COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – One of the top defensive prospects from the 2018 USL League Two season is set to feature for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC this season after the club announced on Monday it had acquired Sam Raben on loan from its Major League Soccer partner the Colorado Rapids. The loan agreement is pending league and federation approval.

Raben signed with the Rapids this offseason after being ranked as the No. 13 prospect in League Two a season ago when he featured for the Colorado Rapids U23. Raben made 10 appearances for the Rapids U23 as the side finished top of the Mountain Division before being eliminated in the 2018 League Two Playoffs by eventual champion Calgary Foothills FC.

“We are glad Sam will be with us this season after being signed as a homegrown player for the Rapids,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. "He has fit in with the team after spending part of the preseason with the Rapids and he will add depth and quality to our roster.”

In addition to competing for the Rapids U23, Raben also featured prominently for Wake Forest University where he played every minute (8,187) of every game (91) during his four-year career with the Demon Deacons. Raben helped Wake Forest claim back-to-back Atlantic Coast Conference titles in 2017 and 2018, while also leading the side to the 2017 College Cup where it fell in the final to Stanford University.

“It's an exciting opportunity for me. The team has brought in some new guys in addition with some returners and with some time together things will be looking good,” said Raben. “I hope I can help this team return to the post season and to make a deep run.”

Raben is the 10th player from the Rapids Academy to sign with the MLS club. Per the Right of Recall incorporated in the loan agreement, the Rapids retain the right to recall Raben at any point during the MLS regular season, subject to MLS roster compliance guidelines.