s.”

Veteran midfield Shintaro Harada made clear his feelings on the revenge factor ahead of this weekend’s match.  “We will try our best to win this year’s game.  We don’t look for revenge,” said Harada.  “Winning there – that’s revenge enough.”

Head Coach Steve Trittschuh couldn’t have made his feelings on the subject of retribution any clearer; “I’ve told our players from the beginning; last year is over.  We must be better and we must focus on ourselves.  Emotions will be high.  We may well have ten to fifteen minutes of crazy to start the game, but then we have to settle it down and get the result.”

In addition to avenging last season’s results against the Energy, the environment of a packed Taft Stadium adds an extra dollop of intrigue to an otherwise fascinating Week One game.  “It’s hard to play there,” said Shin Harada.  “It’s a total away-game experience.  We have to enjoy it and enjoy their fans.  We don’t take pressure from the crowd; we use it for our own fire.”

When asked about the near 8,000-seat capacity at Taft Stadium, goalkeeper Devala Gorrick was quick to recognize its importance.  “I expect a battle from kickoff to the 90th minute,” said Gorrick.  “There will be a lot of passion in Oklahoma City.”

Rony Argueta mirrored Gorrick’s battle cry.  “It’s going to be a battle.  We have to go out and fight, while staying organized as a team,” said the Switchbacks’ defensive midfielder.  “We’re still feeling the pain from last season – we still have that sting.  We need to build off it and use it.”

One of the most positive reinforcements for Switchbacks fans, ahead of both the difficult trip to Oklahoma City and the team’s sophomore season, is the fact that the core of the team has remained in Colorado Springs.  The Switchbacks return the entire spine of 2015’s squad, starting with Devala Gorrick in goal.  Josh Phillips and JJ Greer partnered brilliantly in defense during preseason, with the midfield trio of Rony Argueta, Shintaro Harada and captain Luke Vercollone looking as confident and dangerous as ever.

Jacob Cawsey further strengthens the midfield with his defensive capability and his talent for quick ball distribution.  Kevin Durr’s versatility and work ethic give the Switchbacks defense much needed depth.

Miguel Gonzalez, Saeed Robinson, and Mike Seth provide width, speed, and attacking flair while Jordan Burt, Davy Armstrong, Nate Robinson and newcomer Josh Suggs add great class to the Switchbacks’ full back options.  Aaron King and Marty Maybin can both adeptly lead the Switchbacks from the forward position, and Maybin showed great promise in the preseason when deployed in a wide attacking role.

South Korean midfielders Taewoo Kim and Taeseong Kim bring steel and class to the center of the field for the Switchbacks.  Billy Thompson and Dan Jackson give Steve Trittschuh as deep and strong a goalkeeping collection as any team in the USL.

A very positive preseason campaign has the Switchbacks not only confident ahead of their journey to Oklahoma City, but also with a full compliment of players to choose from.  “I feel very confident heading into a tough place to play,” said Luke Vercollone.  “We all had a great preseason and we’re feeling prepared.  Also, we take a lot from last year both in their style of play and their stadium.”

“We’ve got everyone healthy coming out of a strong preseason,” declared Head Coach Trittschuh.  “We’re doing well – we’ve been playing well and playing our game.”

When pressed on specifics for defeating OKC Energy, Vercollone kept his cards close to his chest: “We’re focused on our game.  We must play our style and play tough team defense.”

“Compared to last year we’re better,” said Rony Argueta, before adding, “We need to match OKC’s energy and play our game. It’s exciting – this game could set the tone for our season.”

With Saturday’s game being the first of the 2016 USL regular season for both squads, it’s difficult to pinpoint both starting XI’s and specific tactics.  Despite this, and after last year’s three contests, there remains a passion, pride, and excitement within the Switchbacks to finally begin their USL campaign.  A positive result in Oklahoma City, while nowhere near critical to the overall outcome of 2016, will doubtless serve as a template for what looks to be a strong second season for the team from Colorado’s second city.

For more information on  the 2016 Switchbacks season, please visit https://www.switchbacksfc.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter

Colorado Springs, CO (March 24, 2016) In perhaps the marquee Week One matchup in the USL’s Western Conference, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC travel southeast to take on the club that ended their magical inauguration season of 2015: Oklahoma City Energy FC.

This weekend’s game in Oklahoma’s capital city will no doubt feature a tinge of revenge for the Switchbacks who endured a winless three-match 2015 against the Energy FC.

The first ever USL match played at Switchbacks Stadium ended in a 2-1 victory for the Energy FC on April 4th of last year.  A pulsating 3-3 draw was contested on the penultimate match-day of the regular season on September 12th in Oklahoma City.

A 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders FC 2 in the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs set the Switchbacks on their way to a showdown game at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City, after the Energy FC earned a First-Round bye.  Extra time wasn’t enough to separate the USL Western Conference rivals who finished tied at 2-2.  OKC Energy FC eventually prevailed on penalty kicks to end the Switchbacks’ season in heartbreaking fashion.

Oklahoma City Energy’s season ended a week later as they fell 2-1 to the Los Angeles Galaxy II in the Western Conference Finals.

For the 2016 USL regular season, the Energy FC return two of the most feared players in the league.  Danish striker Danni König, named to the 2015 USL All-League First Team, will spearhead an OKC attack that relies heavily upon the distribution of Welsh midfielder Gareth Evans.  Evans, who was rewarded for a fantastic 2015 season with a place on the 2015 USL All-League Second Team, is a deep-lying midfielder who acts as the fulcrum of a potent Energy FC offense.

Both König and Evans were on the minds of the Switchbacks’ coaches and players during preparation for the trip of Oklahoma City.  “Danni König is hard to stop,” said Switchbacks captain Luke Vercollone before adding, “he’s a great finisher with good speed.”

Vercollone’s midfield partner Rony Argueta echoed the comments of his captain with regard to König.  “We’ve got to keep König in front of us,” insisted Argueta.  “He’s fast, he can finish…we can’t let him in behind or he’ll hurt us.”

Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh, while clearly aware of the dangers posed by Evans and König, wouldn’t be drawn into focusing on just those two players.  “We can’t worry about Evans and König and nobody else,” warned Trittschuh.  “We have to pay attention to them and be aware, but we must play our game…They [OKC] have a lot of players to keep our eyes on.”

Head Coach Trittschuh praised the Switchbacks’ defensive partnership of Josh Phillips and JJ Greer for their performances against OKC Energy last season.  “Josh and JJ did great to keep Köning from hurting us,” said Trittschuh, before pausing and adding, “but he’s very dangerous.”

Despite the aforementioned feeling of revenge inevitably being a motivational factor for the Switchbacks against the Energy, not a single player or coach cited it as paramount in their pre-match preparation.  “Our focus is on this match,” insisted Davy Armstrong.  “We’ve got to start off the season in the right way.  This is a team we really want to beat after last year where we tied them twice and lost on PK’s.”

Veteran midfield Shintaro Harada made clear his feelings on the revenge factor ahead of this weekend’s match.  “We will try our best to win this year’s game.  We don’t look for revenge,” said Harada.  “Winning there – that’s revenge enough.”

Head Coach Steve Trittschuh couldn’t have made his feelings on the subject of retribution any clearer; “I’ve told our players from the beginning; last year is over.  We must be better and we must focus on ourselves.  Emotions will be high.  We may well have ten to fifteen minutes of crazy to start the game, but then we have to settle it down and get the result.”

