The United Soccer League playoffs are here and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks are excited to take on Seattle.

The Sounders 2 are the No. 6 seed in the first round of the league postseason and had to win their final game to be the last team to make the Western Conference playoffs. Seattle finished with a 3-6-1 mark in its final 10 games, including a 1-0-1 mark against third-seeded Colorado Springs (14-10-4).

In both games against Seattle (13-12-3), the Switchbacks played strong first halves only to falter in the second. Veteran midfielder Shintaro Harada does not expect that to happen at 7 p.m. Friday at Sand Creek Stadium.

“I feel really good about how our team is playing,” he said. “If we focus on getting better defensively, that will lead to offense in transition. Our offense is dangerous.”

The Switchbacks lead the Western Conference (tied for second in USL) with 1.89 goals per game, paced by veteran forward Luke Vercollone’s 37 points (14 goals) and rookie Miguel Gonzalez (27 points, 10 goals). Rony Argueta has aggravated a nagging knee injury and is unlikely to play Friday.

“I need everyone at 100 percent,” coach Steve Trittschuh said. “We have to play fast and put the pressure on them. It’s the playoffs and we’re ready to get started.”

Both are hopeful for a strong fan turnout for the Switchbacks, which are averaging 2,723 a game, and sold out for the first time (3,823 capacity) last weekend.

Those that come have been loyal and loud, sticking through rain, snow and lightning delays and making a considerable amount of noise.

That noise and the altitude adds to the home field advantage for the Switchbacks, who must avoid having foes pack in their defenders with a 1-0 lead, as LA did last weekend.

“The first goal is very big for us,” Harada said. “It really helps us with our confidence. We have a lot of veterans. so going ahead would really help our sense of calm.”

“I really appreciate our fans. They have stuck through bad weather and been very supportive. I hope they come out on Friday to support us in the playoffs.”

Friday’s winner advances to play at No. 2 seed Oklahoma City in the second round on Oct. 4.