2026 Roster

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 17, 2026) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that it has signed midfielder Tyreek Magee, covering the 2026 and 2027 USL Championship seasons with an option for 2028. The agreement is pending league and federation approval.

Magee joins the club from Mount Pleasant FA in Jamaica’s top division. During his time there, Magee made six appearances and scored once, while also competing in the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup, where he helped lift the championship trophy.

“Tyreek (Magee) coming back gives us another piece in midfield that’s very comfortable on the ball under pressure. He’s got magic moments in him as a footballer and was a huge part of our success when he was here previously,” said Head Coach Alan McCann. “He’s matured since then, so that means his improvements can be seen on and off the field. We’re really excited to have him back and look forward to him having a big impact on the group.”

Magee is no stranger to Colorado Springs, having previously suited up for the Switchbacks during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. A key contributor to the club’s 2024 championship run, he made a significant impact across both campaigns. In total, Magee recorded 44 appearances, six goals, and three assists during his time with the club.

Following his stint with the Switchbacks, Magee returned to Jamaica to join Vere United FC, where he made 13 appearances and scored three goals.

“Really excited to be back,” said Magee. “Looking forward to picking up where I left off. “

Now back in Colorado Springs, Magee returns with a proven track record, adding depth and quality to the squad as the Switchbacks look to build.

Name: Tyreek Magee
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’11”
Date of Birth: August 27, 1999
Age: 26
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica

Previous Club: Mount Pleasant FA

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 13th, 2026) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that it has signed Leo Styduhar, Griffin Price, & Rashed Jahan to USL Academy contracts for the 2026 season. The agreement is pending league and federation approval.

As a USL Academy signing, Styduhar, Price, Jahan will train and compete for the Switchbacks in the USL Championship and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup without forgoing their NCAA eligibility.

“Every day in training, Leo pushes himself to improve, while also raising the level of the other goalkeepers in the second team environment. His consistency and work ethic began to show on the field, and toward the end of the 2025 season, he delivered several standout performances for the second team,” said Switcbacks II Head Coach Keelan Power. “Those performances made the decision an easy one to bring Leo into the first team environment during the 2026 preseason, where his form and focus continued to impress. Having already committed to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, a strong program competing in NCAA Division II, Leo continues to take important steps in his development.”

Styduhar has been a member of the Switchbacks II team since 2024, where he has continued to develop through the club’s academy system. During his time with the program, he has established himself as a key contributor, highlighted by being named Man of the Match in the Fall 2025 Mountain Premier League Championship, helping lead the team to the league title.

“Growing up in Pueblo, it has been a near-lifelong dream of mine to be a part of the Switchbacks FC. Today, I’m one step closer,” said Styduhar. “I’m so thankful to the club and coaches for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my past coaches and family for always supporting me. I’m excited to continue to learn from and train next to senior team members and the coaches. Importantly, to be a part of the Switchbacks FC Goalkeeper Union.”

At Pueblo Central High School, Styduhar has earned recognition both on and off the field. His standout play in goal earned him CHSAA SCL Goalkeeper of the Year honors and a CHSAA Class 3A All-State Honorable Mention selection, recognizing him as one of the top goalkeepers in the state. In the classroom, he has maintained a 3.5 GPA and has been named to the Honor Roll during his freshman, sophomore, and junior years, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence alongside his athletic success.

Name: Leo Styduhar
Position:  Goal Keeper 

Height: 6’0″

Date of Birth: January 8, 2008

Age: 18

Hometown: Pueblo, CO. 

Price established himself as a dominant player with the Switchbacks II team, earning him a USL Academy contract. He made the most of his opportunity during a First Team preseason match against Union Omaha, making an impact by scoring in the 49′.

“From Griffin’s first training session, his technical quality stood out, while his work rate quickly showed the mentality he brings to the group every day. Those attributes earned him early opportunities with the first team during preseason,” said Power. “This academy contract marks an exciting next step in Griffin’s development, and he continues to
push himself in the right direction every day. We’re looking forward to seeing how he progresses and contributes throughout the season with the club.”