In addition to avenging last season’s results against the Energy, the environment of a packed Taft Stadium adds an extra dollop of intrigue to an otherwise fascinating Week One game.  “It’s hard to play there,” said Shin Harada.  “It’s a total away-game experience.  We have to enjoy it and enjoy their fans.  We don’t take pressure from the crowd; we use it for our own fire.”

When asked about the near 8,000-seat capacity at Taft Stadium, goalkeeper Devala Gorrick was quick to recognize its importance.  “I expect a battle from kickoff to the 90th minute,” said Gorrick.  “There will be a lot of passion in Oklahoma City.”

Rony Argueta mirrored Gorrick’s battle cry.  “It’s going to be a battle.  We have to go out and fight, while staying organized as a team,” said the Switchbacks’ defensive midfielder.  “We’re still feeling the pain from last season – we still have that sting.  We need to build off it and use it.”

One of the most positive reinforcements for Switchbacks fans, ahead of both the difficult trip to Oklahoma City and the team’s sophomore season, is the fact that the core of the team has remained in Colorado Springs.  The Switchbacks return the entire spine of 2015’s squad, starting with Devala Gorrick in goal.  Josh Phillips and JJ Greer partnered brilliantly in defense during preseason, with the midfield trio of Rony Argueta, Shintaro Harada and captain Luke Vercollone looking as confident and dangerous as ever.

Jacob Cawsey further strengthens the midfield with his defensive capability and his talent for quick ball distribution.  Kevin Durr’s versatility and work ethic give the Switchbacks defense much needed depth.

Miguel Gonzalez, Saeed Robinson, and Mike Seth provide width, speed, and attacking flair while Jordan Burt, Davy Armstrong, Nate Robinson and newcomer Josh Suggs add great class to the Switchbacks’ full back options.  Aaron King and Marty Maybin can both adeptly lead the Switchbacks from the forward position, and Maybin showed great promise in the preseason when deployed in a wide attacking role.

South Korean midfielders Taewoo Kim and Taeseong Kim bring steel and class to the center of the field for the Switchbacks.  Billy Thompson and Dan Jackson give Steve Trittschuh as deep and strong a goalkeeping collection as any team in the USL.

A very positive preseason campaign has the Switchbacks not only confident ahead of their journey to Oklahoma City, but also with a full compliment of players to choose from.  “I feel very confident heading into a tough place to play,” said Luke Vercollone.  “We all had a great preseason and we’re feeling prepared.  Also, we take a lot from last year both in their style of play and their stadium.”

“We’ve got everyone healthy coming out of a strong preseason,” declared Head Coach Trittschuh.  “We’re doing well – we’ve been playing well and playing our game.”

When pressed on specifics for defeating OKC Energy, Vercollone kept his cards close to his chest: “We’re focused on our game.  We must play our style and play tough team defense.”

“Compared to last year we’re better,” said Rony Argueta, before adding, “We need to match OKC’s energy and play our game. It’s exciting – this game could set the tone for our season.”

With Saturday’s game being the first of the 2016 USL regular season for both squads, it’s difficult to pinpoint both starting XI’s and specific tactics.  Despite this, and after last year’s three contests, there remains a passion, pride, and excitement within the Switchbacks to finally begin their USL campaign.  A positive result in Oklahoma City, while nowhere near critical to the overall outcome of 2016, will doubtless serve as a template for what looks to be a strong second season for the team from Colorado’s second city.

For more information on  the 2016 Switchbacks season, please visit https://www.switchbacksfc.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter

(Golden, CO., March 9, 2016) A 2-0 win over the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado on Tuesday afternoon kept an impressive preseason record unblemished for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.  Four wins in as many games has given the Switchbacks a solid platform for not only the remainder of their preseason calendar, but also as they look ahead to one of the USL’s most-anticipated Week 1 matchups against OKC Energy FC on March 26th.

Less than 72 hours removed from a physically taxing 2-1 victory over CSU-Pueblo, the Switchbacks easily controlled the opening stages against a Colorado School of Mines team coming off a magical 2015 season.

The Orediggers smashed their way to an undefeated regular season last year, as they finished atop the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference for the second consecutive campaign.  A heartbreaking loss, on an overtime golden goal, ended Mines’ season in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight against Cal Poly, Pomona.

A nearly impenetrable midfield trio of Shintaro Harada, captain Luke Vercollone, and Rony Argueta were more than enough to keep the Switchbacks in near constant possession to start the first half.  Miguel Gonzalez and Mike Seth offered support to lone striker Marty Maybin, as the Switchbacks started the game with a powerful attacking lineup.

It was Gonzalez and Seth who combined brilliantly after four minutes to win the Switchbacks their first of eight corner kicks.  A rambunctious 40-yard run by Gonzalez was capped off with a pinpoint pass to Seth, who saw his cross towards Marty Maybin well blocked.

After the resulting corner kick was cleared, Colorado School of Mines produced one of their clearest chances of the game as they took full advantage of the Switchbacks’ midfield being pushed forward for the set piece.  Mines broke at speed and with real intent, although Switchbacks starting goalkeeper Devala Gorrick was ultimately untested by a shot that easily passed his left-hand post.

Shintaro Harada, who was fantastic against CSU-Pueblo from his deep-lying central midfield position, bookended a brilliant Switchbacks attack eight minutes in.  After starting the move with an ingenious switch of play that found Gonzalez on the left hand wing, Harada was eventually returned the ball by left back Josh Suggs at the top of the box.  Unfortunately for Harada, his dipping drive screamed just inches wide of Mines’ right post.

Less than a minute later Miguel Gonzalez tried his luck, only to see his curling back-post effort go inches wide.

The Switchbacks used their considerable speed in wide positions early and often against Mines, as Josh Suggs and Jordan Burt each made numerous overlapping runs.  Gonzalez hugged the left touchline so consistently in the opening stages of the game that he could easily be forgiven for cleaning chalk off his cleats at halftime.

Jordan Burt’s attacking prowess proved key after sixteen minutes as the right back played an inch-perfect pass into his captain, Luke Vercollone.  Vercollone, finding himself in advance of Burt on the right wing, swung a dangerous cross into the box that Marty Maybin lashed towards goal only to see his shot well saved.

Burt provided again, this time from a long throw-in, as Mike Seth flicked the ball into the path of Vercollone, who’s shot was saved.

Josh Suggs went close, and Jordan Burt had a drive loop just over the Orediggers’ bar as the Switchbacks ratcheted up the pressure as the first half wore on.

Center back Josh Phillips was once again outstanding in the air, and he marshaled the Switchbacks’ defense to such a high line that ‘keeper Devala Gorrick found himself almost unused as the half ticked towards its end.

The Switchbacks produced two of their best chances of the first half in the dying minutes.  Miguel Gonzalez played one of the passes of the match to set Luke Vercollone in behind the Mines’ defense, but the captain’s left footed strike was well turned behind for a corner.

After the Orediggers’ goalkeeper punched clear another Vercollone effort, Marty Maybin tried an audacious volley off his right instep, only to see it whistle just wide.  It was perhaps an unlucky halftime score of 0-0, as the Switchbacks controlled possession and tempo and limited Colorado School of Mines to one corner kick and just a lone clear shot towards Devala Gorrick’s goal.

