COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Thursday the club had signed midfielder Issa Rayyan, pending league and federation approval. Rayyan joins the side having played the past season with Tacoma Defiance.

“I’m excited to join a great organization with such a professional environment surrounded by amazing fans in a sweet stadium,” said Rayyan. “[I’m] pumped to join a talented group of players, and an even better staff.”

Rayyan came through the Philadelphia Union Academy and made his first appearance at the professional level in the Championship aged 16 years old when he competed for the Philadelphia Union II under current Switchbacks Head Coach Brendan Burke in the 2017 season as a USL Academy signing. Rayyan subsequently spent one season at Duke University in 2018 before electing to turn professional with the Union II the following year. He recorded four goals and three assists in 26 appearances during the 2019 Championship season.

After a second season in Philadelphia, Rayyan made the move this past campaign to the Defiance where he made 19 appearances in the regular season and notched one assist. The 21-year-old Michigan native now joins the Switchbacks with 53 regular-season appearances in the Championship’s regular season.

“Issa is a versatile player that we watched develop in Philadelphia," said Burke. "We have watched him perform at this level and think he will be an excellent addition to our team. He has a great demeanor, and his skill set allows him to compete for a chance to start in multiple positions. We are really looking forward to reuniting with Issa this season.”