COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Wednesday it had signed experienced defender Akeem Ward ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Ward joins Colorado Springs having spent the past two seasons with Memphis 901 FC, where he recorded 66 appearances across the regular season and playoffs while logging three goals and five assists in 5,728 minutes of action.

“Buzzing to get down to Colorado Springs and get to work. Last year what the club achieved was brilliant winning a USL Championship,” said Ward. “I want to contribute to a repeat of that this year. For God, for family, and for the Springs!”

The 28-year-old began his professional career after being selected with the 14th pick of the 2019 Major League Soccer SuperDraft by D.C. United, where he made one appearance while also appearing nine times on loan with Loudoun United FC. Ward went on to appear for Birmingham Legion FC, North Carolina FC, Rio Grande Valley FC and Oakland Roots SC, and has logged 149 appearances in the Championship across the regular season and playoffs.

Ward has notched seven goals, nine assists and 117 chances created in the attacking third while winning 217 tackles at a 66.8 percent success rate and notching 236 interceptions, 282 clearances and 740 recoveries defensively.

“I believe we have another potential leader in the building. We are very excited to see what Akeem can do with our roster, on the field, and in the locker room,” said Switchbacks Sporting Director Stephen Hogan. “His mentality was the most important addition to his signing. He will compete every day, and that will hopefully show in his performances on the field.”