The Switchbacks opened 2026 in similar fashion to 2025 with a 2-2 draw at El Paso Locomotive FC. 

Colorado Springs’ new coach, Alan McCann, brought in several players to bolster the roster in the offseason, and new forward Khori Bennett made an immediate impact. He scored off a Switchbacks corner kick just five minutes into the match. 

But there are new players in El Paso as well, and forward Rubio Rubin made the most of his debut for the Texas club. Rubin scored both of Locomotive FC’s goals on Saturday, first capitalizing on a shot that bounced off the post and to his waiting foot just outside the six-yard box in the 21st minute.

He gave the hosts the lead in the 50th minute after a Switchbacks turnover in their penalty area. 

Colorado Springs (0-0-1) had just two shots on target on Saturday, and both found their mark. The Switchbacks earned the equalizer in the 67th minute off a long throw-in from new midfielder Sam Williams. Defender Isaiah Foster headed the toss toward the far side of the goal, beating keeper Abraham Romero, who briefly played for Colorado Springs last season. 

It was a familiar sight for the Switchbacks in goal, as longtime starter Christian Herrera resumed his position and made five saves on Saturday. In the offseason, Colorado Springs signed veteran keeper Colin Shutler, who played for Orange County SC the past three seasons. Per McCann, Shutler was dealing with a quad injury last week. 

The Switchbacks will play in their home opener next week, hosting Las Vegas Lights FC.