COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - Colorado Rapids 2 have acquired midfielder Jackson Walti from Austin FC II for the remainder of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season, the club announced today.
“We are excited to add Jackson to a midfield that has been the engine of our team's success in 2023,” said Brian Crookham, Rapids 2 General Manager. “Jackson is an intense competitor who should fit in nicely both from a soccer and a cultural sense as the group looks to build on the performances we have seen so far this season.”
Walti, 23, arrives in Colorado after spending a majority of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season with fellow Western Conference side Austin FC II. The midfielder joined the Austin organization following the 2023 MLS SuperDraft as a second-round pick, 56th overall. He was then signed to an Austin FC II contract and has since appeared in 12 matches during the 2023 season.
Prior to joining Austin, Walti played four seasons of collegiate soccer at the University of Pittsburgh. He was voted to the All-ACC Second Team in 2020, 2021 and 2022. During his time as a Panther, Walti started in 22 matches during his most recent collegiate season, leading the team to an appearance in the national semifinals at the 2022 NCAA Men’s Soccer College Cup. Throughout his four years, Walti played 9,069 minutes in 101 matches (98 starts).
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids 2 acquire midfielder Jackson Walti from Austin FC II on July 28, 2023.
Jackson Walti
Pronunciation: WAWL-tee
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-9
Weight: 181
Birthdate: December 7, 1999
Birthplace: St. Augustine, FL
Nationality: United States, Switzerland
