Switchbacks strikers Juan Tejada and Sadam Masereka high-five during an April 14 game. Photo: Courtesy The Colorado Switchbacks
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC face the Colorado Rapids tonight in their first matchup since 2016.
Why it matters: Colorado's two pro soccer teams rarely meet, but both are in the 2026 U.S. Open Cup — with a quarterfinal berth on the line.
Flashback: The 2016 game, also in the U.S. Open Cup, ended in a 1-0 Rapids win.
What they're saying: The game has a sibling rivalry feel, per Colorado Springs Gazette sportswriter Hugh Johnson.
"Now, with a downtown stadium and a league title, the Switchbacks are much more established and much better than they were the last time they 'wrestled' with older brother.'"
The intrigue: The Switchbacks may be the underdogs, but they are fresh off their first club win against an MLS team — a 3-0 rout of Kansas City on April 14.
If you go: Kickoff is at 7pm at Dicks Sporting Goods Park, in Commerce City.
