The 2017 season saw the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC miss the playoffs for the first time in team history. The players never seem to get on the same page, appearing disjointed and inconsistent all season. Rumors of internal strife and a fractured locker room seemed to bear out on the field, as the team finished just two points outside the USL Western Conference Playoffs with a record of 12-12-8 (44 points). It was clear as the season ended that changes needed to be made in the offseason.
While the release of players was expected, fans were still surprised when news broke that 2017 captain midfielder Rony Argueta signed with the expansion Fresno Foxes FC, and defender Josh Phillips left to Portland Timbers 2.