Energy FC (12th, 23 pts, 6-11-5) look to get back to winning ways and start another streak in Matchweek 21, as the Greens head west to take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (10th, 28 pts, 8-12-4).

The Greens hold the edge in the all-time series against the Switchbacks winning five, drawing three and losing three. However, past trips to Colorado Springs haven’t been easy for OKC. Energy FC won the first meeting at Weidner Field in 2015, 2-1. Since then, OKC has lost two and drawn once. The only other away win came last season in US Open Cup play.

The Greens and Switchbacks have already faced each other twice in 2018, with OKC winning 1-0 on May 19, courtesy of a late, Callum Ross winner. The sides drew on July 7 when Alex Dixon’s opener was canceled out by Shane Malcolm. Both fixtures were held at Taft Stadium.

Since the draw, Colorado Springs has lost three of its past four matches – the only win coming at home against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on July 21. The Switchbacks haven’t been played off the park in any of the losses, though. They narrowly lost at home to Sacramento Republic FC and away to San Antonio FC and Rio Grande Valley FC, 1-0 in all three matches.

Jordan Burt leads the way for Colorado Springs with six goals on the season, followed closely by Luke Vercollone and Shane Malcolm with four a piece. Malcolm and Josh Suggs are tied for the team lead in assists (4). Suggs, the left back, is also leading the team in chances created. The Switchbacks will be without midfielder AJ Ajeakwa, while he serves the second of a two-match suspension for a red card against San Antonio on July 25.

The primary reason Switchbacks FC are still in the playoff race is their defensive record. Through 24 matches, they have only allowed 22 goals – tied for sixth-best in the league.

For Energy FC, the team’s eight-match unbeaten run was halted by San Antonio last Saturday. A point a piece, at the very least, would have been a fair result. The Greens had the better of the chances and dominated play for the majority of the match, and if they can continue in the same rich vein of form, they should have no problem picking up three points this weekend.

The club announced the signing of Monty Patterson on Monday. The New Zealand native has a good amount of experience at a young age and will add quality from the wing. US Men’s National Team supporters might remember Patterson for scoring in the 1-1 draw against New Zealand in 2016.

Things are extremely tight around the Western Conference, with only eight points separating 8th place from 13th. Things could get even more congested in the race for the playoffs, with several massive matches this weekend. Saint Louis FC (11th, 26 pts) hosts Seattle Sounders FC 2 (16th, 14 pts), San Antonio FC (8th, 31 pts) take on Los Angeles Galaxy II (14th, 20 pts) at home, Las Vegas Lights FC (13th, 23 pts) and RGV (15th, 20 pts) square off in Vegas, Sacramento (5th, 37 pts) hosts Fresno FC (9th, 30 pts) and Phoenix Rising FC (3rd, 38pts) are away to Portland Timbers 2 (6th, 33 pts).

Saturday’s match against Colorado Springs kicks off at 7:00 p.m. CT from Weidner Field and can be streamed on espn+.