Prior to joining the club, Price played for Minnesota United FC 2 and the Minnesota United Academy. With Minnesota United FC 2, he made seven appearances, including four starts, recording one goal and four assists. During his time with the Minnesota United Academy, he also made five appearances in 2024.

“I’m incredibly excited for this new opportunity here at Colorado Switchbacks. It’s something I’ve worked toward for a long time, and I’m grateful for the chance to compete, grow, and prove myself at the professional level,” said Price. “I’m ready to embrace the challenges ahead, learn from all the players and coaches around me, and give everything I have to help the team succeed.”

Price also competed with Joy Athletic in the NPSL North Division, where he proved to be a key contributor. He appeared in 12 matches, making 12 starts, while scoring three goals and adding nine assists. In addition to his club experience, Price has participated in two Path2Pro Combines, attending both the Summer 2025 and Winter 2025/26 events as he continued to showcase his abilities.

Name: Griffin Price

Position:  Forward

Height: 5’8″

Date of Birth: May 6, 2006 

Age: 19

Hometown: Hopkins, MN.

Jahan has been a part of the Switchbacks II team since 2024, contributing to five trophies during his time with the club, including the 2025 MPL Spring and Fall Championships. During the 2024 MPL Spring season, Jahan recorded two goals and one assist, helping the team secure another successful campaign.

 “Rashed has been with the Switchbacks II team since it began and has grown every year with the program,” said Power. “Receiving an academy contract shows his commitment and dedication not only to himself but also to the club.”

In addition to his time with Switchbacks II, Jahan has also featured for the Rapids U16 Youth team, continuing his development within Colorado’s competitive youth soccer. At the high school level, Jahan delivered an impressive performance with Lakewood High School. Across 26 matches, he found the back of the net 21 times while adding 11 assists, showcasing his ability to both score and create opportunities for his teammates.

“Proud and grateful to sign my academy contract with this club. Thankful for the opportunity and excited to keep working and growing as a player,” said Jahan. “Coming from Afghanistan all the way to the United States, I’m proud to take this next step in my journey toward becoming a professional soccer player.”

Name: Rahsed Jahan 

Position: Forward

Height: 5’9″

Date of Birth: July 26th, 2005

Age: 20

Hometown: Lakewood, CO.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 13th, 2026) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that it has acquired Midfielder Sam Williams from MLS club Chicago Fire. The agreement is pending league and federation approval.

Williams joined the Chicago Fire ahead of the 2025 season, making eight First Team appearances in his debut campaign. He also played a key role with Chicago Fire II, totaling 17 appearances while recording one goal and one assist.

“Sam is coming in as a high-volume central midfielder with MLS and USL Championship experience,”  said Head Coach Alan McCann. “He is a very driven character with top end work rate, so he fits into our group immediately.” 

A product of the New York Red Bulls Academy, Williams advanced to New York Red Bulls II during the 2022 USL Championship season, logging more than 2,000 minutes at just 17 years old.

He spent three seasons at the University of North Carolina, where he racked up 4,698 minutes, tallying six goals and five assists. In 2022, he earned All-ACC Freshman Team and All-ACC Academic Team honors.

On the international stage, Williams received a call-up to the U.S. U-19 Men’s Youth National Team in 2023.

“Super pumped to be joining the squad for the year,” said Williams. “Excited to get started with the guys and do some damage this year.”

Name: Sam Williams
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10”
Date of Birth: March 18th, 2005
Age: 20
Hometown: Tenafly, NJ

Previous Club: Chicago Fire
Transaction: The Colorado Springs Switchbacks acquired midfielder Sam Williams on loan from Chicago Fire on February 13th, 2026

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 12th, 2026) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that longtime midfielder Zach Zandi has officially retired from playing professional soccer and will transition to working with the technical staff as Head Scout & Technical Development Coach.

“Zandi coming onto the staff makes us immediately stronger. He will lead our scouting department and work with our players on an individual basis,” said Head Coach Alan McCann. “His football IQ is elite, so although he won’t be on the field, he will still be able to have a huge impact on the team this year.”

Across five seasons in Colorado Springs, Zandi became a constant in the Switchbacks midfield, making 98 appearances while totaling 14 goals and eight assists and logging more than 6,781 minutes across all competitions. His consistency and leadership were on full display during the club’s historic 2024 postseason run, where he appeared in every playoff match and helped power the Switchbacks to their first-ever USL Championship Cup.

