COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Las Vegas Lights FC each have the first silverware in their respective histories in sight when they square off on Saturday night in the Western Conference Final of the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs presented by Terminix. Kickoff at Weidner Field is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Golazo Network. Here’s what you need to know.

How They Got Here

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (15-12-7, 52pts) – The Switchbacks advanced to their second Western Conference Final in the past three seasons as they rallied from an early deficit to take a 2-1 victory against Orange County SC last Sunday night at Weidner Field. Zach Zandi scored both goals, recording the first two-goal game of his career in the USL Championship, as the Switchbacks earned a fourth consecutive victory across the end of the regular season and playoffs. Colorado Springs is now undefeated in four postseason games at Weidner Field since it opened in the 2021 season as it prepares to host a Western Conference Final for the first time. The side’s balance has also been key, with the Switchbacks having recorded seven shutouts and allowed only 17 goals in 19 games across the regular season and playoffs.

Las Vegas Lights FC (13-10-11, 50pts) – Las Vegas Lights FC continued its first postseason as it upset No. 1 seed New Mexico United behind a late goal by Khori Bennett as goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena recorded a seven-save shutout at Isotopes Park. Arozarena has starred this season for the Lights, with his consecutive postseason shutouts moving him to nine overall this season and a Goals Prevented mark of 4.96 alongside a save percentage of 73.4 percent. Bennett, meanwhile, has helped power the attack with his game-winner against New Mexico his Western Conference-leading 15th goal of the season, while attacking playmaker Valentin Noël has notched 17 goal contributions (10 goals, 7 assists) across the regular season to sit tied for seventh in the league and USL Championship All-League Second Team selection J.C. Ngando ranks fifth in the league with 70 chances created.

All-Time Series

The Switchbacks hold a 5-3-2 advantage in the all-time series against the Lights as the sides finished level in each of their meetings this season, with Colorado Springs getting a late equalizer from Ronaldo Damus at Cashman Field to earn a 3-3 draw before the teams played to a 1-1 draw at Weidner Field in July. The Lights last earned victory in Colorado Springs on September 28, 2019, however, and have yet to claim victory at the Switchbacks’ current home.

Opta Says

12 – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC has scored a league-high 12 goals in the opening 15 minutes of games this season, including seven tallies that have arrived in the opening 15 minutes at home this season.

12 – Las Vegas Lights FC has conceded only 12 goals in the second halves of games this season across the regular season and playoffs, the fewest of any team in the USL Championship, including seven goals allowed away from home.

Players to Watch

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Matt Mahoney: The veteran center back earned his first USL Championship All-League selection on Wednesday and has played every minute of the regular season and playoffs this campaign, recording a league-high 70 interceptions, and has played a key role in build-out for the club in possession while marshaling the back line.

Las Vegas Lights FC – J.C. Ngando: The Cameroonian midfielder earned his first selection to the USL Championship All-League Team on Wednesday and has proven highly influential to the Lights’ success this season, ranking first in the USL Championship with 17 big chances created and fifth with 70 chances created while also doing solid defensive work in the middle of the park.

Uniforms

Discipline Report

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – No suspensions

Las Vegas Lights FC – No suspensions

Officials
REF: Elton Garcia
AR1: Matthew Rodman
AR2: Seth Barton
4TH: Matthew Corrigan