This weekend, Colorado Springs Switchbacks will set out to prove that last week’s home loss to Orange County was just a speed bump on the road to a fifth-consecutive playoff berth. 

Prior to last week’s 1-0 result, the Switchbacks were riding a season-best, three-game winning streak — which extended to four when including the club’s USL Jägermeister Cup finale.

The Switchbacks (6-7-6) will look to rebound on Saturday night at Phoenix Rising FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. 

Saturday’s contest is a bout between the USL Championship’s last two title winners, but neither club is in a favorable position in the league’s Western Conference table this season. 

Colorado Springs sits in ninth while Phoenix (6-7-7) is right above the Switchbacks in the eighth and final playoff spot. Rising FC is winless in its last four contests. Just seven points separate Colorado Springs from Sacramento Republic FC in second place. 

The last time the clubs faced each other was back in May when the Switchbacks and Rising FC battled to a 1-1 draw at Weidner Field.

Phoenix entered that contest having conceded the most goals in the league and little has changed for the club since. Rising FC has given up 36 goals this season, second only to Las Vegas Lights FC.

Saturday’s match might be a prime opportunity for Colorado Springs’ newly signed forward, Kyle Vassell, to score his first USL Championship goal since he scored 14 for San Diego Loyal in 2022. 

Vassell was brought in to be the club’s true center forward or “nine” position. 

“We have to give him the opportunities and the chances to be able to put (goals) away. I think that’s where we’re at. It’ll take him a little bit of time to get up to speed. He’s coming off a long season with Kilmarnock, and then obviously an offseason and then a visa waiting process,” Switchbacks coach James Chambers said on Wednesday. “He’s available for selection. We’ll assess him this week, where he is from a fitness standpoint, and see where he’s at.”

Switchbacks midfielder Marco Micaletto leads the club in goals with five. He, midfielder Yosuke Hanya, and forwards Jonas Fjeldberg and Quenitn “Quenzi” Huerman lead in assists with two apiece. 

Phoenix midfielder Hope Avayevu leads the club in goals with five. He’s also the club’s assist leader with eight. 

Switchbacks midfielder Creek signs extension 

On Monday, Colorado Springs announced it signed midfielder Brennan Creek to a full contract until the end of the 2025 season. 

Last month, Creek signed a 25-day contract. 

“We are delighted to sign Brennan for the rest of the season and beyond,” sporting director Stephen Hogan said in a release. “He has shown real potential and truly deserves an opportunity to show the league what he can do in a proper structure. I’m excited for his future.”

Switchbacks FC kicks off first-ever, year-long league for players with intellectual disabilities

This weekend, Switchbacks FC and Weidner Field will host the official kickoff for the inaugural Inspire Soccer league, the first year-long competitive soccer league for athletes with intellectual disabilities in the United States. 

The league features four teams, including the Switchbacks, One Knoxville SC, USL Spokane, and United Genuine FC.

This team is distinct from the club’s unified team in that this league is strictly for players with intellectual disabilities, whereas unified clubs feature peer partners who are able to compete alongside those with disabilities. 

USL Spokane will host the second fixture in September, Knoxville will host in October, and the fourth fixture will be hosted in November in Houston.