With their first goal accomplished, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks cannot afford any letdown if they are to secure a home playoff game.

The Switchbacks’ win Saturday assured them of a top-six finish in the Western Conference and a spot in the United Soccer League postseason. Where and when they play will be determined by the next three games, including Wednesday’s 7 p.m. home contest against Austin (9-13-3). The Aztex must win their three remaining road games to keep slim playoff hopes alive.

“They have a lot to play for so we need to be ready on Wednesday,” Colorado Springs coach Steve Trittschuh said.

First-place Oklahoma City, the Switchbacks’ road foe this Saturday, saw its five-game winning streak come to a screeching halt with two losses last week that brought the Energy back within reach of three teams; second-place Colorado Springs, Orange County and defending champ Sacramento. All three clinched playoff berths with victories last week.

The Switchbacks have played one fewer game than OKC and regular-season finale (Sept. 19) home opponent LA Galaxy II, giving them an opportunity to garner a top-two finish and a chance at winning the conference outright.

A top-two finish would give the Switchbacks (13-9-3) a first-round bye.

That is far from guaranteed, Trittschuh is quick to remind.

“We have to win on Wednesday first and then worry about Saturday,” he said. “Austin has some good, solid individual players. We cannot let them get ahead in the game because then they can box in and defend. We need to keep pressuring and play our game at home.”

The only USL team with two double-digit goal scorers – Luke Vercollone (12) and Miguel Gonzalez (10) – must play well defensively the rest of the way to make a playoff run.

“We are going to score goals but we have to be strong defensively through the lineup,” Trittschuh said. “If we are strong defensively as a team then everything flows from there.”