skip navigation

Hadji Barry Makes Move to Switchbacks

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 01/26/21, 12:00PM EST

Share

Forward has recorded 38 regular-season goals in Championship, earned All-League honor in 2018


New Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC signing Hadji Barry has scored 38 regular season goals in the Championship during his career. | Photo courtesy North Carolina FC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Tuesday the club had signed Guinean forward Hadji Barry, pending league and federation approval.

Barry has recorded 38 goals and 10 assists in 90 regular-season games in the Championship during his career and was named to the Championship’s All-League Team in the 2018 season with Sporting Kansas City II. He most recently played for North Carolina FC during the 2020 campaign.

“I am grateful and excited for this opportunity to join the Colorado Springs Switchbacks organization,” said Barry. “I am looking forward to playing in the new stadium in front of our fans and I can't wait to get to work and help make 2021 a successful year.”

After a strong college career at the University of Central Florida, Barry was drafted 13th overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by Orlando City SC. Over two seasons with Orlando, Barry recorded an assist and made 11 appearances in Major League Soccer. Barry also featured on loan in the Championship with Orlando City B, recording four goals in 2016 as he helped the side reach the Championship Playoffs and 10 goals and an assist in 2017.

Barry joined Sporting Kansas City II in 2018 where he earned a place on the Championship All-League Second Team after recording 17 goals and five assists in the regular season. The 28-year-old’s campaign was marked by setting a league record with a goal in eight consecutive games. Barry led SKC II to the Western Conference Semifinals with another two goals in the postseason.

“Hadji has had multiple breakout seasons in USL and we wanted a veteran presence on our front line for the 2021 season,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Brendan Burke. “Hadji's work rate is exemplary for our younger players and he adds another dynamic attacking threat to the group. His mindset is contagious, and he will add a great deal of value to this team in a number of ways.”

Following the 2018 season, Barry made his international debut, as he represented his native Guinea in a 2019 African Cup of Nations qualification match against the Ivory Coast. Barry made stops with Ottawa Fury FC in 2019 and North Carolina FC in 2020, adding another seven goals and two assists along the way while helping Ottawa reach the Championship Playoffs in his lone season at the club.

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos