Talen Maples isn’t questioning himself. The same can be said of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks as a whole. 

Maples took ownership of a costly mistake last week. He botched a headed clearing attempt at Orange County SC in the 88th minute, which led to the game’s only score and the Switchbacks’ first loss of the season. 

This weekend, Maples returns to his old home in Albuquerque as Colorado Springs takes on rival New Mexico United. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. 

“I told some of the coaches, I told some of the guys, ‘I’m not questioning.’ That’s the last thing I want. I don’t want other guys to be questioning and none of them have. I’m a guy that I know as, a lot of people in the league know as, and this team should know me as, a guy that’s really clutch. A guy that shows up in big moments and does good things in hard moments,” he said. “Honestly, I was telling my wife, it may be good that it happened so that I’m not overthinking this New Mexico thing and going there, I’m more or less just like, ‘Man I want to play.’”

Maples scored seven goals for United last season and during his time in the “Land of Enchantment,” he recalled wanting to have a good record against Colorado Springs. Now on the other side of the rivalry, Maples aspires to have a good record against his old team. 

He’ll start by trying to help the Switchbacks make history and earn their first win in Albuquerque. 

Switchbacks coach Alan McCann is taking a similar approach to Maples for Saturday’s match. He acknowledged the costly mistake but didn’t let that moment define his analysis of the club’s previous match. He noted that the team improved from its last time out against Las Vegas Lights FC on March 14 in terms of chances conceded. The Switchbacks simply lacked composure in last week’s match at Orange County. 

“You’re watching that game and you see we’re lashing at chances, whereas in the past few weeks we have not been lashing at them. There are moments of composure, and it’s another error that costs us on the other end,” he said. “(We) talked a couple weeks ago about these moments and these minutes of where we’re switching off or things like that. Well, there was more of a complete game of not switching off, there’s one moment, and it cost us.” 

But where Colorado Springs (1-1-1) will look to get back on track after its first loss, New Mexico seeks to get on track for the first time this season. 

Saturday marks United’s USL Championship home opener. The team has yet to taste victory in league play this season at 0-2. 

Beyond the urgency they’ll see from their opponents, the Switchbacks will also have to contend without defenders Patrick Burner, Markhus “Duke” Lacroix and midfielder Steven Echevarria, who are all away on international duty. 

McCann sees the contest as an opportunity for his roster to step up. The Switchbacks have had several players out of the lineup due to injury or suspension, including midfielders Frank Daroma and Devon “Speedy” Williams. The Switchbacks coach is excited for fans to see the roster he built at 100%.

“We haven’t been able, in any of the weeks, to show the full depth. Well, once these lads come off the international duty, you’re close, then it’s just Speedy. Speedy’s the last one coming back, then you’re at your full depth,” McCann said. “But this is the moment where it has to show up. When the international duty comes calling, the rest of the lads have to take their opportunity now.”

Scoring Leaders:

Switchbacks:

Goals: Isaiah Foster, Jonas Fjeldberg, Khori Bennett, Levonte Johnson (1)

Assists: Sam Williams (2)

United:

Goals: Justin Rennicks (1)

Assists: Jake LaCava (1)

Injury Updates:

Forward Yosuke Hanya should be back in the lineup this weekend, McCann said.