Renowned for his relentless work rate, creativity, and versatility, Zandi filled multiple midfield roles and was a trusted presence game after game. His contributions went far beyond the numbers, playing a key role in the Switchbacks reaching the playoffs in every season of his tenure. Through his professionalism and commitment, Zandi helped shape one of the most successful stretches in club history and leaves a lasting mark on the organization.

“This club, this city, and this community have given me more than I could ever put into words. I’m proud of what we built together, and I’m incredibly grateful to every teammate, coach, staff member, and supporter who was a part of my journey,” Zandi said. “While I’m stepping away from playing, I’m excited to continue helping push the club forward in a different role.” 

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 27th, 2026) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that it has signed Dane Valenti & Aaron Pondeca to USL Academy contracts for the 2026 season. The agreement is pending league and federation approval.

As a USL Academy signing, Valenti and Pondeca will train and compete for the Switchbacks in the USL Championship and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup without forgoing their NCAA eligibility.

“Dane joined our second team last year and, from day one, has been a key piece of the group. He has shown strong consistency, intelligence in midfield, and a high level of professionalism,” said Switcbacks II Head Coach Keelan Power. “This contract marks a significant step in Dane’s development, and we look forward to supporting him as he continues his progression within the academy pathway while continuing to grow with the first team for the 2026 season.”

Valenti joins the Switchbacks after a decorated high school and developmental career. A standout at Faith Lutheran High School, he earned Offensive Player of the Year honors in both 2022 and 2023, along with Regional First Team, All-State First Team, Lutheran All-American, and Scholar Athlete recognition.

“I have trained really hard to reach this next level, and I am so thankful to the Switchbacks organization for recognizing that hard work and for giving me this opportunity,” said Valenti. “I am thrilled to continue to grow and learn from the players and coaches on this team and to hopefully add value to a successful season.”

In 2024, Valenti was selected as a substitute during a USL League One Hailstorm trial, before competing with Lancaster FC (UPSL U23 Premier) in the 2024-25 season, where he was named Northeast All-Conference First Team. He continued his development with Switchbacks II in 2025 and later earned an opportunity with the Switchbacks first team trial that same year.

Valenti carries a 3.75 GPA from Faith Lutheran High School and College Preparatory School and is committed to Creighton University for Fall 2027.

Name: Dane Valenti
Position:  Midfielder

Height: 5’6″

Date of Birth: October 31st, 2007

Age: 19

Hometown: Summerlin, Nevada

“Aaron joined us during the winter break and, from day one, has pushed to earn a place within the first-team setup. Since stepping into that environment, he has shown no signs of slowing down,” said Power. “Aaron has consistently demonstrated pace, intent, and a strong work ethic, along with a clear desire to improve. His attitude and performances have made a positive impression, and we are excited to continue supporting his development as he progresses within the club pathway.”

Pondeca brings elite academy and collegiate experience to the Switchbacks. He developed within the FC Dallas Academy before competing at Mercer University during the 2024-25 season.

In his freshman year, Pondeca earned All-SoCon Freshman Team honors (2024), highlighting his immediate impact at the collegiate level.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to sign an academy contract with the Switchbacks. Coming from Texas to Colorado, it’s an exciting step to be back in a professional environment,” said Podenca. “I’m looking forward to developing every day, learning from the staff and pros around me, and representing the club and community with pride.” 

Name: Aaron Pondeca

Position:  Forward

Height: 5’10”

Date of Birth: March 28th, 2006

Age: 20

Hometown: Flower Mound, Texas

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 14th, 2026) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that it has signed forward Khori Bennett to a multi-year contract covering the 2026 and 2027 USL Championship seasons. The agreement is pending league and federation approval.

Previously,  Bennett joined Sacramento Republic midway through the 2025 season and quickly made an impact. He scored five goals to finish as the club’s third-leading goal scorer for the season, recorded 29 touches inside the opposition penalty area, and maintained a passing accuracy of approximately 70%.

