Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC reached the postseason for a second consecutive season, but a surprise Western Conference Quarterfinals exit against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 brought the club’s season to an earlier end than in 2015. A number of key players return for the Switchbacks’ third season, but what might be more notable are the names that have not returned, which will put pressure on newcomers to meet the high standards demanded by Head Coach Steve Trittschuh.

Head Coach: Steve Trittschuh
Stadium: Weidner Field
2016 results: 14-9-7, 49pts
2016 postseason: L 2-1 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2

Goalkeeper: The Switchbacks had to overhaul their goalkeeping lineup this offseason following the departure of USL All-League Second Team selection Devala Gorrick to Saint Louis. Enter Justin Luthy, who spent the past two seasons with the Portland Timbers 2, having previously played for the Timbers U-23s in the PDL. Former University of Denver goalkeeper Dan Jackson will provide competition for the starting spot, but either he or Luthy, who has only five games of professional experience under his belt, will need to find their level quickly.

Defense: While the Switchbacks will have a new goalkeeper this season, he’ll be aided by an experienced back line that sees three of its four main starters return from a season ago. Center back Josh Phillips and fullbacks Jordan Burt and Josh Suggs – who took USL All-League Second Team honors in 2016 – will bring stability to the back line, with Suggs also offering a strong attacking threat down the flank. The question will be which player steps up to fill the gap left by the departures of J.J. Greer and Christian Ibeagha, with young Jamaican Sean McFarlane the most likely candidate.

Midfield: The Switchbacks returned the engine room of their midfield, with veteran Luke Vercollone and Rony Argueta both back for a third season. After Vercollone’s standout season in 2015, it was Argueta who came to the fore for the Switchbacks in 2016 as he provided strong defensive play and distribution in his holding role. The side has also added experience in the form of New Zealand international Chris James, and some serious potential in former FC Montreal player Mastanabal Kacher, who has 36 games in the USL over the past two seasons and notched two goals and an assist last year.

Forward: Aside from the departure of Gorrick, the departures of Mike Seth and Miguel Gonzalez from the Switchbacks’ attack may have been the toughest blow the club suffered this offseason. Seth, now with Phoenix Rising FC, led the side with eight goals a season ago, while Gonzalez, who reunited with brother Daniel in Oklahoma City, continued to shine creatively with six goals and two assists. The Switchbacks do return Aaron King, and have added Jamaican forward Kevaughn Frater on loan and Guam international Shane Malcolm, but the pressure will be on to produce early.

Strengths: The Switchbacks’ back six, which sees its core return with the likes of Luke Vercollone, Josh Suggs and Rony Argueta, has been solid for the past two seasons, and with the stability and understanding the group has that’s likely to continue. With question marks about the team’s goalkeeping and attack going into the new season, the experience within this group will allow the side to remain competitive as it finds its feel elsewhere on the field.

Weaknesses: The departure of three of the Switchbacks’ top four goal scorers from a season ago is certainly a concern. The question of how with the likes of Kevaughn Frater, who had one goal and one assist in 19 games for Real Monarchs SLC last season, and Shane Malcolm can fill that void is certainly a pressing one, and one that will be a key to the start of the new season.

Key number: 21 – The departed Switchbacks’ trio of Mike Seth, Martin Maybin and Miguel Gonzalez scored 21 of the team’s 37 regular-season goals a season ago, with only Luke Vercollone (6) and Josh Suggs (2) having recorded multiple goals among the returning group of players.

Noteworthy matchups: Colorado Springs’ home opener against OKC Energy FC should be a must-see, with the rivalry between the clubs on the field having grown strongly over the past two seasons, as should the first meeting between the Switchbacks and Real Monarchs SLC at Weidner Field on April 15. The club’s penultimate game of the season on October 7 against Sacramento Republic FC could also be a major one, with both teams aiming for another top-three finish this season.

Coach’s view: “It was a busy offseason. I knew we were going to lose a lot of guys and we were trying to find guys to replace them who would make us better. … Some of the guys we brought in are attack-minded, but they understand our team [defensive] approach. Right now, on paper, it looks pretty good.” – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Head Coach Steve Trittschuh

Current roster (updated: March 17, 2017):
Goalkeepers: Dan Jackson, Justin Luthy, Moise Pouaty
Defenders: Sean McFarlane, Josh Phillips, Josh Suggs, Davy Armstrong, Jacob Cawsey, Jordan Burt, Jack Jones, Diego Gutierrez Chavez, Pascal Eboussi
Midfielders: Luke Vercollone, Eddy Prugh, Mastanabal Kacher, Rony Argueta, Chris James, Taesong Kim
Forwards: Jun Gyeong Park, Kevaughn Frater, Aaron King, Shane Malcolm, Connor Bevans