A lot has happened since the last time we published the Newsletter. News has come at a constant stream and there's still plenty to follow especially when it comes to the Summit and the construction of their roster. The new expansion side stole all the headlines last week and they've remained busy since. All that and much more on this week's edition of the BSFN!
ICYMI - Previous Newsletter: The First Newsletter of 2026
Juan Fernandez
Topics:
- 🗻 Lindsey Heaps signs with Denver Summit FC
- 🇨🇦 Oliver Larraz Signs with Vancouver Whitecaps
- 🎽 Switchbacks Jersey Reveal Party
- ⚽ Ultras League Soccer Launches
- 📦 Box State Footy In Search of Contributors
🗻 Lindsey Heaps set to join Summit FC Upon The Expiry of Her Contract
The biggest news across the Colorado soccer landscape was the Summit's signing of Golden, CO native Lindsey Heaps.
I had written about this possibility in an off-season Summit article. There were quite a lot of signs that this would happen and now that it's official there's plenty of reason to believe in the team's momentum heading in to the season. The signing was covered extensively from all corners of the soccer media lanscape making this signing a true hallmark signing within the sports history here in Colorado. Heaps will join following the conclusion of her contract with OL Lyonnes.
This momentum isn't exclusively due to the Heaps signing. The Heaps signing stands on it's own but the team have been busy ever since signing multiple players to contracts. Those players include:
And the cherry on top? The NWSL Schedule has been released as well!
Schedule | NWSLsoccer.com
The momentum isn't without some strife, however. The construction of their training facility and temporary stadium is behind schedule meaning the club will be playing a part of their inaugural season at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Paolo Zialcita
The Summit continue to dominate headlines and even with some slight hiccups here and there, it's hard not to get excited about the larger manifestation of this team.
We'll have a more detailed pre-season breakdown in the coming weeks.
🇨🇦 Vancouver Bolster Their Midfield Depth With the Signing of Oliver Larraz
One player who will not be back for the Colorado Rapids is Denver, Colorado's Oliver Larraz. The redheaded midfielder will be playing for MLS Western Conference Champions Vancouver Whitecaps.
Whitecaps FC
On one hand, I'm thrilled that Larraz found a strong landing spot in Vancouver. On the other, I can't help but feel frustrated with the terms of his exit.
It's hard not to feel a bit slighted by the move given how much Larraz had developed in the last few years with no return to show for it. This was a player who foiled the initial Lamine Diack plans. The team went and brought Atencio the following year and are once again trying their hand at the position with Hamzat Ojediran (who's signing was made official.) That's three holding midfield investments despite the homegrown product playing ahead of the first two. To see him leave to a Western Conference side is quite frustrating.
Larraz will be a quality depth piece for Vancouver and his addition allows head coach Jesper Sorenson to move Ralph Priso to the back line; all for free.
🎽Switchbacks To Host a Jersey Reveal
The Switchbacks are hosting a party!
New Kits. New Season.
— Switchbacks FC (@SwitchbacksFC) January 19, 2026
Don't miss our first Jersey Reveal Party.
🗓️: Friday, February 13
📍: Ed Robson Arena
🕐: 5 pm for Season Ticket Members
🕓: 6 pm for the general public
Free & open to the public. More details to follow.
RSVP now: https://t.co/zLMigZxzpR pic.twitter.com/TAYXPtDU63
The future of the USL 2026 season remains a bit uncertain given the major elephant in the room in the form of the CBA. The USLPA and league itself are still at an impasse and despite rumors of both coming close to an agreement, nothing has been officially settled.
The league and it's clubs continue to operate as if there isn't this elephant in the room. This jersey party, for me, is another one of those weird ones where as much as I want to be excited for a jersey reveal party, I can only think one thing: are the players going to be taken care of?
As we eagerly await any updates on the CBA, a jersey party can activate and engage the larger Colorado Springs area. To have it outside of Weidnder Field is a good touch too. It means they're going out of their home base and trying to gauge some activity outside the stadium; a fantastic idea.
We'll be present to catch a general vibe of the city and see how strong an outreach the club will have down south. And, you can't beat a jersey reveal party!
⚽ 'Ultras League Soccer' Launches In Search of a More Competitive Pickup Scene
Friend of the publication Edwardo Bonilla reached out to see if we could highlight his latest soccer venture: Ultras League Soccer.
Bonilla is looking to raise the level of the pickup game in the Denver area. Hear from the man himself:
Q: What inspired you to start this project?
With self-organized pickup groups, larger collectives hosting pick ups, and new fields opening up at 16th Street, I’ve been really pleased with where the soccer culture in the city has gone. Ten years ago, I never would’ve imagined the city embracing soccer the way it does now, especially without being a World Cup host city or having a dominant professional team. What makes it special is that this growth hasn’t been driven by one organization, but by a collective push from the community. That’s a culture I’m proud to be part of. With increased accessibility, though, comes different mindsets. Pickup brings together players who aren’t always looking for the same thing. I’ve been in games where I’m playing too hard for a casual run, and others where I’m chilling, while someone else is giving everything they have. That’s the nature of pickup, it should be fun, a place to test ideas, skills, enjoy the game, and have a laugh. Ultras League exists to create space for the moments when that competitive energy shouldn’t be wasted. It’s meant to channel that intensity into something purposeful. With an elimination based tournament played over time, Ultras gives players something to play for and build toward. We’re at a point in the community where it feels right to raise the tension just a bit and that’s why Ultras was created.
Q: What’s the best way for people to support?
Right now, the best way to support is to share the league and sign up a team. Ultras League is not a pay-to-play model. I see entry fees as one of the biggest barriers in local soccer, and I don’t believe money needs to be involved to create something competitive and meaningful. From past experiences at indoor facilities across the state, I’ve seen how a focus on profit can sometimes disconnect from the quality of the experience, whether that’s officiating, organization, or overall energy. I know this isn’t the easiest model to sustain, but I’m hoping enough teams buy into the idea to keep it going. Sharing it and committing to play is the biggest form of support right now.
You can sign up for a team by following this link.
📦 Box State Footy Seeks Collaborators & Additional Help
As we prepare for the upcoming soccer season, we realize that our small group of content creators will be spread thin trying to cover the different happenings in the Colorado soccer scene. We are in need of some more contributors to the site to fully realize BSF as a cornerstone of Colorado Soccer Content.
We posted a craigslist ad and have gotten some responses back but we are looking for additional options.
Truth be told, BSF is not making money so there's no immediate incentive. That means the ideal candidate must be in love with the process and not as much the result. This will remain a passion project, but it's positioned to continue to grow.
If you'd like to contribute, consider reaching out via email. We would love to have you!
Thank you for reading, we will see you again next week for another edition of the Box State Footy Newsletter. Subscribe to stay up to date on all of the Colorado soccer happenings!
