Burgundy Boys on Loan, Week 18

As the Colorado Rapids continue to spiral further and further out of control, and as we settled into another lost season, there is still some good to be found. The Rapids loan contingent is having a fair season, and in Week 18 of the USL season, pickings are slim. The Charlotte Independence are off this weekend after picking up a 1-0 victory over Nashville SC on Wednesday in Matthews. That match featured all four chaps in the Queen City on the pitch (Andrew Dykstra, Sam Vines, Caleb Calvert, and Ricardo Perez) with a clean sheet from Dykstra and a red card from Calvert.

Here is what to look for from the Burgundy Boys on Loan this weekend:

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (7-9-4, 25 Points) vs Sacramento Republic FC (9-5-6, 33 Points)

Date/Time: Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 6:00 PM MDT

Location: Weidner Field—Colorado Springs, Colorado

What to Watch For: The curious case of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks continues as they have a form guide that reads like one step forward, two steps back. The Switchbacks are over the red line on wins and need to start putting together consistent results if they are serious about making the playoffs.

How to Watch: This match, and all USL matches, can be found at ESPN + (subscription required)

Fresno FC (6-7-7, 25 Points) vs Phoenix Rising FC (10-3-5, 35 Points)

Date/Time: Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 8:00 PM MDT

Location: Chukchansi Park—Fresno, California

What to Watch For: Fresno FC is just on the other side of that red line that Colorado Springs sits on and Phoenix are chasing the top spot in the Western Conference. Phoenix is a very consistent team and has found success on the road this season, but Fresno is a team that will want to pick up three points at home. Mike da Fonte continues his fine run of form and leads a defense that that has conceded just 15 goals this year, good enough for third best in the entire league.

How to Watch: This match, and all USL matches, can be found at ESPN + (subscription required)