Switchbacks forward Kyle Vassell is entering the 2026 season with fresh legs and a fresh perspective. 

Vassell joined Colorado Springs midway through the 2025 campaign in August of last year. He had just finished the Scottish Premiership season with Kilmarnock FC. A forward, who scored 14 goals in 2022 for San Diego Loyal, Vassell was brought in to bolster the Switchbacks’ attack. 

Between the hectic nature of joining a club midseason after just completing a season overseas and the atmosphere of a struggling Switchbacks’ locker room, the remainder of the season did not go as hoped and Vassell scored one goal.

Vassell is friends with former Switchbacks midfielder Charlie Adams, who, Vassell said, was unhappy during an injury-plagued season. This time around, Vassell enters the regular season with a full preseason under his belt and a more open mind about the club and the locker room. 

“Unfortunately, (Adams) wasn’t having a great time, he wasn’t playing, he wasn’t happy with his situation. So, being around him every day, I see things from his point of view and it was just a mess. Last season for me, it was honestly just a mess last season,” Vassell said. “(Now) it’s been a bit of a clean slate and that’s how I’ve looked at it. I’m coming in with a clean slate. I just want to be the best I can be and focus on myself.” 

Vassell said the locker room is much more unified and together in 2026. He pointed to the return of midfielder Devon “Speedy” Williams as a big reason why. 

Colorado Springs is only in the preseason, but Vassell has already demonstrated some of the chemistry he has with his teammates last week. 

In the club’s 4-0 win over Union Omaha, Vassell found Switchbacks II’s Griffin Price for the team’s third goal before scoring a goal of his own. 

“He’s young, he’s in preseason with the first team. I remember when I was that age and you have a good preseason, just enjoy it because it can change quickly and don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” Vassell said. “He’s come in the last couple weeks, been really good. There’s been another few couple of boys, young boys, who have been really good. I was going to shoot initially, but I saw his run and I thought I would see if I could give him an assist and luckily he got one.”

The vibes are good in Colorado Springs, but the seasoned striker said the ultimate verdict on the team will be the results once the season kicks off on March 7. Much like any season, Vassell is committed to making an impact for the team on the pitch in 2026. 

“That’s why I come in every day and work as hard as I possibly can. That’s why I try and be the best that I can every day. It’s not every day you’re the best, it’s not every day you’re even good. But as long as you’re trying to be the best every day and push yourself, that’s it,” he said. “I genuinely want to have the best season I’ve ever had in my career. I always want to.”

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Preseason finale Saturday

Following a win over Union Omaha and a loss to the University of Denver last week, the Switchbacks enter the final week of the preseason. 

Colorado Springs will host USL Championship team Sacramento Republic FC at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. 

The Switchbacks begin the regular season on March 7 at El Paso Locomotive FC. The club will play its home opener the following weekend against Las Vegas Lights FC.