COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 18, 2022) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced Friday it had signed defender James Musa, previously from Phoenix Rising FC. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.
“[I’m] very excited to be a part of the Switchbacks organization in 2023 and moving forward,” said Musa on the signing. “We have lots to achieve!”
Musa, 30, comes to the Switchbacks after four years with Phoenix Rising FC, with a brief stint at Minnesota United of the MLS in 2020. Musa played 19 matches in the 2022 season where he earned one goal and completed 64 clearances, with a 72.7% tackle success rate. In 2021, he put two goals under his belt in 32 games of play, and defensively he completed 103 clearances and 56 interceptions. He also had a passing rate of 83.6%.
From New Zealand, Musa got his start in soccer in 2010 on the Wellington Phoenix’s U-21 team. He signed a deal in 2011 with Waitakere City of the Northern League in New Zealand, before playing in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. He also was named to the 18-man team for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He played with Team Wellington from 2011-2012, 2013-2014, and then 2014-2015. He was signed to Fulham of the English Premier League in 2012, but made no appearances.
In 2016, Musa made the jump across the pond and signed a deal with the then USL side, Saint Louis FC. He spent a single season each with Saint Louis FC, Swope Park Rangers, and Sporting Kansas City, before settling with Phoenix in 2018.
“James [Musa] is a player we have liked for a long time,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke. “He adds balance, size, technical ability and most importantly a winning background and mentality to our group. I am looking forward to continuing our pursuit of trophies next year with James.”
Name: James Musa
Position: Defender
Height: 6′ 1″
Date of Birth: April 1, 1992
Age: 30
Hometown: Plymouth, England