COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC will play host to Oakland Roots SC on Saturday night in the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs presented by Terminix with the sides moving in different directions as they enter the postseason. Kickoff at Weidner Field is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Here’s what you need to know.

How They Got Here

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (15-12-7, 52pts) – The Switchbacks earned their best finish in the Western Conference in a regular season as the club overcame a disastrous start to the season to rise to the No. 2 seed in the final game of the campaign as the side took a 1-0 win against Sacramento Republic FC. The club lost five consecutive games to start the season, but then began a turnaround that saw the Switchbacks equal a club record for home victories with 10 wins at Weidner Field as the side produced a more balanced overall approach on the field. Colorado Springs allowed 40 goals in the regular season, its lowest mark in a full season since 2018, as both goalkeeper Christian Herrera and center back Matt Mahoney played every minute, while Ronaldo Damus recorded 12 goals to lead the attack for his third season with double-digit goals in the league.

Oakland Roots SC (13-16-5, 44pts) – The Roots returned to the postseason as Head Coach Gavin Glinton presided over a campaign that delivered numerous high notes but that also saw the side struggle defensively on regular occasions. Roots formed its playoff bid with a run of seven victories in nine games midway through the season that saw the side take a 1-0 victory against Louisville City FC and a 3-2 win on the road against NorCal rival Sacramento Republic FC as forward Johnny Rodriguez led the club with 12 goals, equaling his total from a season ago. Oakland had major dips defensively, however, and won only once in its final eight games while twice in that span suffering 5-0 defeats to North Carolina FC and Birmingham Legion FC, with the latter coming on the final day of the regular season.

All-Time Series

The Switchbacks have gone 4-1-1 in six prior meetings with Roots, and swept both meetings this season, including a 1-0 victory with the sides late met on June 2 when Delentz Pierre struck after only two minutes at Weidner Field.

Opta Says

11 – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC recorded 11 goals in the opening 15 minutes of games this season, tied for the most in the league in that timeframe alongside Memphis 901 FC.

12 – Oakland Roots SC has avoided defeat in its last 12 games in which it has recorded the opening goal of the game, going 10-0-2 this season when it strikes first.

Players to Watch

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Tyreek Magee: The 25-year-old’s play for the Switchbacks earned him a recall to the Jamaica Men’s National Team this fall, with Magee having recorded three goals and one assist while completing 86.7 percent of passes and notching 22 chances created in 15 appearances after an early-season injury.

Oakland Roots SC – Johnny Rodriguez: The Roots legend led the side with 12 goals this season and also notched three assists and could be essential to Oakland’s chances in Colorado Springs as the side looks for an early goal to take the initiative away from the hosts.

Uniforms

Discipline Report

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – No suspensions

Oakland Roots SC – No suspensions

Officials
REF: Abdou Ndiaye
AR1: Cameron Siler
AR2: Karsten Gillwald
4TH: Muhammad Hassan