Despite the overwhelming possession for the Switchbacks, Mines never stopped trying to pass themselves out of danger, and both their endeavor and skill was much appreciated by Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh.  “Mines are a very good team,” said Trittschuh.  “They made the Elite Eight last year, we know their quality…they’re a good playing team.”

Eight changes were made by the Switchbacks to start the second half.  Davy Armstrong and Nate Robinson came on at right and left back respectively, and they continued the attacking formula set forth by the departed Suggs and Burt.  Just three minutes into the half central defender JJ Greer played a great pass out to Armstrong on the right wing, and although the move eventually broke down, it was a precursor of things to come.

Armstrong found himself one-on-one just seconds later, and after cutting inside and onto his left foot, his stinging drive at goal was well blocked.  “It’s great to get forward,” said Armstrong after the match, before adding, “It’s great to have that bond with the right-hand midfielder and it makes the game fun when I’m able to get forward like that.”

Devala Gorrick was called into action five minutes into the half as he comfortably caught a Mines shot.  Gorrick completed the ninety minutes as Head Coach Trittschuh looks to start giving his players more playing time in preseason games as the season nears ever closer.  “It’s all about preparing for the regular season right now, and it’s time to start extending players in these games,” said Trittschuh.

Ten minutes into the second half Mike Seth made a great run down the right flank that was matched by the quality of his cross into Aaron King.  King’s initial effort was half-cleared, only for the veteran striker to pounce on the loose ball and fire his shot just wide.

Jacob Cawsey had replaced Rony Argueta at halftime, and the Englishmen’s combination play with his midfielder partner Harada was seamless.  Never too far from one another, Cawsey and Harada continued to control the center of the midfield and even added a touch of flair with quick-thinking one-touch passes that allowed Saeed Robinson in behind the Orediggers defense.

Striker Aaron King popped up on the right hand wing for the Switchbacks just before the hour mark, and after a great solo run he latched on to his own semi-cleared cross and fired his shot wide to the Mines goalkeeper’s right.

Rony Argueta returned to the field to spell Harada, while Marty Maybin came on in place of Mike Seth on the right hand side of the Switchbacks’ attack.  It turned out to be a brilliant substitution by the Switchbacks coaching staff, as Maybin produced some of his best soccer on the right flank.

With Jacob Cawsey winning nearly every headed challenge he was presented, the Switchbacks continued to pour forward against an admirably robust and technically sound Colorado School of Mines team.

The central defensive partnership of JJ Greer and Kevin Durr showed great spacing and communication in the second half, as both players worked well to keep Mines’ attacking players in front of them.  Greer was called upon late to make an impressive tackle which blocked a goal-bound effort, while Durr made an equally important and well-timed challenge with just ten minutes to go which helped preserve Gorrick’s clean sheet.

The Switchbacks finally took the lead in the eighty-second minute after a wicked drive from Nate Robinson.  From all of 25 yards away from goal, Robinson laced his shot with such venom and swerve that the Mines goalkeeper stood no chance and was left with nothing more than a courtesy dive as the ball flew past his outstretched right hand and into the net.  While just reward for the Switchbacks’ constant pressure, it was a touch unlucky for an Orediggers team who played with great spirit and class throughout the entire match.

“I’m happy to get the goal,” said Nate Robinson after the match.  “I’m new to the defensive position, and happy and just wanting to learn.  I love left back – it’s great being able to cut in on my favored right foot if the defenders give me the space.”

Just three minutes later the Switchbacks found the net again, after a great run and cross by Saeed Robinson.  Using his considerable speed to get free down the left wing, Saeed Robinson found Marty Maybin win a perfect pass.  After his first touch took a bit of a bobble, Maybin crushed his volley just under the crossbar to seal the Switchbacks’ win.  Maybin paid tribute to Saeed Robinson after the match, “It was a great ball from Saeed.  I took a bit of a rough touch, but thankfully I was able to put it away.”

Not only was it an impressive finish from Maybin, but his second half performance on the right side of an attacking trio was a real positive for the Switchbacks.  “Today was a little better than last week,” said Maybin after the game.  “We played more as a team, and being on the right wing I just try and take advantage of the space.”

Devala Gorrick was called upon twice as time ran out, first with a punched-clearance and again with a well-timed save.

Head Coach Steve Trittschuh thought the performance by Colorado School of Mines will serve the Switchbacks very well moving forward.  “It was a good contest and we scored two class goals.  We had a lot of possession, and we’ve got to figure ways to break these teams down,” implored Trittschuh.  “Teams coming to Colorado Springs will sit behind the ball, just like that.”

Left back Nate Robinson, whose goal set the Switchbacks on their way to victory, was very happy with his team’s performance.  “We are improving every game which is always what we want,” said Robinson.  “We’re starting to play our style.”

Davy Armstrong, who impressed in the second ’45 at right back, added, “It was great to get a half.  We did what we planned, we scored good goals, and we were well organized.”

The Switchbacks play again in just four days as they host University of Colorado, Colorado Springs at Switchbacks Stadium on Saturday.  “We’re looking forward to our home stadium and home crowd,” said Head Coach Trittschuh.  “And finally playing on grass!”

(Golden, CO., March 9, 2016) A 2-0 win over the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado on Tuesday afternoon kept an impressive preseason record unblemished for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.  Four wins in as many games has given the Switchbacks a solid platform for not only the remainder of their preseason calendar, but also as they look ahead to one of the USL’s most-anticipated Week 1 matchups against OKC Energy FC on March 26th.

Less than 72 hours removed from a physically taxing 2-1 victory over CSU-Pueblo, the Switchbacks easily controlled the opening stages against a Colorado School of Mines team coming off a magical 2015 season.

The Orediggers smashed their way to an undefeated regular season last year, as they finished atop the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference for the second consecutive campaign.  A heartbreaking loss, on an overtime golden goal, ended Mines’ season in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight against Cal Poly, Pomona.

A nearly impenetrable midfield trio of Shintaro Harada, captain Luke Vercollone, and Rony Argueta were more than enough to keep the Switchbacks in near constant possession to start the first half.  Miguel Gonzalez and Mike Seth offered support to lone striker Marty Maybin, as the Switchbacks started the game with a powerful attacking lineup.

It was Gonzalez and Seth who combined brilliantly after four minutes to win the Switchbacks their first of eight corner kicks.  A rambunctious 40-yard run by Gonzalez was capped off with a pinpoint pass to Seth, who saw his cross towards Marty Maybin well blocked.

After the resulting corner kick was cleared, Colorado School of Mines produced one of their clearest chances of the game as they took full advantage of the Switchbacks’ midfield being pushed forward for the set piece.  Mines broke at speed and with real intent, although Switchbacks starting goalkeeper Devala Gorrick was ultimately untested by a shot that easily passed his left-hand post.

Shintaro Harada, who was fantastic against CSU-Pueblo from his deep-lying central midfield position, bookended a brilliant Switchbacks attack eight minutes in.  After starting the move with an ingenious switch of play that found Gonzalez on the left hand wing, Harada was eventually returned the ball by left back Josh Suggs at the top of the box.  Unfortunately for Harada, his dipping drive screamed just inches wide of Mines’ right post.

Less than a minute later Miguel Gonzalez tried his luck, only to see his curling back-post effort go inches wide.

