COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Thursday the club had exercised its contract option to retain Aidan Rocha for the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Rocha returns for his second season with the Switchbacks after playing a key role in the club’s 2024 USL Championship title success. The 23-year-old recorded two goals, one assist and 40 chances created in 2,786 minutes of action while appearing in 35 contests, including all four of the club’s postseason games.

Playing as both a central midfielder and right back during the campaign, Rocha also won 34 tackles at a 75.6 percent success rate while also recording 20 interceptions and 127 recoveries.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to the 2025 season,” said Rocha. “Achieving some of our goals in the 2024 season proved to ourselves and others of this club’s potential, and now everyone is focused on consistency and reaching new heights.”

The Maryland native began his professional career after being selected 60th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United, from where he signed with the USL Championship’s Loudoun United. In his rookie season, Rocha made 33 appearances and logged 2,692 minutes of action while recording two assists, 15 chances created, 40 interceptions and 177 recoveries.

“We are delighted to have Rocha back in the locker room. He is a fantastic individual who really loves his trade,” said Switchbacks Sporting Director Stephen Hogan. “He developed into a really important player for us, and having the ability to adapt to a new position was wonderful to see.”