COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Thursday the club had acquired forward Justin Dhillon via transfer from fellow USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive FC. In a corresponding move, the club transferred defender Wahab Ackwei to El Paso. Per club policy, the details of the transactions have not been made public and both are pending league and federation approval.

Dhillon joined Locomotive prior to the 2024 season and has played a total of 1,328 minutes. He made a big impact on the team by netting three goals, having two assists, and making 23 chances.

"We are very excited to have Justin join our organization. He brings an entirely different profile to our attacking core," said Hogan. "He has already won the championship, and we believe we are adding a competitive winner that can add another threat to any team we play.”

Before his time in El Paso, Dhillon spent three seasons with San Antonio FC, where he recorded 16 goals and 16 assists in 80 appearances across the regular season and playoffs earn the USL Championship title and Players' Shield in 2022. The 29-year-old has recorded 41 goals and 22 assists overall in 163 appearances in the Championship during his career.

Analysis

With its defensive rotation seemingly settled, allowing the club to part ways with Wahab Ackwei, Colorado Springs’ addition of Justin Dhillon adds a versatile attacking piece that could fit in well as the side looks for a strong finish to the season in the Western Conference.

Dhillon has been a solid goalscorer during his time in the Championship, averaging a goal every 228.9 minutes in his career, but it’s his ability to hold up play and create that has been an underrated part of his game. Since his debut in the 2017 season, Dhillon is one of only 17 players in the Championship to have recorded at least 40 goals and 20 assists across the regular season and playoffs, and how he combines with Ronaldo Damus could be entertaining to watch.