COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Thursday that it has acquired defender Talen Maples via transfer from New Mexico United and signed him to a three-year contract through the 2028 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The transaction sees New Mexico United received a club-record fee for an intraleague transfer.

Maples joins the Switchbacks after two seasons with New Mexico during which he most recently earned USL Championship All-League Second Team honors after a stellar 2025 campaign for the club. Across two seasons with United, the 27-year-old made 67 appearances, recording 258 clearances, 57 blocks, and 38 interceptions while also winning 42 tackles at a 75 percent success rate and logging an 89.9 percent passing accuracy rate.

In addition to his defensive consistency, Maples proved to be a threat in the attacking third, recording 10 goals and one assist including going a perfect 9 of 9 from the penalty spot.

“Talen is coming in as a league elite center back and leader. We instantly become stronger on and off the field because of his arrival to Colorado Springs,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Alan McCann. “He is a big addition for us as we have added a warrior to the spine of the team and the dressing room.”

Maples began his professional career after being selected by Toronto FC with the 72nd overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. He went on to make 19 appearances for Toronto FC II in USL League One before joining Houston Dynamo 2 for the 2022 season. While with Houston, Maples served as club captain and totaled three goals and two assists in 27 appearances during the 2023 campaign.

“We are extremely grateful and excited to join this club! I can’t wait for this team to give something the fans can cheer for and get behind,” said Maples. “I just want to be the best light that I can be, not only for this team but also for this community and city.”