COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Wednesday it had signed Zach Zandi to a new contract and exercised the contract option of forward Juan Tejada for the 2025 USL Championship season. The transactions are pending league and federation approval.

The club also announced the departures of goalkeeper Joe Rice, midfielder Jairo Henriquez and forwards Alex Andersson and Ronaldo Damus, with Damus returning to Swedish club GIF Sundsvall following the conclusion of his loan agreement with the club.

Zandi is set for his fifth season with the Switchbacks after a career year in the 2024 season. The 28-year-old recorded 36 appearances across the regular season and playoffs, notching six goals and four assists for an individual single-season high 10 goal contributions, and had 27 chances created.

A West Chester, Pa. native, Zandi played collegiately for Villanova University and began his professional career with then-USL Championship club Bethlehem Steel FC in 2019. He has made 108 appearances across the regular season and playoffs over six seasons, recording 16 goals and 14 assists in that span.

“After a successful 2024 season, I'm extremely happy to be coming back for my fifth season with the club,” said Zandi. “I’m excited to build on our accomplishments and play in front of our amazing fans again”

Tejada returns for his second full season with the Switchbacks after being acquired via transfer from Indy Eleven midway through the 2023 USL Championship season. The Panamanian international bagged the game-winning goal in both the Western Conference Final and USL Championship Final during the Switchbacks’ run to the title this month.

The 27-year-old has made 160 appearances in the USL Championship since his debut in 2019 for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, recording 24 goals and six assists.

“Happy to return to Weidner Field for the next season,” said Tejada. “It was an unforgettable moment to get the Championship at home. I hope we can bring the fans more excitement and titles next year.”