COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Saturday the club had signed defender Wahab Ackwei ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

“I’m super excited to join a well-organized and amazing team. I can’t wait to get started,” said Ackwei. “Hopefully we can achieve something wonderful and celebrate with the amazing fans. Ready to fight for the badge!”

Ackwei comes to the Switchbacks having spent the past two seasons with fellow Championship club Rio Grande Valley FC. The 27-year-old made 56 appearances for the Toros and earned 2022 Championship All-League Second Team honors while helping the side advance to the USL Championship Playoffs.

A native of Ghana, Ackwei has made 72 appearances in the Championship overall in his career, having also previously competed for the New York Red Bulls II and Loudoun United FC. In that span, he has recorded four goals and five assists while posting a duel success rate of 60.3 percent and a tackle success rate of 63.9 percent.

“Wahab has been a primary target of ours for a while now. Delighted to finally get him on board and excited to have him integrate into the 2024 group,” said Switchbacks Technical Director and Assistant Coach James Chambers. “He is a terrific person and has a real desire to continue to develop. He’ll bring a great mentality to the group, and we are excited to welcome him to the organization.”

Analysis

Wahab Ackwei’s move to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC gives his new side a reliable piece for the center of its back line that is versatile enough to play in both a three-man and four-man defense. The Ghanaian has risen through the ranks in the USL’s professional divisions, earning USL League One All-League honors in 2019 for the Richmond Kickers before stepping into the Championship with Loudoun United FC and Rio Grande Valley FC.

While the Toros had ups and downs as a side over the past two seasons, Ackwei has been one of their most consistent performers, which resulted in his 2022 Championship All-League selection. Over the past two campaigns, he ranks in the Top 20 center backs in Goals Added per American Soccer Analysis with a +9.01 rating. Alongside fellow standout Matt Mahoney, the Switchbacks have found an upgrade that should help the side become better in 2024.