Spokane Velocity host title-winning Switchbacks in cross-division quarterfinal clash

Spokane Velocity FC will host Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in Wednesday’s Prinx Tires USL Cup quarterfinals, giving the League One side a home chance against the reigning 2024 USL Championship titleholders. The draw for the last eight was completed on July 13, and USL set the quarterfinals for August 12.

The matchup carries the kind of cross-division edge USL pointed to in its quarterfinal preview, with League One clubs trying to turn home fields into knockout upsets against Championship opponents. Spokane arrives with a timely attacking boost after forward Neco Brett was named Player of the Round on July 14, when his two goals powered a 3-1 win over Oakland Roots SC and sent Velocity into the knockout stage.

Colorado Springs brings the more decorated résumé. The Switchbacks won the 2024 USL Championship final 3-0 over Rhode Island FC at Weidner Field on November 23, 2024, with Juan Tejada, Jairo Henriquez and Ronaldo Damus scoring before a sellout crowd. That title run is the backdrop for a quarterfinal that will test whether Spokane can turn energy and home support into a statement result against a side that has already handled the biggest stage in the league.

The clubs also have recent head-to-head history to lean on. On April 1, they met in Colorado Springs in the second round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and finished level at 1-1 after regulation before Colorado Springs advanced on penalties. Talen Maples scored for the Switchbacks, Andrew Booth scored for Spokane, and the game gave both teams a recent tactical reference point without making the rematch feel predictable.

That earlier meeting matters because it suggested a tighter, more open contest than a cagey cup tie. Spokane will look to use that familiarity to press for early momentum and force Colorado Springs into a reactive game, while the Switchbacks will try to lean on their championship composure, physical edge and tournament experience to blunt the hosts before the atmosphere turns. With only two meetings in the books, a few decisive moments on transitions, set pieces and finishing should decide whether Spokane’s run becomes a genuine upset or Colorado Springs’ pedigree carries the night.