COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Friday the signing of 18-year-old Real Colorado Academy midfielder Damen Marcu. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Marcu joins the Switchbacks having most recently spent time with the Colorado Rapids Academy. Prior to that, he was with Real Colorado Academy, where he helped his side reach back-to-back USSDA National Finals. In 2016, Marcu was named to the USSF Development Academy Central Conference U16 Best XI. He has also previously been selected to the U.S. U18 National Team, where he competed alongside the likes of the LA Galaxy II’s Eric Lopez, Bethlehem Steel FC’s Anthony Fontana and Seattle Sounders FC 2’s Sam Rogers. 

"Damen is a player that has trained with us the past couple of years and has fit in perfectly," said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. "He grew up playing for Real Colorado in their Academy and finished off this last season playing for the Colorado Rapids Academy. It will be good for his development to be in a professional environment daily and we are hoping he can contribute this season."

"I'd like to thank Head Coach Steve Trittschuh and his entire staff, along with the whole Switchbacks organization for giving me the chance to live my dream of becoming a professional soccer player," said Marcu. "I'm looking forward to learning, pushing myself, and showing the coaching staff my talent."