There’s never been a question about Zach Zandi’s ability to be a strong contributor on the field in the USL Championship.

In his first season with the Philadelphia Union in 2019, he logged three goals and six assists while notching 36 chances created. Two years ago, he notched five goals and four assists across the regular season and playoffs in his second season with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

The challenge? Keeping the influential midfielder on the field.

Since his first campaign five years ago, Zandi’s minutes have been limited by injuries, including a career-low three appearances during the 2023 campaign.

All of which made delivering the first two-goal game in his USL Championship career in Sunday night’s Western Conference Semifinal against Orange County SC to lead the Switchbacks to a 2-1 victory at Weidner Field all the more satisfying.

“Very happy to say the least,” said Zandi. “More importantly, to get the win to put us in the conference finals, that’s the main thing on our mind. We have two more games to win the Championship. so that’s the main focus. I’m very happy.”

Zandi’s finishes showed the combination of quality and instinct he’s brought to the field this season. They also couldn’t have been better timed.

With the Switchbacks having gone behind in just the fourth minute to Orange County, Zandi provided a quick response to get the hosts back on level terms with a precise first-time shot that picked out the bottom-right corner of the net. Then, after a first period of extra time in which the hosts had been firmly on top, his redirection at the top of the six-yard area of Cole Mrowka’s shot gave Colorado Springs the lead before OCSC could get to the break and regroup.

For Switchbacks Head Coach James Chambers, the night encapsulated what Zandi is about.

“I don’t think everyone knows how good he is,” said Chambers. “He’s one of the best midfielders in the league, but he doesn't really get the recognition he deserves, that is the fact of it, and he’s a top, top player. … The staff in the background, the athletic trainers, technical staff, assistant coaches, they’ve done such a good job to get him to where he’s at, and ultimately, he’s performing, so everyone should be proud that the work is not done.”

With his brace on Sunday night, Zandi has now recorded a career-best 10 goal contributions this season with six goals and four assists. He’s also logged a career-high 34 appearances, surpassing the mark he set in his first year in the league, forming a central midfield tandem with veteran Speedy Williams that shone brightly in Sunday’s game.

As a result, the Switchbacks will get their second chance to reach the USL Championship Final in three seasons, and this time they’ll get to do so on their home turf when they face Las Vegas Lights FC next Saturday night.

With a perfect postseason record at home since the opening of Weidner Field in 2021, the pieces are all in place for another memorable night.

“We love everybody here, it makes a huge difference,” said Chambers “Everybody tonight, [we’d like to] thank them individually and collectively for coming out. Wasn’t the warmest night in the world, but my god, they bounced this place, it was off the walls. We’re delighted with the win.”