The Switchbacks used their considerable speed in wide positions early and often against Mines, as Josh Suggs and Jordan Burt each made numerous overlapping runs.  Gonzalez hugged the left touchline so consistently in the opening stages of the game that he could easily be forgiven for cleaning chalk off his cleats at halftime.

Jordan Burt’s attacking prowess proved key after sixteen minutes as the right back played an inch-perfect pass into his captain, Luke Vercollone.  Vercollone, finding himself in advance of Burt on the right wing, swung a dangerous cross into the box that Marty Maybin lashed towards goal only to see his shot well saved.

Burt provided again, this time from a long throw-in, as Mike Seth flicked the ball into the path of Vercollone, who’s shot was saved.

Josh Suggs went close, and Jordan Burt had a drive loop just over the Orediggers’ bar as the Switchbacks ratcheted up the pressure as the first half wore on.

Center back Josh Phillips was once again outstanding in the air, and he marshaled the Switchbacks’ defense to such a high line that ‘keeper Devala Gorrick found himself almost unused as the half ticked towards its end.

The Switchbacks produced two of their best chances of the first half in the dying minutes.  Miguel Gonzalez played one of the passes of the match to set Luke Vercollone in behind the Mines’ defense, but the captain’s left footed strike was well turned behind for a corner.

After the Orediggers’ goalkeeper punched clear another Vercollone effort, Marty Maybin tried an audacious volley off his right instep, only to see it whistle just wide.  It was perhaps an unlucky halftime score of 0-0, as the Switchbacks controlled possession and tempo and limited Colorado School of Mines to one corner kick and just a lone clear shot towards Devala Gorrick’s goal.

Despite the overwhelming possession for the Switchbacks, Mines never stopped trying to pass themselves out of danger, and both their endeavor and skill was much appreciated by Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh.  “Mines are a very good team,” said Trittschuh.  “They made the Elite Eight last year, we know their quality…they’re a good playing team.”

Eight changes were made by the Switchbacks to start the second half.  Davy Armstrong and Nate Robinson came on at right and left back respectively, and they continued the attacking formula set forth by the departed Suggs and Burt.  Just three minutes into the half central defender JJ Greer played a great pass out to Armstrong on the right wing, and although the move eventually broke down, it was a precursor of things to come.

Armstrong found himself one-on-one just seconds later, and after cutting inside and onto his left foot, his stinging drive at goal was well blocked.  “It’s great to get forward,” said Armstrong after the match, before adding, “It’s great to have that bond with the right-hand midfielder and it makes the game fun when I’m able to get forward like that.”

Devala Gorrick was called into action five minutes into the half as he comfortably caught a Mines shot.  Gorrick completed the ninety minutes as Head Coach Trittschuh looks to start giving his players more playing time in preseason games as the season nears ever closer.  “It’s all about preparing for the regular season right now, and it’s time to start extending players in these games,” said Trittschuh.

Ten minutes into the second half Mike Seth made a great run down the right flank that was matched by the quality of his cross into Aaron King.  King’s initial effort was half-cleared, only for the veteran striker to pounce on the loose ball and fire his shot just wide.

Jacob Cawsey had replaced Rony Argueta at halftime, and the Englishmen’s combination play with his midfielder partner Harada was seamless.  Never too far from one another, Cawsey and Harada continued to control the center of the midfield and even added a touch of flair with quick-thinking one-touch passes that allowed Saeed Robinson in behind the Orediggers defense.

Striker Aaron King popped up on the right hand wing for the Switchbacks just before the hour mark, and after a great solo run he latched on to his own semi-cleared cross and fired his shot wide to the Mines goalkeeper’s right.

Rony Argueta returned to the field to spell Harada, while Marty Maybin came on in place of Mike Seth on the right hand side of the Switchbacks’ attack.  It turned out to be a brilliant substitution by the Switchbacks coaching staff, as Maybin produced some of his best soccer on the right flank.

With Jacob Cawsey winning nearly every headed challenge he was presented, the Switchbacks continued to pour forward against an admirably robust and technically sound Colorado School of Mines team.

The central defensive partnership of JJ Greer and Kevin Durr showed great spacing and communication in the second half, as both players worked well to keep Mines’ attacking players in front of them.  Greer was called upon late to make an impressive tackle which blocked a goal-bound effort, while Durr made an equally important and well-timed challenge with just ten minutes to go which helped preserve Gorrick’s clean sheet.

The Switchbacks finally took the lead in the eighty-second minute after a wicked drive from Nate Robinson.  From all of 25 yards away from goal, Robinson laced his shot with such venom and swerve that the Mines goalkeeper stood no chance and was left with nothing more than a courtesy dive as the ball flew past his outstretched right hand and into the net.  While just reward for the Switchbacks’ constant pressure, it was a touch unlucky for an Orediggers team who played with great spirit and class throughout the entire match.

“I’m happy to get the goal,” said Nate Robinson after the match.  “I’m new to the defensive position, and happy and just wanting to learn.  I love left back – it’s great being able to cut in on my favored right foot if the defenders give me the space.”

Just three minutes later the Switchbacks found the net again, after a great run and cross by Saeed Robinson.  Using his considerable speed to get free down the left wing, Saeed Robinson found Marty Maybin win a perfect pass.  After his first touch took a bit of a bobble, Maybin crushed his volley just under the crossbar to seal the Switchbacks’ win.  Maybin paid tribute to Saeed Robinson after the match, “It was a great ball from Saeed.  I took a bit of a rough touch, but thankfully I was able to put it away.”

Not only was it an impressive finish from Maybin, but his second half performance on the right side of an attacking trio was a real positive for the Switchbacks.  “Today was a little better than last week,” said Maybin after the game.  “We played more as a team, and being on the right wing I just try and take advantage of the space.”

Devala Gorrick was called upon twice as time ran out, first with a punched-clearance and again with a well-timed save.

Head Coach Steve Trittschuh thought the performance by Colorado School of Mines will serve the Switchbacks very well moving forward.  “It was a good contest and we scored two class goals.  We had a lot of possession, and we’ve got to figure ways to break these teams down,” implored Trittschuh.  “Teams coming to Colorado Springs will sit behind the ball, just like that.”

Left back Nate Robinson, whose goal set the Switchbacks on their way to victory, was very happy with his team’s performance.  “We are improving every game which is always what we want,” said Robinson.  “We’re starting to play our style.”

Davy Armstrong, who impressed in the second ’45 at right back, added, “It was great to get a half.  We did what we planned, we scored good goals, and we were well organized.”

The Switchbacks play again in just four days as they host University of Colorado, Colorado Springs at Switchbacks Stadium on Saturday.  “We’re looking forward to our home stadium and home crowd,” said Head Coach Trittschuh.  “And finally playing on grass!”

A perfect start to the preseason continued for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC as they rolled to a 3-1 victory over Colorado State University-Pueblo at the Rawlings Soccer Complex in Pueblo, Colorado.

With its 7 p.m. local-time kickoff, the crisp Colorado night began in perfect fashion for the visiting Switchbacks as captain Luke Vercollone gave his team the lead inside of two minutes.  Miguel Gonzalez, who tormented the ThunderWolves’ defense with his every touch, served a pinpoint cross into Vercollone who rose well and nodded the Switchbacks into a lead they held all game.

