Colorado Springs, Colorado. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced Friday that the club has signed defender James Musa ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. This transaction is pending league and federation approval.
“[I’m] I am very excited to move forward with joining the Switchbacks organization in 2023,” said Musa.
Musa recently joined the Switchbacks after playing against fellow USL championship club Phoenix Rising FC. The 30-year-old returned for his second stint at Phoenix over the past two seasons, and four seasons in total at Rising FC before his one-season hiatus with Minnesota United FC in Major League Soccer in 2020. I was.
The versatile veteran, who has also played in central midfield during his career, made 19 appearances for Phoenix in the 2022 season, posting 64 clearances and a 72.7% tackle completion rate. In 2021, he has scored his two goals in his 32 appearances and in defense he has made 103 clears and his 56 interceptions. His pass rate was also he was 83.6%.
Originally from Plymouth, England, Musa’s family moved to New Zealand at a young age. As a result, Musa now represents New Zealand at the international level. First he played at the 2011 FIFA U-20 Worlds in his Cup, then at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London where he played under-23. He then made his senior international debut in 2014, making three appearances across the side.
After playing professionally in New Zealand, England and Australia, Musa moved to the United States in 2016 to join then-USL Championship club St. Louis FC. Sporting then joined Kansas City II the following year and in 2017 he helped lead the team to the USL Championship Finals before moving to Phoenix Rising FC for his first stint with the club in 2018. did.
Overall, Musa appeared in 180 regular-season and playoff games in the USL Championship, recording 15,059 minutes played with 10 goals and 7 assists.
“James [Musa] Switchbacks head coach and general manager Brendan Burke said: “He brings balance, size, technical prowess and, most importantly, a winning background and mentality to our group. We look forward to continuing our trophy pursuit next year with James.”
