In a rematch of last season’s Western Conference semifinal, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC comes to Heart Health Park for the only time this season. Sacramento’s very familiar with the Rocky Mountain side after facing them three times last season.
Through the first five games, the club has been stellar. Entering this match, the club’s at the top of the Western Conference table and has defended the top spot in the league’s weekly power rankings for three straight weeks. The squad is firing on all cylinders; however, they know there is still more to accomplish. The season doesn’t end now.
“The group’s excelling at the moment. [But] we’ve got to make sure that we continue to be present, continue to be focused and continue to be hard to play against,” said Mark Briggs of his squad’s form. “We have to continue to be ruthless and continue to put the opportunities away that are presented to us.”
“We’re undefeated, our team this year is deep and very solid all around,” said Rodrigo Lopez. “We have 22, 24 players that go out on that field and want to fight and want to win. Whoever’s on that field has to bring that winning mentality. We want to stay at a certain level.”
Colorado Springs brings with them to the River City a talented squad improved from last season, even if they have a few new faces. Switchbacks FC will be tough to play against, but per usual, Sacramento has no plans to back down or let the game be played on anyone else’s terms.
“It’s a team that is [near] the top of the West and are familiar with. They have a very solid team all around,” Lopez continued. “[But] we love playing these types of games where we’re playing the better teams in our conference.”
Being at home for this contest adds a significant advantage that’s already pushed the club when they needed it this season. Sacramento’s been tough on every club that’s made the trip to Heart Health Park this season, succeeding in the strive to make Heart Health Park a fortress. They want to keep that up this week.
“We understand the opponent and respect the opponent,” said Mark Briggs. “But when we’re at home we have to continue with our momentum and continue to focus on us.”
“Our home field is beneficial for us all the time,” said Lopez. “Our crowd, our atmosphere, our fans are the best in the league for a reason. It rubs off on us on the field.”