Gonzalez started the match on the left wing, with striker Marty Maybin leading the offensive line for last season’s third-place finishers in the USL’s Western Conference.  Mike Seth began on the right, while Vercollone roamed freely behind Maybin.  In central midfield, Rony Argueta and Shintaro Harada screened in front of the central defensive partnership of Josh Phillips and JJ Greer.  One week after his impressive performance against the Air Force Academy, Billy Thompson was given the start in goal, as Josh Suggs and Jordan Burt occupied the wing back positions.

There was a marked change in intensity to start the game, as the Switchbacks shook the cobwebs off their slow start against the Air Force Academy and pressed CSU-Pueblo right from the opening whistle.  Rony Argueta was imperious in the air, as he won enough headers to personally fill a stat sheet.  Argueta’s midfield partner Harada was equally impressive, with his vision and tenacity on full display.  Nine minutes into the first half, Harada threaded an immaculate pass between three ThunderWolves defenders and perfectly into the run of a charging Miguel Gonzalez.  After cutting inside onto his right foot, Gonzalez was unlucky to see his goal-bound strike well saved low to the CSU-Pueblo goalkeeper’s left.

Always confident in possession, Harada was given the freedom by CSU-Pueblo to drop deep and take the ball out of defense, and the Japanese midfielder quickly became the fulcrum of many a Switchbacks attack.

With just eleven minutes gone in the first half, the Switchbacks doubled their advantage after a brilliant move by Josh Suggs.  A lung-bursting run down the left wing offered Suggs a clear path to goal but it was Suggs’ unselfishness which was of true class as he found a lurking Marty Maybin who made no mistake about his finish.  It was a fair lead for the Switchbacks, and a much-deserved assist for Suggs who terrorized the CSU-Pueblo defense with his never-ending forward runs.  Maybin was unlucky to not find himself on the score sheet just two minutes later as the Belfast native saw his shot creep over the ThunderWolves’ crossbar.

Maybin paid tribute to Suggs’ industry and ability after the match.  “Suggs was always working.  I [Maybin] was trying to get in and help…I led my man into the box, Suggs saw the pass, made it, and I was left with the easy part,” said Maybin of his goal.

Shin Harada and Marty Maybin were at it again in the fourteenth minute after another brilliant pass from Harada, this time finding Vercollone, was turned just wide by Maybin after an ingenious knock-down off Vercollone’s chest.

Jordan Burt produced one of the standout defensive moments of the opening half for the Switchbacks, as his speed was on full show on the quarter hour mark to prevent a would-be cross reaching the box.  The resulting corner kick was cleared by the Switchbacks, with ‘keeper Billy Thompson remaining untested.

Class was once again the name of the game from Josh Suggs, as he showed laudable honesty to stay on his feet after a mistimed challenge in the box that could have easily resulted in a penalty kick for the Switchbacks.  After riding the challenge, Suggs whipped in a magical cross, which, after being half-cleared by CSU-Pueblo, was once again laid off by Vercollone – this time to Miguel Gonzalez, who saw his rasping effort blocked.  It was another terrific offensive move by the Switchbacks, who were playing with a hunger and cohesiveness that was at times lacking against the Air Force Academy.

“Our speed of play was much better today,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh after the match.  “We’re creating more chances in the final third of the field, and now we’ve just got to work on putting them all away.”

JJ Greer twice found himself with chances on goal in the opening half.  The first came after twenty-six minutes when Marty Maybin won a free kick for the Switchbacks in a menacing position.  Suggs curled the ball sumptuously into the box and despite the rather aggressive attention of multiple CSU-Pueblo defenders Greer was able to rise highest only to see his header flash over the bar.  At the very end of the half Greer was pushed forward for another Switchbacks set-piece, and this time after expertly controlling the ball off his chest Greer saw his powerful volley well blocked before it reached goal.

Another wonderful offensive interchange between Gonzalez and Maybin saw Vercollone free to strike from outside the box, but the captain’s on-target effort was very well saved low to the CSU-Pueblo goalkeeper’s right.

Mike Seth tried his luck after Suggs took down Jordan Burt’s cross, but Seth was unlucky to see his shot flash just wide of the post.

Josh Phillips, who was consistently on-point with his passing out of defense, displayed his full-speed character with a quarter of an hour left in the first half, as he outrageously won a clearing header over two CSU-Pueblo attackers.  Billy Thompson was then called upon for some rather routine catching practice, but the Switchbacks’ goalkeeper could do nothing about CSU-Pueblo’s lone goal.

After a bit of pinball in midfield, CSU-Pueblo broke in numbers and at speed towards an exposed Switchbacks defense and a perfectly angled shot nestled into the side netting.  While certainly coming against the run of play, it was a very well taken goal by CSU-Pueblo.

Changes were made en masse to start the second half, as only JJ Greer and captain Luke Vercollone remained on the field.  Vercollone was incredibly unlucky to not win his team a penalty kick after the referee judged he was brought down just outside the box despite the protestations of the Switchbacks captain.

Dan Jackson was brought into goal, Kevin Durr partnered Greer in defense, and Davy Armstrong and Nate Robinson took up the wing back slots.  Aaron King, brought on for Marty Mabin, combined very well with Saeed Robinson from the moment the second half started.

King, pressing the CSU-Pueblo defenders with every breath, made a well-timed run in behind the ThunderWolves’ back line on fifty-eight minutes, only to see his shot blocked.  “When we high-press, we ask questions of their defenders,” said King after the match.

Jacob Cawsey picked up the aerial defensive mantle that Rony Argueta had established in the first half, as the midfielder expertly-timed many clearing headers.

Both Nate Robinson and Davy Armstrong were free to roam forward down their respective touchlines in the second half, although with so many changes from both teams the half was a far scrappier affair than the first.

On seventy-two minutes Cawsey produced an outstanding pass that set Aaron King towards goal, but the striker’s shot was blocked by a desperate combination of defender and goalkeeper.  Moments later Saeed Robinson saw his powerful shot well saved, before Aaron King was able to give the Switchbacks the 2-goal cushion their endeavor deserved.

Stepping up from the penalty spot, King made no mistake about his spot-kick as he lashed the ball home low to the CSU-Pueblo ‘keeper’s right.  It was just reward for both the Switchbacks and Aaron King, as the constant pressure applied by both deserved a third goal.  After the match King described his penalty process, “Keep it simple: pick a spot, make clean contact, and keep it low and hard.”

Despite the ragged-nature of the second half, both Head Coach Trittschuh and his players were happy with the result and how their preseason is progressing.  “It was a good exercise for us,” remarked Trittschuh before adding, “They [CSU-Pueblo] play with a lot of intensity, and we need that to get us ready for the season.”

Marty Maybin took the win and the team-effort as a boost after a highly impressive personal performance.  “We’re here to get a workout and improve as a group,” said Maybin.  “We have plenty to still work on and to tighten up a bit, but we got the win and we’re going to take all the positives from it going forward.”

The focus from players and staff alike after the match was gearing up for the USL opener against Oklahoma City Energy on March 26th.  Jacob Cawsey, who put in a terrific second half performance, believes preseason games are setting the Switchbacks up for another impressive season.  “We looked a lot stronger and moved the ball well and made great angles for each other,” said the midfielder.  “We are making good strides, and come OKC we’ll all be ready.”

Aaron King echoed Cawsey’s sentiments almost exactly after the match: “We feel good, and we’re all chomping at the bit.  Players are happier with our speed and we’ll be ready for week one – no doubt about it,” remarked King.

