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USL Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Sign Two Players to Academy Contracts for the 2024 USL Season

April 19, 2024 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Colorado Springs Switchbacks announced today, that they had signed Axel Zuniga and Carlos Estrada to USL academy contracts, pending league and federation approval. The two players will have the opportunity to train and compete for the Switchbacks in the USL Championship without affecting their NCAA eligibility.

"I was delighted for both of them when they signed; their commitment and work ethic to the game are a big part of why we started to look at them," said Switchbacks Sporting Director Stephen Hogan. "Axel's ability to read the game and find space and his technical quality will be exciting to watch as he continues to develop. Carlos' tenacity to keep going and continue to develop as a defender is refreshing. The art of defending is complex, and Carlos enjoys it. I'm delighted for both of them and their families."

Zuniga (18) and Estrada (18), both Colorado Springs natives, are members of the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), a national youth soccer league, sanctioned by the US Club Soccer. While playing with ECNL, Zuniga also made appearances for the Colorado Rapids MLS next team, U15 and U17. Zuniga was named to the first team ECNL all-regional league and competed in the 2023 ECNL Conference Cup.

"I'm so excited and blessed for this opportunity that the Switchbacks have given me. I want to thank God, my family, and friends who have supported me through this process," said Axel Zuniga. "This is a dream come true, and I can't wait to step onto the pitch and give it my all."

Throughout Estrada's ECNL career, he played for the Colorado Rapids MLS Next team and was named to the ENCL Mountain Conference first team. Both Zuniga and Estrada will have the opportunity to train and compete for the Switchbacks in the USL Championship without affecting their NCAA eligibility and will be eligible for the selection in the eighteen for any matches the team plays in during the 2024 season.

"I'm very excited for this opportunity that the Switchbacks' coaches are giving me! It feels great to join my local team and to represent my city," said Estrada. "I've worked very hard for this, but this is only the beginning. I have a lot to learn and I'm willing to take strides to become a better player."

Name: Axel Zuniga

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5'7 ‚¬Â³

Date of Birth: 1/5/2006

Age: 18

Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Name: Carlos Estrada

Position: Defender

Height: 5'10 ‚¬Â³

Date of Birth: 4/11/2006

Age: 18

Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado

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