COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Wednesday the club had acquired forward Juan Tejada via transfer from fellow USL Championship club Indy Eleven. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

“I’m excited to join this talented group and contribute as much as I can to the team,” said Tejada. “I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and play in front of the fans at Weidner Field.”

Tejada joins the Switchbacks having spent just under a year with Indy, having been acquired by the club in July, 2022. He recorded two goals in 28 appearances for Indy in that span, logging 1,121 minutes for the side. 

“He is a fantastic character for our growth in the locker room, and he'll fit right in with the guys who are pushing every day to build this organization the right way,” said Switchbacks Head Coach and GM Stephen Hogan. “On the field we have seen the work ethic, pressing capabilities, and finishing qualities he can produce if given a platform.”

The 26-year-old had previously played in the USL Championship for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, where he joined the professional ranks in 2019. Tejada recorded 13 goals and three assists in 68 appearances for the Rowdies during the Championship’s regular season, including a career-high 10 goals in his first professional campaign. During that time, he made his lone appearance for Panama internationally, making his debut against the United States in 2020 having previously played for the country at the U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels.

Tejada had competed collegiately in the Tampa Bay area for Eckerd College, and also competed in USL League Two for the Lakeland Tropics where he recorded 12 goals in 24 appearances.