The Colorado Rapids have loaned forward Niki Jackson, defenders Sebastian Anderson and Abdul Rwatubyaye and goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez to USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for the 2020 season, the club announced today. Under the terms of the loan agreement, the Rapids retain the right to recall all players at any point during the remainder of the MLS regular season, subject to MLS roster compliance guidelines.
“We’re pleased to be able to provide our promising, young players an opportunity to get more playing time and continue their development,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids EVP & General Manager.
"We're incredibly excited about the players that are getting loaned to us,” said Alan Koch, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Head Coach. “They trained with us already and I think their attitude and mentality have been first class. We have thoroughly enjoyed integrating them into the team. We're going to embrace them and push them to help our team have success and help them in their own personal development.”
Anderson, 17, became the youngest player in Rapids history after signing a Homegrown Player contract with the team last year (16 years old). The right back also set a club record as the youngest Rapids player to make his professional debut and start for the club when he featured against Atlanta United FC on April 27, 2019.
Jackson, 24, was selected by the Rapids in the fourth round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. The Memphis, Tennessee, native spent the 2019 season on loan with Charlotte Independence where he recorded five goals and two assists from 23 appearances with the USL Championship side.
Rodriguez, 17, recently signed a Homegrown Player contract with the Rapids. The Broomfield, Colorado, native made his professional debut last year with Switchbacks FC and was named to the 2019 USL 20 Under 20 List.
Rwatubyaye, 23, was acquired by the Rapids from Sporting Kansas City in 2019 and spent the season on loan with Switchbacks FC. The Rwandan international made 21 appearances, all starts, for Colorado Springs, recording three goals and an assist.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids loan forward Niki Jackson, defenders Sebastian Anderson and Abdul Rwatubyaye and goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for the 2020 USL Championship season on Feb. 21, 2020.