“Khori is coming into us as a league elite goal scorer with proven experience in the Western Conference. Having worked with him previously, at Reading United, where he became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, I know the fantastic character we are getting in the building,”  said Head Coach Alan McCann. “He has high standards for himself to match his high ambitions, so it is a perfect fit from the football side and the character side for our dressing room.” 

Bennett spent the 2024 season with Las Vegas Lights FC, where he played a key role in the club’s first-ever playoff appearance. During the campaign, he made 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring 15 goals and adding one assist.

This forward began his professional career in 2022 with USL League One side Charlotte Independence. Across two seasons with the club, he recorded 18 goals and three assists in 64 appearances. He notched his first career hat trick on July 28, 2022, and was later named USL League One Player of the Month.

At the collegiate level, Bennett competed for Northeastern University for three seasons before transferring to Radford University for his senior year. During his college career, he also gained valuable experience in USL 2 (formerly known as USL Premier Development League) with Reading United AC.

Across four seasons with Reading United, Bennett made 24 regular-season appearances and scored 11 goals. Including his goals in the playoffs and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Bennett finished his time with the club as Reading United AC’s all-time leading goal scorer.

“I am very happy to be joining the Colorado Springs Switchbacks organization,” said Bennett. “I’m excited to compete in one of the league’s best environments and in front of some of the most passionate fans. I’m ready to achieve great success with this club.”

Name: Khori Bennett
Position: Forward
Height: 5’11”
Date of Birth: December 13th, 1997
Age: 28
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica

Previous Club: Sacramento Republic FC 
Transaction: The Colorado Springs Switchbacks signed forward Khori Bennett on January 14th, 2026

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 12th, 2026) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that it has signed forward Adrien Perez to a multi-year contract covering the 2026 and 2027 USL Championship seasons. The agreement is pending league and federation approval.

Perez joins the club following two productive seasons with Louisville City FC in the USL Championship. During his time with LouCity, Perez appeared in 54 matches and established himself as a consistent attacking threat. He recorded nine goals and nine assists while creating 36 chances and registering 25 shots on target. His impact extended beyond the attacking third, as he contributed defensively with 12 clearances and eight interceptions, accumulating a total of 2,731 minutes across all competitions.

“Adrien is a proven winner who has been a standout in the league for many years. His creativity and the excitement he brings on the attacking end is something that adds to our firepower instantly,” said Head Coach Alan McCann. “He is coming in hungry to add to his success in previous years and will be another fantastic character in our dressing room..” 

Prior to his stint in Louisville, Perez spent the 2023 season with San Diego Loyal SC, where he tallied 10 goals and three assists in 31 appearances. He also brings valuable Major League Soccer experience, having played for Los Angeles FC from 2019 to 2020,  where he was part of the Supporters’ Shield-winning squad in 2019, as well as D.C. United from 2021 to 2022.

Collegiately, Perez attended Loyola Marymount University, where he earned All-West Coast Conference First Team honors twice during his career. Following his graduation, he continued his professional journey in the Major Arena Soccer League with the Ontario Fury, making 28 appearances and scoring an impressive 47 goals.

“I can’t wait to get the season started with the boys and give my all for the fans and the city,” said Perez.

Name: Adrien Perez
Position: Forward
Height: 6’0″
Date of Birth: October 13th, 1995
Age: 30
Hometown: Ontario, CA

Previous Club: Louisville City FC
Transaction: The Colorado Springs Switchbacks signed forward Adrien Perez on January 12th, 2026

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 8th, 2026) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that it has signed defender Talen Maples via transfer from New Mexico United to a multi-year contract covering the 2026, 2027 & 2028 USL Championship seasons. The agreement is pending league and federation approval.

Maples joins the Switchbacks after two seasons with New Mexico United, where he established himself as a dependable presence along the back line. During his time with United, he made 67 appearances, recording 239 clearances, 57 blocks, and 38 interceptions, while maintaining an impressive 90% passing accuracy average. In addition to his defensive consistency, Maples finished the 2025 season as the team’s second-leading goal scorer with seven goals, six of which came from the penalty spot.

“Talen is coming in as a league elite center back and leader. We instantly become stronger on and off the field because of his arrival to Colorado Springs,” said Head Coach Alan McCann. “He is a big addition for us as we have added a warrior to the spine of the team and the dressing room.” 

