Switchbacks offseason roster shuffle continues

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC offseason roster shuffle continue with the club announcing the return of veteran defenders Josh Suggs and Josh Phillips.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The return of the veteran defenders helps keep some continuity on one of the top USL defenses. Previously, the team announced the return of Jordan Burt, leaving Christian Ibeagha as the only unsigned defender from the dominant 2016 back 4. The 27 year old Suggs previously played for the Orange County Blues from 2014-2015, scoring 2 goals in 47 appearances.

Fan favorite and Switchback original Josh Phillips returns after a memorable 2016 campaign, in which he scored his first professional goal, and then broke his collarbone in the ensuing celebration. His absence was felt along the backline, as the team went 3-4-3 in his 2 month absence. The Gonzaga product spent the 2016 offseason on trail with the MLS New England Revolution.

It was also announced that defender JJ Greer has signed a contract with Arizona United. While not a regular starter, the Switchback original did make many appearances of the bench, and help fill the hole left when Josh Phillips was injured during the summer of 2016. His lone goal of 2016 was an 84th minute game winning goal against Sacramento on a beautiful header from a Josh Suggs corner. Most Switchbacks fans will remember him mostly from scoring the franchises first playoff goal against Seattle in 2015.