The Colorado Springs Switchbacks of the United Soccer League (USL) Championship failed to take advantage of a winnable game as they were held to a 0-0 draw by the Oakland Roots on Oct. 3. While the Switchbacks forced the Roots’ goalkeeper into several saves, they could not break the deadlock and will now travel to play the Sacramento Republic knowing that a win is necessary to secure a home game in the playoffs.
With New Mexico United and Lexington Sporting Club picking up wins, the Switchbacks remain in sixth, but the gap between them and the top four is growing. Three points separate the Switchbacks from a Lexington team in good form, currently in fourth. Hope of a home playoff game is starting to fade as a result.
Concerningly, a string of recent results from Las Vegas Lights and Oakland has now also shrunk the gap between the Switchbacks and the playoff line to just four points. With three games to go in the regular season, a lot would need to go wrong for the Switchbacks to fall out of the postseason entirely. A bad result or two could see Colorado Springs nervously looking over their shoulder going into the final day.
The Switchbacks’ next game against the Sacramento Republic on Oct. 10 should be a good litmus test. Sacramento is currently in third place, undefeated in 10 games. A win could put the Switchbacks back in the driver’s seat in the race for a top-four spot. After that, the Switchbacks head to bottom-feeder Monterey Bay FC, before ending the season at home against an FC Tulsa team in a similar position.