COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 1, 2022) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today it had signed winger Maalique Foster, previously of Sacramento Republic FC. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.
“If you are faithful with little, you are faithful with much,” Foster said when asked how he felt about the signing. “Later will be greater!”
Foster, 26, joined Republic FC in 2021, and despite sustaining an early-season injury made an impact in 15 appearances over the second half of the season. This past season he had an even bigger impact, as Foster tallied eight goals and one assist, as well as completing 16 key passes and holding a passing accuracy rate of 79.8%. Foster’s season highlight, however, came in the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semifinal when his Panenka penalty kick against Sporting Kansas City helped Republic FC advance to the final after a penalty shootout.
The Portmore native joined Republic FC from the Israeli Premier League club Ironi Kiryat Shmona, on loan from Santos de Guápiles FC of the Costa Rican Primera División. With Santos de Guápiles FC he recorded five goals in 12 appearances.
Foster’s previous experience in the USL Championship includes a stint with Rio Grande Valley FC in 2019, where he netted three goals and four assists in 11 matches. He earned Championship Team of the Week honors for Weeks 7 and 11 while with RGVFC.
International play for Foster includes multiple call ups to the Jamaican National Team the Reggae Boyz, where he has recorded three goals across eight appearances. In his international debut with the team he earned the game-tying goal in a 2-2 draw against against South Korea. He was also part of the 2019 Gold Cup squad that advanced to the tournament’s semifinals and competed for the country in CONCACAF Nations League.
“Maalique [Foster] is a player that has struggled with injuries at times but really exploded onto the scene this year,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke. “We are looking forward to watching him find the next level over the next few years in Colorado Springs.”
Name: Maalique Foster
Position: Winger
Height: 5′ 7″
Date of Birth: November 5th, 1996
Age: 26
Hometown: Portmore, Jamaica