With the USL Cup being won last night by New York Red Bulls II in a 5-1 victory against Swope Park Rangers, the book has been closed on the 2016 USL season. For the USL, the season has been a glowing success. Attendance grew by 33%, more franchises entered play, with more coming next year. The limited testing of video replay at games was successful. The partnership with MLS has been a success as well, with two MLS owned and operated USL franchises making the USL Cup Final.
For the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and their fans, an early exit in the playoffs at the hands of Vancouver Whitecaps 2 makes the official start to 2017 a little bitter to the taste.