Pieces in place for late charge

By Joe Paisley

Mark Sept. 19 on your calendar because it will be then that the Colorado Springs Switchbacks clinch a home postseason contest.

The Switchbacks are headed to the United Soccer League playoffs thanks to a good balance of veteran and youthful talent that has fourth-place Colorado Springs (12-9-3) only three points out of first place with four more games left in the regular season.

There is reason to be concerned since the expansion team has gone only 3-4-3 in its past 10 games, including five on the road (1-3-1).

But two of the remaining four games are at Sand Creek Stadium, where the hosts are 8-2-2, gives them a favorable schedule thanks to their aggressive style that takes advantage of the altitude. The final games include teams ahead of them in the Western Conference standings, including a regular-season finale against the first-place LA Galaxy II.

Switchbacks coach Steve Trittschuh had a year to review film and piece together a winning roster. It was time well spent.

Leading scorer Luke Vercollone (12 goals, nine assists) has been the go-to player for Colorado Springs with his 7-for-7 scoring on penalty kicks.

Rookie Miguel Gonzalez (nine goals, six assists) has shown the ability to generate offense with his speed and finish while the addition of striker Chandler Hoffman (two goals, one assist) gives the Switchbacks more offensive punch up front.

That depth and the altitude will be enough for the expansion franchise to garner a home playoff game and give the local soccer community a chance to enjoy a pro postseason for the first time.

Poorly timed skid will sink squad

By Matt Wiley

The Switchbacks have been one of the most fun stories to follow this summer. But I am afraid this season’s tale will come to an end on Sept. 19.

Colorado Springs won eight of nine games, including five in a row, from May 20 to July 3. Since a 2-0 win over Austin Aztex the Switchbacks have one win in nine games.

After losing to Seattle on Aug. 19,  Switchbacks coach Steve Trittschuh said his team was not focused in the second half.

“We didn’t play with energy,” he said in his weekly coach’s show. “I told the guys at the end it’s just unacceptable.”

He also said his team lacked a killer instinct.

“We just weren’t ruthless enough to put them away,” he said of Seattle. “If I could have changed nine guys, I probably would have changed nine guys.”

Forward Aaron King said the Switchbacks struggled hanging on for a win after a 3-3 tie against Sacramento Republic FC on Aug. 14.

“We had that win in our pocket but we let down just a little and that’s all it takes,” King told The Gazette. “We made some little mistakes, mental errors really, and it cost us.”

I’m curious to see what Trittschuh says next week after suffering a 2-1 loss Wednesday to Real Monarch SLC — a team the Switchbacks were unbeaten against this season.

Before the game the coach said he told the team, “We have to win these last five games. It’s put up or shut up time.”

I am rooting for the expansion Switchbacks to make a playoff run. Quite honestly, it makes work more fun. I am just not counting on an expansion team that is 3-4-3 in its past 10 games to suddenly win four straight and make the playoffs. But I hope I am wrong.