COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Friday the club had acquired forward Yosuke Hanya on loan from Colorado Rapids 2 of MLS NEXT Pro for the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Hanya has competed for the Rapids 2 over the past two seasons, making 50 appearances for the side and logging 17 goals and 13 assists. This past campaign, he was named to the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI and made two appearances for the Colorado Rapids after being added on a short-term loan with the MLS club.

“I am very excited to join the Switchbacks,” said Hanya. “I would like to thank the club for giving me this opportunity. I can't wait to see the fans at the stadium!”

Hanya moved to the United States to compete at the University of Massachusetts after previously attending Tokyo Gakugei University. In his college career at UMass, he made 46 appearances, had two goals, and 17 assists and earned multiple accolades including being selected to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team in his senior season.

“We are delighted to have captured the signature of Yosuke,” said Switchbacks Sporting Director Stephen Hogan. “He is a fantastic prospect for the Rapids, and we believe his character and ability will help us win games.”