February 23, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC News Release
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that the team has acquired forward Yosuke Hanya on loan from Colorado Rapids 2 of MLS NEXT Pro for the 2024 USL Championship season.
“I am very excited to join the Switchbacks,” said Hanya. “I would like to thank the club for giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to see the fans at the stadium!”
Hanya, 25, will be on loan from the Colorado Rapids 2 of MLS Next Pro. Since joining the Rapids 2 in 2022, he has made 50 appearances, played for a total of 4,165 minutes, had 17 goals, 13 assists, and was named to the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI. Last season, he was called up to play for the Colorado Rapids, making two appearances.
“We are delighted to have captured the signature of Yosuke,” said Switchbacks Sporting Director Stephen Hogan. “He is a fantastic prospect for the Rapids, and we believe his character and ability will help us win games.”
Yosuke Hanya made his collegiate debut in 2017 for Tokyo Gakugei University, then moved to the States to attend the University of Massachusetts. Throughout his college career at UMass, he made 46 appearances, had two goals, and 17 assists.
This midfielder formed an impressive list of achievements throughout his college career. In his Junior year, he was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team. Finishing his senior year in 2021, he earned a spot on the United Soccer Coaches First-Team All-Region, First-Team All-Atlantic 10 selection, and United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Region honoree. As a graduate student, he was named to the Atlantic 10 Second-Team and United Soccer Coaches All-Region Third-Team.
“The opportunity to personalize Yosuke’s development pathway in partnership with the Switchbacks is something we are extremely grateful for,” said Rapids 2 General Manager and Senior Soccer Development Director, Brian Crookham. “USL Championship provides a different challenge for him and we look forward to watching him have a positive impact on a very successful neighbor club.”
Hanya started his career playing for FC Tokyo U-15 from 2011-2013, and helped the team win the Prince Takamado Trophy. From 2014-2016, he played with FC Tokyo U-15, FC Tokyo U-18, and FC Tokyo U-23.
This Japanese native made his first mark in his international career, earning a spot on the Japan U-16 National Team in 2014 and was also a member of the Japan U-19 National…