COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Thursday it had signed Alessandro “Nino” Maldonado and Chase Gozdieski to USL Academy contracts for the 2025 USL Championship season. The transactions are pending league and federation approval.

Maldonado played in the academy of USL Championship side Loudoun United and with MLS DC United U15, U16 and U17. The 19-year-old has also earned international experience with Croatia’s NK Istra 1961 U19 team as well as the Honduras U-17 Men’s National Team.

“Huge honor to have signed an academy contract with the reigning champions of the USL Championship. I’m, extremely excited to work under these group of guys and staff and represent Colorado Springs during the 2025 season,” said Maldonado. “Can’t wait to get started out in Weidner Field in front of the best fans in the league.”

Gozdieski developed his game as part of the academy of USL Championship club Orange County SC and with MLS NEXT club City SC. In 2024 he moved to Colorado and signed a USL Academy contract with former USL League One team Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC.

“I want to first thank my family as well as Lee and Gareth Holmes, who have supported me throughout my soccer journey and who have truly invested in my development,” said Chase Gozdieski. “I am beyond grateful to the Switchbacks coaching staff for giving me this amazing opportunity. Everyone at the club, from the coaches to the back office, have been so welcoming I’m excited to train and play with an amazing group of players.”

“We are delighted to announce the addition of these two young players to our team on Academy Contracts. Their consistent performances in training and games for Switchbacks II have shown us that they can compete and execute the qualities we seek in a player,” said Sporting Director Stephen Hogan. “A dynamic winger, Nino has a talent for unbalancing defenders and making intelligent decisions in the final third. Chase possesses a superb range of passing and game intelligence that consistently positions him well in attack and defense. Welcome to the club, and good luck on this next step in their careers.”