Josh Suggs was one of the standout performers for the Switchbacks against CSU-Pueblo, and the new addition to the Switchbacks’ roster was thrilled with the team’s performance.  “It’s great fun getting to play with all these guys.  Players like Miguel [Gonzalez] and Josh [Phillips] helped me a lot tonight and it makes it fun to have all these guys on our side; it makes the game come easier,” said Suggs before briefly looking ahead to the Switchbacks’ next preseason game, on Tuesday March 8th against the Colorado School on Mines.  “This was a great win, we’re all building together on each practice and each game and we’ll take that forward next week.”

A perfect start to the preseason continued for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC as they rolled to a 3-1 victory over Colorado State University-Pueblo at the Rawlings Soccer Complex in Pueblo, Colorado.

With its 7 p.m. local-time kickoff, the crisp Colorado night began in perfect fashion for the visiting Switchbacks as captain Luke Vercollone gave his team the lead inside of two minutes.  Miguel Gonzalez, who tormented the ThunderWolves’ defense with his every touch, served a pinpoint cross into Vercollone who rose well and nodded the Switchbacks into a lead they held all game.

Gonzalez started the match on the left wing, with striker Marty Maybin leading the offensive line for last season’s third-place finishers in the USL’s Western Conference.  Mike Seth began on the right, while Vercollone roamed freely behind Maybin.  In central midfield, Rony Argueta and Shintaro Harada screened in front of the central defensive partnership of Josh Phillips and JJ Greer.  One week after his impressive performance against the Air Force Academy, Billy Thompson was given the start in goal, as Josh Suggs and Jordan Burt occupied the wing back positions.

There was a marked change in intensity to start the game, as the Switchbacks shook the cobwebs off their slow start against the Air Force Academy and pressed CSU-Pueblo right from the opening whistle.  Rony Argueta was imperious in the air, as he won enough headers to personally fill a stat sheet.  Argueta’s midfield partner Harada was equally impressive, with his vision and tenacity on full display.  Nine minutes into the first half, Harada threaded an immaculate pass between three ThunderWolves defenders and perfectly into the run of a charging Miguel Gonzalez.  After cutting inside onto his right foot, Gonzalez was unlucky to see his goal-bound strike well saved low to the CSU-Pueblo goalkeeper’s left.

Always confident in possession, Harada was given the freedom by CSU-Pueblo to drop deep and take the ball out of defense, and the Japanese midfielder quickly became the fulcrum of many a Switchbacks attack.

With just eleven minutes gone in the first half, the Switchbacks doubled their advantage after a brilliant move by Josh Suggs.  A lung-bursting run down the left wing offered Suggs a clear path to goal but it was Suggs’ unselfishness which was of true class as he found a lurking Marty Maybin who made no mistake about his finish.  It was a fair lead for the Switchbacks, and a much-deserved assist for Suggs who terrorized the CSU-Pueblo defense with his never-ending forward runs.  Maybin was unlucky to not find himself on the score sheet just two minutes later as the Belfast native saw his shot creep over the ThunderWolves’ crossbar.

Maybin paid tribute to Suggs’ industry and ability after the match.  “Suggs was always working.  I [Maybin] was trying to get in and help…I led my man into the box, Suggs saw the pass, made it, and I was left with the easy part,” said Maybin of his goal.

Shin Harada and Marty Maybin were at it again in the fourteenth minute after another brilliant pass from Harada, this time finding Vercollone, was turned just wide by Maybin after an ingenious knock-down off Vercollone’s chest.

Jordan Burt produced one of the standout defensive moments of the opening half for the Switchbacks, as his speed was on full show on the quarter hour mark to prevent a would-be cross reaching the box.  The resulting corner kick was cleared by the Switchbacks, with ‘keeper Billy Thompson remaining untested.

Class was once again the name of the game from Josh Suggs, as he showed laudable honesty to stay on his feet after a mistimed challenge in the box that could have easily resulted in a penalty kick for the Switchbacks.  After riding the challenge, Suggs whipped in a magical cross, which, after being half-cleared by CSU-Pueblo, was once again laid off by Vercollone – this time to Miguel Gonzalez, who saw his rasping effort blocked.  It was another terrific offensive move by the Switchbacks, who were playing with a hunger and cohesiveness that was at times lacking against the Air Force Academy.

“Our speed of play was much better today,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh after the match.  “We’re creating more chances in the final third of the field, and now we’ve just got to work on putting them all away.”

JJ Greer twice found himself with chances on goal in the opening half.  The first came after twenty-six minutes when Marty Maybin won a free kick for the Switchbacks in a menacing position.  Suggs curled the ball sumptuously into the box and despite the rather aggressive attention of multiple CSU-Pueblo defenders Greer was able to rise highest only to see his header flash over the bar.  At the very end of the half Greer was pushed forward for another Switchbacks set-piece, and this time after expertly controlling the ball off his chest Greer saw his powerful volley well blocked before it reached goal.

Another wonderful offensive interchange between Gonzalez and Maybin saw Vercollone free to strike from outside the box, but the captain’s on-target effort was very well saved low to the CSU-Pueblo goalkeeper’s right.

Mike Seth tried his luck after Suggs took down Jordan Burt’s cross, but Seth was unlucky to see his shot flash just wide of the post.

Josh Phillips, who was consistently on-point with his passing out of defense, displayed his full-speed character with a quarter of an hour left in the first half, as he outrageously won a clearing header over two CSU-Pueblo attackers.  Billy Thompson was then called upon for some rather routine catching practice, but the Switchbacks’ goalkeeper could do nothing about CSU-Pueblo’s lone goal.

After a bit of pinball in midfield, CSU-Pueblo broke in numbers and at speed towards an exposed Switchbacks defense and a perfectly angled shot nestled into the side netting.  While certainly coming against the run of play, it was a very well taken goal by CSU-Pueblo.

Changes were made en masse to start the second half, as only JJ Greer and captain Luke Vercollone remained on the field.  Vercollone was incredibly unlucky to not win his team a penalty kick after the referee judged he was brought down just outside the box despite the protestations of the Switchbacks captain.

Dan Jackson was brought into goal, Kevin Durr partnered Greer in defense, and Davy Armstrong and Nate Robinson took up the wing back slots.  Aaron King, brought on for Marty Mabin, combined very well with Saeed Robinson from the moment the second half started.

King, pressing the CSU-Pueblo defenders with every breath, made a well-timed run in behind the ThunderWolves’ back line on fifty-eight minutes, only to see his shot blocked.  “When we high-press, we ask questions of their defenders,” said King after the match.

Jacob Cawsey picked up the aerial defensive mantle that Rony Argueta had established in the first half, as the midfielder expertly-timed many clearing headers.

Both Nate Robinson and Davy Armstrong were free to roam forward down their respective touchlines in the second half, although with so many changes from both teams the half was a far scrappier affair than the first.

On seventy-two minutes Cawsey produced an outstanding pass that set Aaron King towards goal, but the striker’s shot was blocked by a desperate combination of defender and goalkeeper.  Moments later Saeed Robinson saw his powerful shot well saved, before Aaron King was able to give the Switchbacks the 2-goal cushion their endeavor deserved.

Stepping up from the penalty spot, King made no mistake about his spot-kick as he lashed the ball home low to the CSU-Pueblo ‘keeper’s right.  It was just reward for both the Switchbacks and Aaron King, as the constant pressure applied by both deserved a third goal.  After the match King described his penalty process, “Keep it simple: pick a spot, make clean contact, and keep it low and hard.”

