After a fifth-place finish in the United Soccer League Western Conference and a first-round playoff exit in 2023, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks enter their 10th season with higher aspirations.
“Every team has the ambition of a USL title; we want to lift the trophy come November time,” says head coach James Chambers. “We’ve got certain markers and milestones to achieve, and that starts with a playoff push first and foremost. We’ve got a group with returning players and expectations.”
Those expectations stem in large part from continuity — the Switchbacks have made the playoffs each of the past three seasons and return 12 players from last year’s team. Players and coaches are already familiar with each other’s personalities, character and style of play, Chambers says.
“In an ideal world, the players are telepathic with one another,” he says. “In certain moments, that comes across as ‘I know what you’re thinking and what you like to do.’”
The relationship between Chambers and newly minted sporting director Stephen Hogan is another connection the club hopes will be telepathic. After serving as the team’s 2023 head coach, Hogan is the first sporting director in club history — a role similar to a general manager in other sports. Between 12 and 15 of the 24 USL teams now have a sporting director, Hogan says, with four hired this year alone.
“A sporting director bridges the gap between ownership and the technical staff,” Hogan says. “I focus on player acquisitions that suit the philosophy of the coach, and really work behind the scenes to grow the club. It lets the head coach just think of soccer.”
This head coach succession plan — Hogan to Chambers — was always in the works. This is the fourth season for both as part of the Switchbacks, and Hogan says he eyed this type of role even before that, when he was assistant coach for Bethlehem Steel FC and head coach of Reading United in Pennsylvania.
“I was just sitting there listening, taking it all in, looking for the hidden gems (of players), analyzing the scouting reports. I said, ‘In five to 10 years, I want to do that,’” Hogan says.
Hogan and Chambers now meet regularly to exchange insights on players and staff — everything from tactical notes to body language — with Hogan now afforded the opportunity to see training sessions and the game from above.
“They’re meant to be relaxing, calming conversations to possibly take some sort of pressure away, and it’s up to me to know when it’s better to help or leave (Chambers) alone,” Hogan says.
A hallmark of Switchbacks soccer the past few seasons has been a high-tempo, pressing style of soccer. Look for that to continue under Chambers.
“At home we’ll play an entertaining and exciting brand of attacking football. We want to take advantage of the energy in the building and get the fans engaged,” Chambers says. “Away from home, we won’t change too much; we still want to put our stamp on the game. But in Phoenix in 110-degree heat, it’s tough to play a high tempo. So there will definitely be a strategy for each individual game.”
Hogan agrees, and it’s now his job to get Chambers the players that suit this style.
“We want to be aggressive, especially at home — pressing and re-pressing. We want to create chances,” Hogan says. “You have to be ruthless when you have chances in front of goal. The quality of play in the USL is jumping. Every year it’s faster and more intelligent.”
The season opens on the road for the Switchbacks March 9 at Miami FC. They kick things off at home against Detroit City FC on Saturday, March 16, and the team hopes to be surrounded by the Sea of Cyan.
“I’m excited to see where the group is. I’m excited to see how we start the season, though of course we want to remain consistent throughout the year,” Chambers says. “We’d like to have 38 games, which means we’re in the (USL) championship game.”
Switchbacks Players to Watch
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or are attending your first game in 2024, here are a few Switchbacks players to keep an eye on this season, according to Sporting Director Stephen Hogan. See the full 2024 roster here.
Ronaldo Damus
Forward, No. 9
Damus spent the 2023 season with the now-shuttered San Diego Loyal SC, where he scored 15 goals. A native of Haiti, Damus has also played for the Haitian senior national team. “He’s really able to create in transition and can score goals consistently,” Hogan says.
Matt Mahoney
Defender, No. 5
Mahoney is in his fourth season with the Switchbacks and has grown into “one of the best defenders in the USL,” Hogan says. “He has great composure, intelligence and understanding of forward defending.”
Zach Zandi
Midfielder, No. 10
After a serious injury saw him miss most of the 2023 season, Zandi returns as an important part of the Switchbacks midfield. “Now that he’s healthy and can have a good run of games, people will get to see him more, and I think they’ll say ‘Oof, that’s a real soccer player,’” Hogan says.
You Don’t Want to Miss These Key Home Games — Switchbacks Promotions
Switchbacks vs. Detroit City Football Club
Saturday, March 16 at 6 p.m.
Be a part of the home opener and keep the party going with (hopefully) a Switchbacks win to open the season. The theme, naturally, is St. Patrick’s Day, and there will be a Switchbacks T-shirt giveaway.
Switchbacks vs. Indy Eleven
Saturday, April 20 at 6 p.m.
Join in on the Switchbacks 10th season celebration with a special edition scarf.
Switchbacks vs. FC Tulsa
Thursday, July 4 at 7 p.m.
Make plans to be part of the always-anticipated Independence Day game with a fireworks show and light-up bracelet.
Switchbacks vs. Phoenix Rising FC
Saturday, Aug. 3 at 2 p.m.
A clash with the defending USL champions comes in early August. And it’s Back to School Night — cue the boos from young Switchbacks fans.
Switchbacks vs. San Antonio FC
Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m.
It’s the final regular season home game and a chance for a bit of revenge. San Antonio FC has eliminated the Switchbacks in the playoffs each of the past two seasons. The theme will be Fan Appreciation.
Every home game this season comes with a specialty theme, and every evening match will end with a fireworks show. See the full 2024 schedule and find all the promotional offerings at switchbacksfc.com.
Where to Watch the Switchbacks on TV
The club will be part of three nationally broadcast games during the season:
- July 4 vs. FC Tulsa (CBS Sports Network)
- July 26 vs. Las Vegas Lights (CBS Sports Network)
- Aug. 3 vs. Phoenix Rising FC (CBS Television Network/ Paramount+)
Learn more about Switchbacks TV coverage here.
