Men’s Soccer student-athlete signs professional contract with Switchbacks FC

Last Thursday morning, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC of the USL Championship announced the signing of UCCS men’s soccer student-athlete Alex Andersson to the squad for the 2024 season after an incredible four-year career as a member of the Mountain Lions.

“My experience at UCCS has been amazing,” said Andersson. “Coming here from Sweden as a freshman was a big step for me and I’m forever grateful for everyone who has been involved in my journey. My individual goal was to develop as a player and eventually make it to the pros, and I couldn’t think of a better place to do it. Lewis put a lot of trust in me since day one which has helped me prosper, not only as a player, but also as a person. Being a part of the men’s soccer team and helping it get better every year has been a privilege, I’m excited to follow the team and watch it reach new heights these upcoming seasons. It’s been an honor to represent UCCS and I’m excited for the next step ahead with the Switchbacks.”
 
Andersson, who came to UCCS as an international student from Helsingborg, Sweden, made an immediate impact for the Mountain Lion men’s soccer program upon his arrival prior to the COVID-shortened 2020-21 spring season as he posted three goals and three assists in six games played on his way to earning RMAC Freshman of the Year accolades. The 6-foot-1 striker brought his game to the next level during the 2021 season, scoring an incredible 12 goals and dishing out two assists for 26 points across just ten games played in his sophomore year and becoming just the second player in program history to earn RMAC Player of the Year honors and First Team All-America accolades.

Sep. 14, 2023; The UCCS Mountain Lions hosted the Oklahoma Christian University Eagles in men’s soccer at Mountain Lion Stadium. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing

After an injury plagued season in 2022, Andersson returned to full strength for the 2023 season as he logged career-highs in games played (20) and minutes (1,368) while leading the Mountain Lions with nine goals, 20 points and 65 total shots. After the conclusion of the season, Andersson was tabbed to the All-RMAC First Team and received All-South Central Region recognition from D2CCA and United Soccer Coaches.

Across his four standout years wearing the black and gold, Andersson etched himself into the UCCS men’s soccer record book as he finished his career ranked second all-time in program history for goals per game (0.53) and third all-time in points per game (1.26) while also sitting sixth all-time in program history with 25 total goals, tied for seventh all-time with 59 total points, and eighth all-time in shots (131) and shots on goal (57).

Sep. 14, 2023; The UCCS Mountain Lions hosted the Oklahoma Christian University Eagles in men’s soccer at Mountain Lion Stadium. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing

“We are all delighted for Alex,” said third-year head men’s soccer coach Lewis Wilcox. “This is an opportunity he has worked tirelessly for, and we cannot wait to watch him take the next step in his soccer career with Switchbacks FC. Not only is he an elite player, but he’s a high-character individual and a pleasure to work with. His time at UCCS has been littered with individual awards and accolades, but more than any of that I’ll remember his leadership, humility and his caring nature which allowed him to lead this team and take the program to new heights.”
 
Along with the leadership of Wilcox, Andersson’s strong play helped elevate UCCS men’s soccer to the next level during his time with the program. After narrowly missing the conference playoffs during his first two seasons with the squad, Andersson and the Mountain Lions played to a 21-11-9 overall record across his final two seasons with the squad. 

Oct. 27, 2022; The UCCS Mountain Lions defeated Regis University Rangers 3-1 in men’s soccer in the RMAC Quarterfinal at Mountain Lion Stadium. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing

UCCS received some well-deserved recognition during the 2022 season as they earned their first United Soccer Coaches top-25 national ranking since the 1999 season and made a return to the RMAC Tournament for the first time since the 2018 campaign. In the 2023 season, the Mountain Lions continued to build on their success as they made a return trip to the RMAC Semifinal match before earning a selection to the NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Tournament for the first time in program history.
 
Andersson will now bring his talents across town to Weidner Field, where he will look to continue his development as a player and help a Switchbacks squad that is in pursuit of their fourth straight postseason appearance.  
 
“Having personally spent time with the staff, I know he is going to learn, grow and eventually thrive in that environment,” stated Wilcox. “He couldn’t ask for a better coaching staff and organization to start his pro career with. Switchbacks are getting a young man who is very proud to represent the city of Colorado Springs and he will give everything for the club.”
 
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC will announce their schedule for next season in early 2024 and tickets will be available for purchase on the club’s website shortly thereafter.