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Gameday Previews – Monday, July 4

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 07/03/22, 12:44PM EDT

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Top-three Western Conference clash set for national television spotlight in Colorado Springs


Photo courtesy Isaiah J. Downing / Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Two of the top three teams in the Western Conference will square off for the first time in a nationally televised clash on the Fourth of July as Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and San Diego Loyal SC both look to build on victories last time out.

Here’s a look ahead to the action.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. San Diego Loyal SC

Venue: Weidner Field
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN2
538.com Predictor: COS 44%, SD 32%, Draw 24%

The Lowdown: Second-placed Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC will host third-placed San Diego Loyal SC in a contest that sees the side separated by five points as they meet for the first time. Colorado Springs will cap a run of four games in 11 days on Monday night after taking a 3-0 victory against Sacramento Republic FC this past Friday on its home turf in its most recent outing. Hadji Barry scored twice after Elvis Amoh had opened the scoring for the hosts, the first two-goal performance of the season for the 2021 USL Championship MVP as he moved to eight goals and six assists this campaign. With a win, the Switchbacks would move within a point of Western Conference leader San Antonio FC at the midway point of the regular season, but SD Loyal will be aiming to narrow the gap to the top two as they try to build on consecutive victories. San Diego claimed a 2-1 win against Orange County SC last Wednesday night in their most recent contest as Alejandro Guido scored both goals, including a late first-half winner from the penalty spot. Guido notched three goals and three assists in June for his hometown club and could be needed to step forward again with the visitors set to be without leading scorer Kyle Vassell due to suspension following his red card against OCSC. With SD Loyal sitting tied for the league-lead with 38 goals and the Switchbacks not far behind in third place with 34, it could be an action-packed night before the postgame fireworks.

Spotlight Players
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Michee Ngalina:
The Congolese winger notched his fifth assist of the season against Sacramento to go with seven goals and should be a serious threat to San Diego’s back line.

San Diego Loyal SC – Nick Moon: The left-sided midfielder has been a dynamic two-way player for San Diego this season and his potential battle with Colorado Springs’ Matt Mahoney could be one to watch.

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