The Boys of Summer Are Back: Switchbacks

    As the Sky Sox and Switchbacks kick off their seasons in side-by-side stadiums, here’s a fan’s guide to the pro teams of the Springs.

    By Jonathan Toman
    Switchbacks FC
    Sep 17, 2016; Colorado Springs, CO, USA; Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC midfielder Rony Argueta (8) celebrates after his goal in the first half against the Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Switchbacks Stadium. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC

    SWITCHBACKS FC

    2016 Results

    Regular Season: 14-9-7, 3rd in United Soccer League (USL) Western Conference

    Postseason: Made an unexpected early exit to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Western Conference quarterfinals

    2017 Outlook

    “We’ve had good success these first two years, but this is a big year for us,” says Coach Steve Trittschuh.

    With the USL now recognized officially as Division II of American pro soccer, the league should attract even more high-caliber players. During the offseason, the Switchbacks added several new players with international experience, part of Trittschuh’s goal to ensure competition at each position on the field.

    “Every team in our western conference has gotten better,” Trittschuh told us as the team started preseason training. But he believes the Switchbacks have too. “On paper right now, this is a good team.”

    Sep. 3, 2016; Colorado Springs, CO, USA; Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC mascot Ziggy with fans in the first half against the LA Galaxy II at Switchbacks Stadium. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing/Switchbacks FC

    Players to Watch

    Rony Argueta, midfielder: The holding midfielder anchors one of the best defenses in the league and has become a team leader who plays with exciting energy.

    Chris James, midfielder: The New Zealand national team player is a new signee who played most recently in Finland. Watch for James to help maintain possession and allow the Switchbacks’ attack more creativity and freedom moving forward. “That’s what I’ve come here to do, is to win,” James says.

    Kevaughn Frater, forward; Sean McFarlane, defender: Both international additions bring national team experience from Jamaica.

    Fun With Promotions

    SFC Beanie Giveaway, April 15: Get swag to show your support.

    Galactic Night Saber Giveaway, June 3: Challenge opposing fans to light saber duels.

    Superhero Night With Fireworks, Aug. 18: Cosplayers and comics fans unite!

    Oktoberfest Fan Appreciation Night, Oct. 7: Boisterous singalongs should ensue.

    Switchbacks Schedule & Tickets

    Tale of the Tape

    5,000 Weidner Field seating capacity

    8,500 Security Service Field seating capacity

    67 mph Average speed of a professional soccer shot

    92 mph Average speed of an MLB fastball 

    5’11”, 170 lbs. Average Switchbacks player

    6’2”, 207 lbs. Average Sky Sox player

    $12-$15 Sky Sox individual game tickets

    $12-$45 Switchbacks individual game tickets 

    16 Switchbacks home games

    71 Sky Sox home games

    Read about the Colorado Springs other pro team in “The Boys of Summer Are Back: Sky Sox.”

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    Jonathan Toman

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