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Switchbacks ink Echevarria, Herrera to new contracts

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 12/07/22, 5:22PM EST

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Club also announces return of Erdmann for 2023 Championship after early end to past campaign


Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC has signed midfielder Steven Echevarria to a new contract after he made 33 appearances in the past campaign. | Photo courtesy Isaiah J. Downing / Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Wednesday the club had signed midfielder Steven Echevarria and goalkeeper Christian Herrera to new contracts ahead of the 2023 USL Championship, while confirming the return of previously under contract Dennis Erdmann for the campaign. The two transactions are pending league and federation approval.

Echevarria will enter his third season with the Switchbacks after recording 33 appearances and 1,833 minutes during the 2022 campaign, a notable rise from his first year in Colorado Springs. The 26-year-old notched his first two assists for the club during the campaign, while posting an overall pass success rate of 84.7 percent and recording 24 interceptions and 24 tackles.

“For 2023 the expectation we've put on ourselves is to bring a championship home to Colorado Springs,” said Echevarria. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity ahead and excited to get started in January.”

“Stevie became an integral part of our team this year, his work rate and game management are excellent, and we are excited to have him with us again next year,” said Switchbacks Head Coach and GM Brendan Burke.

Herrera returns for a second season after serving as a back-up to Jeff Caldwell during the 2022 season. The 25-year-old recorded 28 saves across seven appearances for the side this past campaign while posting a save percentage of 68.3 percent. Prior to his arrival at Colorado Springs, Herrera had previously competed in the Championship for Sporting Kansas City II and the Tacoma Defiance, and has now made 35 appearances overall in the league.

“I feel that now more than ever we have a real opportunity to win a championship and that's the biggest factor for me coming back,” said Herrera. “I'm looking forward to winning a championship next year.”

“Christian is expected to challenge to start this year on a regular basis,” added Burke. “We liked his presence and energy and communication level every day, even during the off season.”

Erdmann is also set for his second campaign with the Switchbacks after making 19 appearances before his season ended prematurely due to injury. Despite that, the German defender ranked third on the Switchbacks with 44 clearances and tied for fifth with Echevarria with 24 interceptions while also winning 9 of 11 tackles.

“I’m really happy to go into another year with the coaching staff and the club,” said Erdmann. “I want to complete the goal we missed last year, to become champions.”

“Dennis had a frustrating year by his own standards through multiple injuries, but his mentality and technical ability make him a very valuable part of our group,” said Burke. “With a full offseason we are looking forward to a healthy and productive 2023 season with him.” 

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