COLORADO SPRINGS. CO – Less than a year removed from the euphoric celebration of their historic 2024 USL Championship title, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC find themselves standing at a precarious crossroads. What should have been a dynasty has dissolved into a profound technical and administrative crisis. Following a deeply disappointing 2025 season—one that culminated in a shocking early playoff exit and the abrupt departure of Head Coach James Chambers—the organization is now desperate to hit the reset button.
In late November, Weidner Field has transformed from a site of celebration into the epicenter of a comprehensive organizational overhaul. The most formidable challenge falls squarely on the shoulders of newly appointed Head Coach Alan McCann. Tasked with an almost impossible job, McCann must essentially build the entire Switchbacks 2026 roster from the ground up, navigating a treacherous USL free agency period defined by a massive wave of expiring contracts.
The Switchbacks FC Head Coach McCann’s First Move: Securing Veteran Leaders
Coach Alan McCann, who took the reins following Chambers’ dismissal earlier this month, knows that in this short off-season, time is the ultimate enemy. His first crucial maneuver was not splashing cash on the transfer market, but working quietly in the contract room to retain the experienced core capable of salvaging the championship-winning culture.
The initial—and arguably most significant—step was securing veteran midfielder Stevie Echevarria. This vital renewal sees Echevarria committed to the club through the 2026 and 2027 seasons, serving as a critical stabilization point for a team in flux. Known for his technical vision and locker room authority, Echevarria is the first guaranteed piece in McCann’s puzzle. His signing signals that experienced leadership will be paramount for the Colorado Springs soccer team’s new identity as they aim to claw their way back to the top of the USL Championship standings.
Did Haiti Call-Ups Complicate Switchbacks FC Roster Finalization?
Even as McCann focuses on domestic renewals, the global game is intervening to make his job harder. The value of specific Switchbacks players is appreciating on the international stage, creating a new layer of complexity. During the ongoing November 2025 international window, the defensive duo of Duke Lacroix and Garven Metusala were called up to represent the Haiti National Team in critical World Cup qualifiers.
While these appearances underscore the high quality of the roster, they severely complicate the already difficult contract negotiations. Their high-profile status on the world stage could easily lead to lucrative offers from competing clubs. If McCann fails to swiftly secure new deals for key assets like Lacroix and Metusala, the team risks losing the very heart of their 2024 title-winning core, forcing the new coach to scramble for replacements in a dangerously thin off-season market.
The 2026 Roster Cliff: A Ticking Clock
The defining challenge of this off-season is the sheer volume of expiring player contracts. Following the tumultuous 2025 campaign, Coach McCann inherited a roster with shockingly few guaranteed assets. The next few weeks are not just important; they are critical for the team’s ability to compete in 2026.
- Defensive Uncertainty: The back line is highly volatile. The contracts of defensive leader Matt Mahoney and standout goalkeeper Christian Herrera are coming to an end. These positions are top priorities; a successful Colorado Springs Switchbacks side demands defensive stability. However, any delay in decision-making could push Herrera and Mahoney toward rival teams offering immediate security.
- The Midfield Void: The crisis in the engine room is even more pronounced. Aside from Echevarria, influential figures like Charlie Adams and Anthony Fontana are currently unattached for 2026. This potential exodus means Coach McCann may be required to construct an entirely new midfield unit, demanding a level of rapid tactical chemistry that is far from guaranteed at the start of a new season.
- The Attacking Conundrum: The situation is equally dire up front. Key contracts for the club’s primary goal-scoring threats, including Juan Tejada and veteran Kyle Vassell, have also expired. These players represent the bulk of the team’s attacking output. Losing them would necessitate McCann finding high-quality offensive replacements quickly—historically the most challenging and expensive task in any USL Championship off-season.
The overwhelming evidence suggests the Colorado Switchbacks face their largest roster overhaul in franchise history. Alan McCann has a narrow window to assess the expiring contracts, identify his core, and secure new signings before the 2026 preseason officially begins.
The immediate future of Colorado Springs soccer hinges entirely on McCann’s ability to navigate this unprecedented crisis and lay a stable foundation for the challenging year ahead.