![Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC](https://www.oursportscentral.com/graphics/teams/resized/usl_coloradosprings_switchbacksfc19-200.png)
Switchbacks FC Acquire Defender Matt Real on Loan from Philadelphia Union for 2024
April 18, 2024 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today it had acquired Defender Matthew Real on loan from the Philadelphia Union for the 2024 season. The move is pending league and federation approval.
"I want to thank the Switchbacks organization for believing in my ability and trusting me to contribute to this team," said Real. "I'm looking forward to coming in and helping the team to the best of my ability in whatever way possible."
Real, 24, has been playing for Philadelphia Union since 2018, making a total of 50 appearances and racking up 52 clearances. Playing 1,735 minutes he also had two goals, four assists, 34 accurate long balls, and 503 successful short passes. In the 2019-2020 season, Real earned the Supporters Shield with Philadelphia Union.
In 2016, Real first signed on with Bethlehem Steel FC, the official affiliate of the Philadelphia Union of the MLS, and played alongside current Switchbacks Captain Matt Mahoney and Switchbacks Head Coach James Chambers. Throughout his playing career with Bethlehem Steel FC, he made a total of 59 appearances, 159 clearances and 20 blocks.
Real competed at the International level for the United States on the U16, U18, and U20 teams, making 21 total appearances. The 24-year-old participated in many international friendlies and in the 2019 U-20 World Cup series. A big international achievement for Real was in 2018, winning the CONCACAF U-20 Championship and playing the full 90 minutes in the final game.
"We are delighted to get Matt on loan from Philadelphia. He is an exciting defender and we have known him throughout his development into the pros," said Sporting Director, Stephen Hogan. "He's an aggressive player and his ability to understand the defensive aspect will help this group throughout the season. We are excited to welcome Matt and Seidy to Colorado."
Name: Matthew Real
Position: Defender
Height: 6'0"
Date of Birth: July 10th, 1999
Age: 24
Hometown: Drexel Hill, PA
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 18, 2024
- Las Vegas Lights Host MLS-Side Los Angeles FC in U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 at Cashman Field - Las Vegas Lights FC
- NCFC to Host Phoenix Rising FC in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 on May 8 - North Carolina FC
- Phoenix Rising Hosts Pittsburgh, Saturday at 7:30 - Phoenix Rising FC
- 901 FC Carries Confidence into Clash No. 1 with Monterey Bay - Memphis 901 FC
- Indy Eleven to Host San Antonio FC in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 - Indy Eleven
- Detroit City FC Hosting Oakland Roots SC of the Western Conference on Saturday Afternoon - Detroit City FC
- Charleston Battery to Host Tormenta FC in U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 - Charleston Battery
- FC Tulsa Moves on to the Next Round of the U.S. Open Cup to Take on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC - FC Tulsa
- Rowdies to Host Birmingham in Open Cup Round of 32 - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Republic FC to Host Monterey Bay F.C. in 2024 U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 - Sacramento Republic FC
- MBFC Draws Sacramento Away for 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 - Monterey Bay FC
- Memphis 901 FC Set for U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 Matchup with FC Dallas of MLS - Memphis 901 FC
- History Made: New Mexico United to Host MLS Club for the First Time Ever - New Mexico United
- LouCity Matched with Seattle Sounders in Open Cup's Round of 32 - Louisville City FC
- Match Preview: Rhode Island FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC: April 20, 2024 - Rhode Island FC
- Preview: Hounds at Phoenix Rising FC - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Detroit City FC Drawn on the Road to Major League Soccer's Houston Dynamo in US Open Cup - Detroit City FC
- Hounds Hosting Tulsa in U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Loudoun United FC and Virginia Department of Forestry Announce Season-Long Partnership - Loudoun United FC
- FC Tulsa Welcomes Refugees and North Tulsa Soccer Club to Saturday's Match against Charleston Battery - FC Tulsa
- FC Tulsa Moves on in the U.S. Open Cup After Defeating Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC - FC Tulsa
- Birmingham Legion Advances to the US Open Cup Round of 32 - Birmingham Legion FC
- Miami FC Costly Red Card Fuels Tormenta FC Second Half Comeback in Open Cup 2-4 Loss - Miami FC
- Battery Launch Goals for Gardens Fundraiser Initiative with Green Heart Project and Tempest - Charleston Battery
- Switchbacks FC Acquire Defender Matt Real on Loan from Philadelphia Union for 2024 - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Monterey Bay Advances to Round of 32 in 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Behind Brace from Salinas' Jerry Ayon - Monterey Bay FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Stories
- Switchbacks FC Earned a Point at Home Against Las Vegas
- Switchbacks Fall on Road in Louisville
- Switchbacks Fall on Road in Birmingham
- Switchbacks FC Say Goodbye to Goalkeeper Luis Zamudio as he Gets Recalled Back to DC United
- Koa Santos Named to Team of the Week Bench for Week 18
![Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew](https://www.oursportscentral.com/graphics/sc_400w_tag.png)
![OurSports Central](https://www.oursportscentral.com/assets/img/footer-logo-latest.png)