Two players are returning to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks for the 2024 season

Two players are returning to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks for the 2024 season, the team announced via social media this week.

Midfielder Steven Echevarria and goalkeeper Christian Herrera will be back in black and blue at Weidner Field next season. The team announced Echevarria’s signing Monday and Herrera’s on Tuesday.

This season will be Echevarria’s fourth with Colorado Springs. He played in 28 games in 2023, starting 19. He scored three goals this season, the first of which, a score against Charleston Battery on April 29, was his first with the club.

Echevarria had an 83.2% passing accuracy rate and one assist as well.

“I’m eager for the 2024 season to arrive,” Echevarria stated in a statement. “We’re dedicated to achieving our championship goal, and I’m appreciative of the chance to represent Colorado Springs and the Switchbacks once more.”

Herrera, who will be in his third season with Colorado Springs, is coming off a stellar 2023 campaign. The keeper made 27 starts in which he recorded 82 saves, 10 clean sheets (shutouts) and 20 clearances. He ranked in the top 10 in saves and clean sheets in the USL Championship last season.

“I’m very excited to be back for this upcoming season. 2023 was a year of learning lessons and I’m ready to apply what I’ve learned,” he said in a release. “Weidner Field is probably the best environment to play in the USL, and I believe we have the best fans in the league that deserve a trophy. I’m looking forward to going after it again in 2024!”