Happy New Year; Well, almost!
As 2025 comes to a close, this is the time of year where many start to outline their goals and resolutions for the upcoming calendar year and set forth on realizing those achievements. Whether or not they come to fruition doesn't matter as there's nothing quite motivating like a clean fresh start to a New Year!
2026 is set to be a monumental one in the soccer world with it being a World Cup year. Feel free to share with us your resolutions for next year and we'll feature them on next week's Newsletter!
ICYMI - Last Week's Newsletter:
Juan Fernandez
Topics:
- 🌊Rapids' Resolution
- ⛰️Summit's Resolution
- 🐐Switchbacks' Resolution
- 📦Box State Footy Resolutions
🌊Colorado Rapids New Year's Resolution:
There's a lot to be intrigued about the Rapids heading in to 2026. It's clear that change is coming to the Commerce City team both in the front office and on the field. Many are still not sold on the sporting side and the dealings and rumors this winter have been plenty although not quite fulfilling. There's enough change in the team addressed that has many ears perked up, but there's not as much enthusiasm, at least from what I see, compared to the lead-up of 2021 season.
Resolution: Win hearts and minds.
With a bit more of a magnifying glass placed upon the team from KSE via Kevin Demoff, there's now a bit more riding on this season for any potential ethos or culture shift. If KSE/Demoff is serious about elevating the Rapids to a "Competing for MLS Cup year in, year out" level, they're going to need to first win back the hearts and minds of a lot of fans. The product at Dicks Sporting Goods Park has to be able to compete with the shiny new Summit FC (of which they've said they're not in competition with). Regardless, the easiest way to win heart's and minds is by first: winning. And then beyond that make it fun again to be a Rapids fan.
Big 2025 Moment: Djordje Mihailovic Traded
⛰️Denver Summit FC New Year's Resolution
Denver Summit FC's inaugural season is going to be one for the history books. Given all the context of a World Cup year and the stadium resolutions following City Council's vote, the Summit have a strong platform to succeed in 2026. Before the meeting, Rob Cohen announced to fans at the council rally that 19 players had been signed with more to be announced.
Rob Cohen: 19 players are signed with more announcements to come.#SummitFC
— Box State Footy (@boxstatefooty) December 22, 2025
The team is still taking shape and there's a lot of hype that's still building around this team. The dream of Sophia Wilson signing with the team ended this month given she'll be back with the Portland Thorns for 2026. Most expansion teams struggle out of the gates but within the larger Denver market, the Summit need to live up to the hype.
Resolution: Come Out Swinging
You only get one chance at a first impression. One could argue that a $70m subsidy from the city could leave a sour taste in many. What could help wipe that away? Being a fun and worthwhile team to come out to see. Summit tickets are not likely to be cheap given the new sticker price and the fresh press of an expansion tag. Those tickets could be a lot more easier to stomach if there's a clear identity, fun attacking dynamics, and winning sure does help too. In an economy as tight on the wallet as this one is, and with many more options to do things in Denver, the Summit cannot afford to misstep in their intro year. The first few months will say a lot ahead of the World Cup break in the Summer.
🐐Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC New Year's Resolution
The Switchbacks have been quite busy this offseason and warrant a piece of their own. The USL CBA is set to expire this week and without a clear idea on what the next likely steps are there's a strong chance that the USL season sees a bit of a delay.
It's a little bit of a shame given the business done by the Switchbacks. They look to be retooling for a strong campaign but with the uncertainty there's two sides to this resolution.
Let's look to the side where the owners don't cheap out (haha) and say they agree to a new CBA and a "normal" Championship season kicks off. For the Switchbacks, they have to remind the locals why it is they're still worth going to see.
Resolution: Dominate the market.
While the Rapids and Summit claw for eyeballs up north, for the Switchbacks now is the time to really engage their local fan base and takeover the entire downtown area. There's already a lot to like about Weidner Field and it's location, but how about expanding the colors and vibes of the stadium all down throughout Cimmaron St.? There's no reason why every bar in the area shouldn't have some Switchbacks insignia, gameday deals, and more awareness of the team. When I find myself down at Switchbacks games, I want to be engulfed in the culture of the club much like Subaru Park out in Chester, Pennsylvania. Also, more Ziggy is never a bad idea.
Big 2025 Moment: Switchbacks Check In
📦Box State Footy Resolutions:
We now move to the BSF crew and their larger plans for the year. I'll start us off here
What is your soccer/content specific New Year's Resolution for 2026?
Juan: "...ensure crystal clear audio on all the podcasts, watch more games, give a bit more attention to the Switchbacks and create more shorts."
Sharon: "...try to learn how to take better videos 🙂 and be less shy so I can ask questions during training or a press conference 🙂"
Daniel: "...learn more about MLS Fan Traditions, have a better understanding of tactic tendencies, and make an effort to visit Colorado, Portland, and Kansas City"
Jeremy: "...to be harsher on Seattle and RSL and be smarter with my preseason/playoff predictions...and help with first ever Burgundy Banter live from the tailgate."
Joss: "...to have a little more tactical analysis on our pods while still maintaining my role as a vibes guy"
Logan: "...getting the Culeros Instagram up to promote our vibes & merch! BSF related: teach Juan basic accounting 😉"
Jer: "...help Logan push the culture and help in any meaningful way with Audio/Video"
Once more from all of us here at Box State Footy: Happy New Year's!
See you in 2026 😄
