COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 23, 2022) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today Matt Mahoney and Jairo Henriquez would both be returning for the 2023 season.
“I’m ecstatic to be back. With what the team achieved in 2021 and 2022, our expectations are going to be even higher next year and I’m excited to continue to be a part of this team in 2023. I’m looking forward to the new additions Coach will be bringing into the group, along with the guys coming back. I can’t wait to compete for a championship in 2023.” Mahoney said about rejoining the squad.
Mahoney, 27, begins his third season in Colorado Springs in 2023. In his two seasons with the Switchbacks, Mahoney has netted three goals and seven assists in 67 appearances. In 2022 Mahoney posted 100 clearances, 177 duels won, and 66 interceptions along the club’s backline. With a passing accuracy of 83.3%, Mahoney helped flip many impactful possessions throughout the season as a mainstay in the starting eleven.
The Buffalo native joined COS after two seasons with Sacramento Republic FC and two seasons with Bethlehem Steel FC. In his professional career, Mahoney has recorded 143 appearances, eight goals, nine assists and has never missed the playoffs. Mahoney was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week four times during the 2022 season.
“Mahoney has established himself as a stalwart of our back four and has played all four positions in the process, not something many guys in the league can do,” said Brendan Burke, Head Coach and General Manager for the Switchbacks. “He is a standard setter for us in so many ways but most importantly in durability and work ethic, he’s very much a leader in our locker room now.”
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“I am happy to be able to continue on with the Switchbacks,” said Henriquez. “I am also very excited to work towards a new final this 2023 season. I hope to have a good season personally, and for me and my teammates to earn lots of goals and assists – this will help us to be champions. I am anxious for it to start and be able to have a great year and give lots of joy to all the people who give us their support in each game.”
Henriquez, 29, will enter his first full season with COS in 2023 after joining the team in July. In just 15 matches for the club, he notched four goals and four assists while helping the Switchbacks reach their first ever conference final.
Henriquez began his professional career in 2013, after being signed to Turin FESA FC after growing up within the club. He made 35 appearances with Linces de Tlaxcala between 2013 and 2015, before being signed to FAS (Club Deportivo Futbolistas Asociados Santanecos) in January 2015. While there he made 84 appearances. Henriquez signed with Municipal Limeno for the Clausaura 2018, and then signed with Santa Tecla for the Apetrutra 2018. He most recently played for Aguila (Club Deportivo Águila), one of the most successful clubs in El Salvador football history.
“Jairo Henriquez added so much to our group last year when he joined in the summer,” said Burke. “He’s clever technically and tactically flexible. We are lucky to have him at this level based on his stature with El Salvador.”
Name: Matt Mahoney
Position: Defender
Height: 5′ 11″
Date of Birth: April 17th, 1995
Age: 27
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Name: Jairo Henriquez
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5′ 6″
Date of Birth: August 31st, 1993
Age: 29
Hometown: San Salvador, El Salvador