Switchbacks midifelder Frank Daroma bantered with fellow midfielder Brennan Creek before his interview with The Gazette on Friday. 

It was a fine example of the bond between the players despite their intense competition during training sessions.

“You have to come into training, do your best and do well. I think it’s tough for the coaches to pick the lineup,” Daroma said. “(The other midfielders) get the best out of you every single training session. It’s like Stevie (Echevarria) and Speedy (Williams) they’re the veteran guys in the midfield. Look at them, take side stuff from them and try and implement that into my game. Like I said, we’re all strong in different ways. Just take a little bit from everybody. It’s just healthy competition.” 

Daroma, who joined Colorado Springs in the offseason, said he appreciates the depth of this roster over previous rosters he’s been a part of in El Paso and Las Vegas. 

He’s taking advantage of the local sights as well, having already visited Garden of the Gods and hopes to visit Glenwood Springs, Pagosa Springs or another hot springs location soon. 

Before then, he’s focused on helping the Switchbacks climb the USL Championship’s Western Conference ladder. 

With Colorado Springs having clinched a spot in the Prinx Tires USL Cup quarterfinal by virtue of last week’s 2-1 win over El Paso, the Switchbacks turn their attention to the regular season. Colorado Springs (3-3-4) is just above the playoff line in eighth place. Sitting in ninth is the Switchbacks’ opponent for Saturday in Sacramento Republic FC. 

Sacramento, which shares the same record as Colorado Springs, will travel to Weidner Field for a 7 p.m. kickoff. 

The Switchbacks have won their last two matches and will be grateful to have forward Khori Bennett back in the lineup. Bennett was out last week on international duty with Jamaica. The Switchbacks’ striker has a team and league-leading eight goals this season. He played for Republic FC last year, joining the club midway through the campaign in July. He still managed to score five goals for Sacramento, tied for third-most on the team.  

Saturday will be a test for Colorado Springs’ back line as the club will be without defenders Markhus “Duke” Lacroix and Garven Metusala who will also play on Saturday but with Haiti in the World Cup. 

In training, the Switchbacks have been focused on managing the game, especially toward the end of the halves. In two of their previous three matches, Colorado Springs has conceded goals during stoppage time of the first half. 

“It’s something we’ve been focused on, we’re locked in,” Daroma said. “I think the fans and the coaching staff will see some changes. I guarantee that will not happen this weekend.”  

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Scoring leaders 

USL Championship regular-season stats only

Goals

COS: Bennett (8, ties league lead)

SAC: Michelle Benitez (3)

Assists 

COS: Sadam Masereka, Yosuke Hanya, Sam Williams (2)

SAC: Arturo Rodriguez (3)