✈️EVEN MORE COLORADO HOMEGROWN NEWS - BSFN

We hope you're staying warm! It feels good to finally see some snow in Denver that doesn't completely melt away by dinner time. As always, the Box State Footy Newsletter is your stop for all the latest Colorado footy happenings. Let's dive in!

Topics:

• A conversation with Connor Tobin
• Ethan Horvath eyeing an MLS move
• Box State "La Masia" prospect set to return to the United States
• USWNT to return to Dick's Sporting Goods Park
• Media Availability with Matt Wells

ICYMI - Last Week's Newsletter:

🏔️ COLORADO HOMEGROWN STAR SIGNS FOR SUMMIT

Box State Footy Newsletter - January 20th, 2026

Box State FootyJuan Fernandez

Box State Footy Podcast: Conor Tobin of the USLPA

This past week, I was able to catch the USL Players Association Executive Director Conor Tobin while they were in Denver. You can catch that podcast episode here:

Box State Footy Podcast: Connor Tobin

Box State Footy Podcast - Connor Tobin

Box State FootyJuan Fernandez

We've only just recently started following the CBA dispute between the PA but John Morissey of USL Tactics and Backheeled has been covering the story. You can catch their latest updates in their most recent article.

Tension increases in USL CBA talks: Healthcare, hotels & more questions

Significant disagreements remain between the Players Association and the USL Championship. Is a work stoppage brewing?

BackheeledJohn Morrissey

We would like to again thank Connor Tobin for their time in making the podcast a reality. With still so much uncertainty, the coverage of the Switchbacks will remain largely dependent on what shakes out but nonetheless it will be a story we are ready to see the conclusion of.

Ethan Horvath looking to make a return to the United States

According to Tom Bogert, Ethan Horvath is looking to make an MLS move with New York Red Bulls as potential suitors.

Horvath, 30, has played across various teams in Europe including Molde, Club Brugge, Nottingham Forrest, Cardiff City, and two loan spells at Luton Town and Sheffield Wednesday.

His most notable Box State Footy moment was his inclusion in the Nations League Final after subbing on for Zack Steffen in the 69th minute. He would go on to save an Andres Guardado penalty in a penalty shootout and in doing so secured Man of the Match honors.

Horvath will have decent competition in his position as he and the 2022 MLS Cup MVP John McCarthy both have strong claims to the starting role.

Adrian Gill's Time in Barcelona Nearing an End?

Another Box State Footballer making their way back stateside is Adrian Gill. Tom Bogert is reporting that Atlanta United is looking to bring the player back from Europe after initially leaving to join La Masia at a young age.

Gill, 20, still has a lot of career left and could be a sneaky good pickup for Atlanta here. Atlanta went into the 2026 with not much cap space to maneuver. Acquiring a prospect in Gill offers them a project piece in the midfield to slowly build around in the event the players ahead fail to meet expectations.

The Denver born midfielder has had a tough time breaking into the first team Barcelona squads. He has a concerning history of injuries, but the Five Stripes are willing to take on that challenge as a low risk move. We are hoping that Gill can continue to develop and find his footing on a first team.

United States Women's National Team Return to Dick's Sporting Goods Park

The Summit won't be the only team playing at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The Women's National Team will be playing Japan on April 17th.

USWNT to face rivals Japan in trio of April friendlies

The USWNT will play Japan in a trio of friendly matches during the April FIFA international window, the U.S. Soccer Federation confirmed on Saturday.

ESPNJeff Carlisle

This will be the USWNT's second time in Colorado within a year having most recently played against the Republic of Ireland in late June 2025.

The USWNT have not been shy in their praise for the atmosphere even without the Box State Ballers. Perhaps this could be Lindsey Heaps first match in Colorado before joining the Summit ahead of her contract's end with OL Lyonnes.

Rapids Preseason Updates & Matt Wells Media Availability

Colorado Rapids Head coach Matt Wells is now fully with the team in Florida as they prepare for the 2026 season. Among those preparations was a session with the media, a preseason matchup against Nashville SC, and some signings as well.

The most notable thing in Well's comments was his emphasis on the "uncomfort" of the training. Wells has said to be pushing players both physically and tactically in ensuring they understand completely what's being asked of them. Just when players think their work is done for the day, there is more work and even more being asked. Time will tell whether this strengthen or breaks the squad. Given the young nature of the team, it's fair to assume this is exactly what young players need but one has to wonder if there is a breaking point. Nonetheless, I am still intrigued by the larger plan and style and would like to see more.

What I don't want to see are results like this in the regular season.

A preseason loss isn't the worst thing. Preseason doesn't matter... until it does. Nashville are a strong team emboldened by Cristian Espinoza who was able to link up with Sam Surridge for their equalizer. That does mean the Rapids conceded three unanswered goals.

In other Pids news, the club have signed Donovan Phillip

Time will tell whether Phillip finds any immediate time coming off the bench. With plenty of other young guys in the mix including within R2 there's a lot of underdeveloped talent that I can't help but feel would do better with a veteran to learn from.

Finally, Dante Sealy was also available for the media. Having seen Sealy play as a wing back for FC Dallas my main focus was on asking them where they prefer to play. For Sealy, the winger position is the most natural which allows him to really drive at opposing defenses. We highlighted his dribbling ability in a prior newsletter and can only hope we see a lot of that in Burgundy.

Follow the post below to see all the coverage of the media availability:

And that is all for today's newsletter. Be sure to share our podcast with Connor Tobin on all your socials and give the USL Players some love. We will see you for next week's edition of the B-S-F-N!