New Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC signing Anthony Fontana previously featured for the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer before competing in Italy and the Netherlands. | Photo courtesy Philadelphia Union
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Monday it had signed midfielder Anthony Fontana ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.
Fontana joins the Switchbacks having most recently competed for PEC Zwolle in the Eredivisie, where he made 10 appearances and logged 350 minutes of playing time. Prior to competing in the top-flight in the Netherlands, Fontana had competed for Ascoli Calcio in Italy’s Serie B.
“Football is an up and down sport, at every low there was always one person that always had my back, that was [Switchbacks Head Coach] James Chambers. I can’t wait to fight for him and the club,” said Fontana. “What James and [Switchbacks Sporting Director] Stephen [Hogan] have built and accomplished here is amazing. I want to be a part of it and help the project progress even more.
“I’m extremely excited about joining and helping the team and try to repeat what was accomplished last season.”
Fontana's path began with the Philadelphia Union Academy, where he moved into the professional ranks with Bethlehem Steel FC, now the Philadelphia Union II, during the 2017 season. During that time, the 25-year-old competed alongside other emerging young talents including current United States internationals Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie and also current Switchbacks Head Coach James Chambers.
Fontana recorded 49 appearances, notching one goal, two assists and 34 chances created while also winning 49 tackles at a 65.3 percent success rate in Bethlehem, while also signing as a Homegrown Player with the Union prior to the 2018 season. Over the next few years, Fontana made 44 appearances for the Union, scoring eight goals and contributing two assists, before making the move to Italy to begin his European journey.
“We needed to adjust, improve, and try to build on our midfield success from last year. Anthony ticks all those boxes and more," said Switchbacks Sporting Director Stephen Hogan. "He is hungry to get back on the field and show everyone who he is."