Despite the ragged-nature of the second half, both Head Coach Trittschuh and his players were happy with the result and how their preseason is progressing.  “It was a good exercise for us,” remarked Trittschuh before adding, “They [CSU-Pueblo] play with a lot of intensity, and we need that to get us ready for the season.”

Marty Maybin took the win and the team-effort as a boost after a highly impressive personal performance.  “We’re here to get a workout and improve as a group,” said Maybin.  “We have plenty to still work on and to tighten up a bit, but we got the win and we’re going to take all the positives from it going forward.”

The focus from players and staff alike after the match was gearing up for the USL opener against Oklahoma City Energy on March 26th.  Jacob Cawsey, who put in a terrific second half performance, believes preseason games are setting the Switchbacks up for another impressive season.  “We looked a lot stronger and moved the ball well and made great angles for each other,” said the midfielder.  “We are making good strides, and come OKC we’ll all be ready.”

Aaron King echoed Cawsey’s sentiments almost exactly after the match: “We feel good, and we’re all chomping at the bit.  Players are happier with our speed and we’ll be ready for week one – no doubt about it,” remarked King.

Josh Suggs was one of the standout performers for the Switchbacks against CSU-Pueblo, and the new addition to the Switchbacks’ roster was thrilled with the team’s performance.  “It’s great fun getting to play with all these guys.  Players like Miguel [Gonzalez] and Josh [Phillips] helped me a lot tonight and it makes it fun to have all these guys on our side; it makes the game come easier,” said Suggs before briefly looking ahead to the Switchbacks’ next preseason game, on Tuesday March 8th against the Colorado School on Mines.  “This was a great win, we’re all building together on each practice and each game and we’ll take that forward next week.”

Colorado Springs, CO (Thursday, January 28, 2016) – Monday’s release of the 2016 USL regular season schedule finally gives Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC fans a chance to complete their summer-of-soccer calendar.  With a catalog of games that stretches from late March until the penultimate week of September, the Switchbacks open their 2016 campaign where last season ended: Oklahoma City.

As revenge is a dish best served at a suitably chilled temperature, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks will arrive at Taft Stadium to face the OKC Energy on March 26th hoping spring is still very much in the air.  A heartbreaking loss on penalty kicks in the Conference Semi-Finals last October ended the Switchbacks’ historic inaugural season.  Two regular season games against OKC Energy in 2015 only gave the Switchbacks a solitary point.

The Oklahoma City Energy FC were also responsible for spoiling the mood of the Switchbacks’ first ever USL home match on April 4th, 2015 with a 2-1 victory in Colorado Springs.  The home faithful at Switchbacks Stadium will have to wait until August 24th for the home rematch against what should be another very strong squad from Oklahoma’s capital city.

2016’s home opener will see the Switchbacks play host to Arizona United SC at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 9th.  In Arizona’s lone visit to Colorado last year the Switchbacks ran away 5-0 winners in what matched the highest scoring output of the season by Head Coach Steve Trittschuh’s men.

After a one game road-trip to the Pacific Northwest to face the Seattle Sounders FC 2, the Switchbacks will return to Colorado for another early afternoon kickoff against one of the newcomers to the USL in San Antonio.  A return matchup on June 18th will have the Switchbacks making their first-ever trip to the Alamo City and one of the most modern stadiums in the USL, 8,000-plus capacity Toyota Field.

The Independence Day festivities enjoyed last season at Switchbacks Stadium following a 2-0 victory over the Austin Aztex on July 3rd will have to wait for another date, as the 2016 USL regular season will see the Switchbacks traveling to the Rose City to face Portland Timbers FC 2 on July 7th.   The aforementioned Aztex will not be competing in the USL this season, in part after floods devastated their stadium last year.  The team from Texas’ capital hopes to return to the USL in 2017 after finding a new arena.

There’s no doubt that the summer of 2016 will be a soccer-lovers paradise.  With the regular season lasting from spring until well into autumn, three major international soccer competitions will be sandwiched inside the Switchbacks’ campaign.

The Copa América Centenario (3 June – 26 June), essentially the 2016 Copa América, is named as such for it’s 100 year anniversary celebration of both the competition itself and CONMEBOL – the governing body covering all of international South American soccer.  The first ever Copa América to be held outside of South America, 2016 will see ten stadiums across the United States play host to the competition’s 16 countries which include both the U.S. Men’s National Team and the Mexico National Team.  With defending champions Chile joined by perennial powerhouses Brazil and Argentina, the Copa América Centenario will give American fans a truly unique opportunity to see some of the world’s best players and international squads in cities from Seattle to Orlando. USL season-ticket holders will be given an opportunity to purchase exclusive pre-sale tickets for this summer’s competition before they are available to the general public.

The 2016 UEFA European Championships in France (10 June – 10 July) will be the first to feature an expanded field of 24 teams, with an overall quality and level of play that easily rivals that of the World Cup.  Due to the tournament’s expansion, fans will finally be able to see on an international stage countries that previously struggled to qualify for such events.  Euro2016 will see the European Championship debuts of Albania, Wales (and their superstar Gareth Bale), Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and tiny Iceland who stunned the soccer world in topping their qualifying group at the expense of traditional powerhouse and 1988 champion Holland.

Sunday, June 26 will see two Round of 16 matches at Euro2016, giving Switchbacks fans a great opportunity to start their day of soccer early before heading to Switchbacks Stadium where the Switchbacks play host to their Rocky Mountain rivals, Real Monarchs of Salt Lake City.

Two home matches in just five days will be of great interest to Switchbacks fans, as the only meeting this season against Sacramento Republic FC takes place on July 16th at Switchbacks Stadium.  A thrilling 3-3 tie between Sacramento and the Switchbacks last August proved to be one of the best games of 2015.  Swope Park Rangers, the USL affiliate of MLS’ Sporting Kansas City, will follow Sacramento into Colorado for their lone match against the Switchbacks this season, on July 20th.

This summer will also see the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro (August 5 – August 21) that will feature a full set of both men’s and women’s soccer.  As in previous Olympics, participating men’s soccer teams will be required to compile a roster of predominantly Under-23 players.  Three players of any age will be allowed on each team, and despite this blend of majority youth and selected experience, Olympic soccer has in the past given fans the opportunity to see such global icons as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Samuel Eto’o and Andrea Pirlo.  With stadiums across Brazil hosting games, both the men’s and women’s finals will take place in soccer’s most iconic stadium, the Maracanã.

Ahead of the longest home stand of the season, the Switchbacks will travel to Sandy, Utah on August 8th for a Monday night matchup against the Real Monarchs.  Three consecutive home matches follow, with games against Tulsa Roughnecks FC and the Oklahoma City Energy FC falling around a Sunday afternoon fixture vs. USL newcomers, the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.

A 6:30 p.m. MT kickoff lies in wait for the Switchbacks on their sole visit to Edinburg, Texas on August 27th.  August, the hottest month on the Southern Texas / Northern Tamaulipas border, sees average highs in the Edinburg area of 97 degrees.  Following the high-altitude home game against OKC Energy, the Switchbacks will have just two days to acclimatize to the devastating Texas heat.

