COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC officially announced on Thursday the club had re-signed midfielder Rony Argueta, and added Jamaican defender Sean McFarlane. The signings are pending league and federation approval.

An original member of the Switchbacks in 2015, Argueta was one of the most crucial members of the club’s 2016 squad. Trailing only Josh Suggs, Argueta played in 29 matches, logging 2,551 minutes of action. Primarily playing as a defensive midfielder, Argueta helped control the midfield for one of the best defenses in the league. Argueta was also able to add two assists and a long distance goal during the 2016 campaign where he received the Back Chat Supporters 2016 Young Player of the Season award. 

"We are very happy that Rony is coming back to the team for the 2017 season," said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. "He was our most consistent player last season and a huge part of our success on the field. I know he is ready to have another huge season in 2017."

Prior to joining the Switchbacks during their inaugural 2015 season, Argueta played for the PDL’s Ventura County Fusion just prior to their playoff run in 2014. He helped the team by scoring the equalizer in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Kitsap Pumas. While with the Fusion, Argueta was subbed into the match against Rangers FC (Scottish Premier League) and scored within three minutes.

Argueta graduated from the UC Santa Barbara in 2013, where he was named MVP of his team for the 2011-2012 year. Since the Switchbacks’ inaugural 2015 season, Argueta has played a total of 4,147 minutes in 53 games and has tallied three goals and two assists.

"I'm extremely blessed, fortunate, and happy to be returning to a great organization and city," said Argueta. "A big thank you to Switchbacks FC for another opportunity not only to grow as a footballer, but as an individual as well. Can't wait to get started."

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McFarlane came to the United States when he was 11 before beginning his soccer career. He spent his first two years in college attending Saint Leo University before transferring to Florida International University. He joined the Panthers as a junior playing 31 career matches totaling 1,983 minutes. He tallied four goals and added an assist during his tenure as a defender. 

"Sean is a player that we had train with us two summers ago after he was with Jamaica at the Gold Cup," said Trittschuh. "He is a very strong defender that has a lot of versatility and he will help solidify our defense but also is as threat in the attack."

McFarlane made his first international appearance for the U20 Jamaican national team during CONCACAF U20 World Cup qualifying. He scored in just his second appearance with the squad, and made a total of 15 appearances at the youth level. McFarlane was also a member of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup runner-up Jamaican squad which fell to Mexico in the Final.

"I'm very happy and excited to sign with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC," said McFarlane. "With the blessings of the Lord I look forward to a great 2017 season."