About the Switchbacks FC
The club reached historic heights during the 2024 season. Under Head Coach James Chambers, the Switchbacks captured their first-ever USL Championship title with a dominant 3–0 victory over Rhode Island FC at a sold-out Weidner Field. The championship run included the club’s first Western Conference title and marked the highest regular-season finish in team history. During that memorable season, the club also recorded 13 sellouts and hosted the USL Championship Final in front of a national television audience on CBS.
Throughout the club’s history, several standout players have helped shape the Switchbacks’ success. In 2022, forward Hadji Barry tied the USL Championship single-season scoring record with 25 goals and earned the league’s Golden Boot award.
The team’s official mascot, Ziggy the Mountain Goat, has become a fan favorite since the inaugural season and represents the fun, family-friendly atmosphere that defines Switchbacks matchdays. Supporters groups, including the Trailheads SG & Rowdy Crowd, help create one of the loudest and most energetic environments in the league every time the club takes the field.
Today, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC stands as a symbol of growth, community pride, and the continued rise of professional soccer in Colorado Springs, with a championship legacy already written and an exciting future still ahead.
Founded in 2013, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC was built with the goal of bringing professional soccer to the Pikes Peak region while creating a club that reflected the passion, resilience, and adventurous spirit of Colorado Springs. Since beginning play in the USL Championship in 2015, the Switchbacks have become one of the fastest-growing soccer clubs in the United States and a cornerstone of the city’s sports community.
The club’s name, “Switchbacks,” was chosen through a fan contest and inspired by the winding mountain roads and hiking trails that define Colorado’s landscape. From the start, the organization embraced a strong connection to the local community, building a club identity centered around energy, determination, and hometown pride.
The Switchbacks currently compete in the USL Championship, the second-highest level of professional soccer in the United States. Over the years, the club has developed a reputation for exciting attacking soccer, passionate supporters, and one of the most unique home-field environments in the country.
In 2021, the organization entered a new era with the opening of downtown Colorado Springs’ Weidner Field, an 8,000-seat soccer-specific stadium located at an elevation of 6,035 feet, the highest-elevation professional soccer stadium in the United States. The stadium quickly became a centerpiece of downtown development and one of the premier soccer venues in the USL Championship.
Important Dates in SFC History
Colorado Springs is officially awarded a USL Pro franchise.
The club unveils its official name: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
Steve Trittschuh is named the first Head Coach in club history.
Midfielder Luke Vercollone becomes the first player signed by the Switchbacks.
Wolde Harris is named Interim Head Coach.
Alan Koch is appointed Head Coach.
Brendan Burke is named Head Coach.
The club introduces a refreshed brand identity, featuring a simplified crest and primary colors of black and blue accented with white and gray.
Stephen Hogan joins the club as Assistant Head Coach.
James Chambers is named Assistant Coach.
The Switchbacks qualify for the USL Championship Playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
Hadji Barry ties the USL Championship single-season scoring record with 25 goals, earning both the league MVP and Golden Boot awards.
Brendan Burke is named USL Championship Coach of the Month.
Weidner Field officially opens as an 8,000-seat, state-of-the-art soccer stadium in downtown Colorado Springs.
The Switchbacks advance to the Western Conference Final for the first time in club history.
Stephen Hogan is promoted to Head Coach.
The club records the largest transfer in franchise history with the transfer of Hadji Barry.
Stephen Hogan becomes the first Sporting Director in club history, James Chambers is promoted to Head Coach, and Alan McCann is named Technical Director.
The club announces the formation of Switchbacks II, appointing Keelan Power as the team’s first ever Head Coach.
The Switchbacks clinch home playoff advantage for the first time in club history after defeating Sacramento Republic FC 1–0 and finishing second in the Western Conference — a club-record finish.
Colorado Springs captures its first trophy in franchise history, winning the Western Conference Final 1–0 over Las Vegas Lights FC.
The USL Championship Final between Colorado Springs and Rhode Island FC records the largest television audience in league history, drawing 431,000 viewers on CBS.
The Switchbacks win their first USL Championship title with a 3–0 victory over Rhode Island FC at Weidner Field.
Alan McCann is named Head Coach of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
Alan McCann earns USL Championship Coach of the Month honors.