Left off the road-trip calendar for the Switchbacks this season are journeys to Sacramento and Tulsa, although the later may be greeted with a sigh of relief after a lopsided 3-1 defeat befell the Switchbacks in July of the 2015 regular season.

Passports will have to be updated by mid September, as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC travel north of the border for a showdown in British Columbia against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on September 11th.  Following their trip to Thunderbird Stadium, the Switchbacks return to Colorado for their final regular season game on September 17th.  With autumn set to be well under way in Colorado, the Switchbacks will square off against the Seattle Sounders FC 2 for the third time of the regular season.

A second trip of 2016 to Irvine, California will bring the curtain down on the USL regular season for the Switchbacks with a September 24th game against the Orange County Blues.  The Switchbacks will first have visited Anteater Stadium on the campus of the University of California, Irvine, on May 8th before hosting the Blues on May 27th.  The third matchup in late September should provide all the necessary fuel to not only bring the Switchbacks’ second-season in the USL to a close, but propel the team from Colorado Springs towards another playoff run.

Colorado Springs, CO (Thursday, January 28, 2016) – Monday’s release of the 2016 USL regular season schedule finally gives Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC fans a chance to complete their summer-of-soccer calendar.  With a catalog of games that stretches from late March until the penultimate week of September, the Switchbacks open their 2016 campaign where last season ended: Oklahoma City.

As revenge is a dish best served at a suitably chilled temperature, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks will arrive at Taft Stadium to face the OKC Energy on March 26th hoping spring is still very much in the air.  A heartbreaking loss on penalty kicks in the Conference Semi-Finals last October ended the Switchbacks’ historic inaugural season.  Two regular season games against OKC Energy in 2015 only gave the Switchbacks a solitary point.

The Oklahoma City Energy FC were also responsible for spoiling the mood of the Switchbacks’ first ever USL home match on April 4th, 2015 with a 2-1 victory in Colorado Springs.  The home faithful at Switchbacks Stadium will have to wait until August 24th for the home rematch against what should be another very strong squad from Oklahoma’s capital city.

2016’s home opener will see the Switchbacks play host to Arizona United SC at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 9th.  In Arizona’s lone visit to Colorado last year the Switchbacks ran away 5-0 winners in what matched the highest scoring output of the season by Head Coach Steve Trittschuh’s men.

After a one game road-trip to the Pacific Northwest to face the Seattle Sounders FC 2, the Switchbacks will return to Colorado for another early afternoon kickoff against one of the newcomers to the USL in San Antonio.  A return matchup on June 18th will have the Switchbacks making their first-ever trip to the Alamo City and one of the most modern stadiums in the USL, 8,000-plus capacity Toyota Field.

The Independence Day festivities enjoyed last season at Switchbacks Stadium following a 2-0 victory over the Austin Aztex on July 3rd will have to wait for another date, as the 2016 USL regular season will see the Switchbacks traveling to the Rose City to face Portland Timbers FC 2 on July 7th.   The aforementioned Aztex will not be competing in the USL this season, in part after floods devastated their stadium last year.  The team from Texas’ capital hopes to return to the USL in 2017 after finding a new arena.

There’s no doubt that the summer of 2016 will be a soccer-lovers paradise.  With the regular season lasting from spring until well into autumn, three major international soccer competitions will be sandwiched inside the Switchbacks’ campaign.

The Copa América Centenario (3 June – 26 June), essentially the 2016 Copa América, is named as such for it’s 100 year anniversary celebration of both the competition itself and CONMEBOL – the governing body covering all of international South American soccer.  The first ever Copa América to be held outside of South America, 2016 will see ten stadiums across the United States play host to the competition’s 16 countries which include both the U.S. Men’s National Team and the Mexico National Team.  With defending champions Chile joined by perennial powerhouses Brazil and Argentina, the Copa América Centenario will give American fans a truly unique opportunity to see some of the world’s best players and international squads in cities from Seattle to Orlando. USL season-ticket holders will be given an opportunity to purchase exclusive pre-sale tickets for this summer’s competition before they are available to the general public.

The 2016 UEFA European Championships in France (10 June – 10 July) will be the first to feature an expanded field of 24 teams, with an overall quality and level of play that easily rivals that of the World Cup.  Due to the tournament’s expansion, fans will finally be able to see on an international stage countries that previously struggled to qualify for such events.  Euro2016 will see the European Championship debuts of Albania, Wales (and their superstar Gareth Bale), Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and tiny Iceland who stunned the soccer world in topping their qualifying group at the expense of traditional powerhouse and 1988 champion Holland.

Sunday, June 26 will see two Round of 16 matches at Euro2016, giving Switchbacks fans a great opportunity to start their day of soccer early before heading to Switchbacks Stadium where the Switchbacks play host to their Rocky Mountain rivals, Real Monarchs of Salt Lake City.

Two home matches in just five days will be of great interest to Switchbacks fans, as the only meeting this season against Sacramento Republic FC takes place on July 16th at Switchbacks Stadium.  A thrilling 3-3 tie between Sacramento and the Switchbacks last August proved to be one of the best games of 2015.  Swope Park Rangers, the USL affiliate of MLS’ Sporting Kansas City, will follow Sacramento into Colorado for their lone match against the Switchbacks this season, on July 20th.

This summer will also see the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro (August 5 – August 21) that will feature a full set of both men’s and women’s soccer.  As in previous Olympics, participating men’s soccer teams will be required to compile a roster of predominantly Under-23 players.  Three players of any age will be allowed on each team, and despite this blend of majority youth and selected experience, Olympic soccer has in the past given fans the opportunity to see such global icons as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Samuel Eto’o and Andrea Pirlo.  With stadiums across Brazil hosting games, both the men’s and women’s finals will take place in soccer’s most iconic stadium, the Maracanã.

Ahead of the longest home stand of the season, the Switchbacks will travel to Sandy, Utah on August 8th for a Monday night matchup against the Real Monarchs.  Three consecutive home matches follow, with games against Tulsa Roughnecks FC and the Oklahoma City Energy FC falling around a Sunday afternoon fixture vs. USL newcomers, the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.

A 6:30 p.m. MT kickoff lies in wait for the Switchbacks on their sole visit to Edinburg, Texas on August 27th.  August, the hottest month on the Southern Texas / Northern Tamaulipas border, sees average highs in the Edinburg area of 97 degrees.  Following the high-altitude home game against OKC Energy, the Switchbacks will have just two days to acclimatize to the devastating Texas heat.

Left off the road-trip calendar for the Switchbacks this season are journeys to Sacramento and Tulsa, although the later may be greeted with a sigh of relief after a lopsided 3-1 defeat befell the Switchbacks in July of the 2015 regular season.

Passports will have to be updated by mid September, as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC travel north of the border for a showdown in British Columbia against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on September 11th.  Following their trip to Thunderbird Stadium, the Switchbacks return to Colorado for their final regular season game on September 17th.  With autumn set to be well under way in Colorado, the Switchbacks will square off against the Seattle Sounders FC 2 for the third time of the regular season.

A second trip of 2016 to Irvine, California will bring the curtain down on the USL regular season for the Switchbacks with a September 24th game against the Orange County Blues.  The Switchbacks will first have visited Anteater Stadium on the campus of the University of California, Irvine, on May 8th before hosting the Blues on May 27th.  The third matchup in late September should provide all the necessary fuel to not only bring the Switchbacks’ second-season in the USL to a close, but propel the team from Colorado Springs towards another playoff run.