Maples began his professional career after being selected by Toronto FC with the 72nd overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. He went on to make 19 appearances for Toronto FC II in USL League One before joining Houston Dynamo 2 for the 2022 season. While with Houston, Maples served as club captain and totaled three goals and two assists in 27 appearances during the 2023 campaign.

“We are extremely grateful and excited to join this club! I can’t wait for this team to give something the fans can cheer for and get behind,” said Maples. “I just want to be the best light that I can be, not only for this team but also for this community and city.”

Name: Talen Maples
Position: Defender
Height: 6’0″
Date of Birth: November 20th, 1998 (27)
Hometown: Leander, TX

Previous Club: New Mexico United
Transaction: The Colorado Springs Switchbacks signed defender Talen Maples on January 8th, 2026

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 7th, 2026) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that it has signed forward Sadam Masereka to a multi-year contract covering the 2026 and 2027 USL Championship seasons. The agreement is pending league and federation approval.

Masereka comes to the Switchbacks after he was drafted in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft by Sporting Kansas SC, being picked in the 2nd round, 34th overall.  

Masereka enters the professional ranks following a standout senior season at Maryland, earning 2025 United Soccer Coaches All-North Region First Team, All-Big Ten First Team, and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors. A dynamic attacking presence, he produced key performances against nationally ranked opponents and in the NCAA Tournament, finishing his two seasons with the Terrapins with 39 appearances, 13 goals, and seven assists.

“Sadam is an extremely driven, intelligent, and intrinsically motivated character. He has done very well to rise through the ranks in college soccer from Lindsey Wilson to Maryland,” said Head Coach Alan McCann. “He will add more danger and threat to our attack as a winger, and we are looking forward to him putting his stamp on the league.” 

Before Maryland, Masereka excelled at Lindsey Wilson College, where he logged 3,025 minutes, scored 22 goals, and added seven assists, while helping lead the program to Mid-South Conference titles and earning First Team All-American recognition.

Internationally, Masereka has represented Uganda at the U-20 and U-23 national team levels.

“Excited to start my professional career with the Switchbacks. I can’t wait to play and meet the fans,” said Masereka.

Name: Sadam Masereka
Position: Forward
Height: 5’9″
Date of Birth: September 9th, 2004
Age: 21
Hometown: Kampala, Uganda

Previous Club: University of Maryland
Transaction: The Colorado Springs Switchbacks signed forward Sadam Masereka on January 7th, 2026

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 17th, 2025) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that it has signed midfielder Frank Daroma to a multi-year contract covering the 2026 and 2027 USL Championship seasons. The agreement is pending league and federation approval.

Daroma joins the club from El Paso Locomotive FC, where he was a regular contributor, making 29 starts and 36 appearances across all competitions. During his time in El Paso, he recorded one goal and four assists while logging 2,905 minutes of action. In the 2025 season, Daroma posted a 92.8% passing accuracy, completing 1,313 passes.

“Frank is a very dynamic central midfielder who is comfortable on the ball under pressure and consistently finds intelligent pockets of space,” said Head Coach Alan McCann. “He is a fantastic complement to what we already have in central midfield and within the locker room. We are looking forward to his arrival to Colorado Springs and getting to work.”

A native of Sierra Leone, Daroma attended California State University, San Bernardino in 2019, where he appeared in 18 of 19 matches, tallying four goals and five assists. He made his professional debut in 2021, spending two seasons in the USL Championship with Las Vegas Lights FC. During that time, he started 52 matches, recorded an 89.8% passing accuracy, and won 322 duels.

Daroma later transitioned to MLS NEXT Pro, joining Tacoma Defiance for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He appeared in 39 matches, logging more than 3,100 minutes, averaged a 92% passing accuracy, and led the team in interceptions with 38.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to join this club. It’s a tremendous honor,” said Daroma. “I’m excited to begin this new journey, meet the fans, and battle on the pitch alongside my teammates as we work to bring another championship to the city.”

Name: Frank Daroma
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’3
Date of Birth: April 12, 2001 
Age: 24
Hometown: Sierra Leone 

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