Colorado Springs, CO (January 11, 2021) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Tuesday that the club had signed Hadji Barry to a new contract extension that includes the 2024 season.
"I am really excited, knowing that I'll be part of the Switchbacks organization for years to come, and I'd like to take this time to really thank the Ragain family, coach Brendan Burke and the whole Switchbacks organization for how they've embraced me and welcomed me from the first day that I arrived here," said Barry when asked about what it means to help create a legacy with the Switchbacks. "This shows again how much they value me as a player and person, and I really can't wait to repay that back by giving my all, 110% everytime I step on that field, and help bring success to this organization. Like I've said before, I'd like to continue the success that I've started here and keep building the legacy that I came here for and I really can't wait to start up the 2022 season."
In his inaugural season with the Switchbacks, Barry made an indelible impact on the team. In 32 regular season games, Barry notched a massive 25 goals, tying the USL Championship all league record for a single season and earning himself the Golden Boot for 2021. Post-season, Barry additionally earned a spot on the 2021 All-League First Team, and most impressively, was awarded Most Valuable Player in the USL Championship for the 2021 season. With a goal averaged every 115 minutes and five assists, Barry was instrumental in helping lead the team to a playoff position and played in every game the Switchbacks had this season – coming in at 2,783 minutes.
"It's really exciting to see the direction this franchise is heading towards and they've really shown a consistent level of keeping and bringing really talented players, and the future looks really bright for the Switchbacks," said Barry on the future of what the team will look like for the organization. His final remarks on how he feels about the extension turned towards his appreciation for the fans and his hopes for the 2022 season: "To the Switchbacks fans: thank you for all the love and support you have shown us. We appreciate you guys always being there with us through the ups and downs, and we can't wait to have you all at Weidner Field this upcoming season. I invite you all to come out in big numbers and help us make Weidner Field a fortress to opponents, and I hope you guys are as excited as us and looking forward to the upcoming season."
Switchbacks FC President, Nick Ragain, spoke about what Barry's signing will mean for the organization: "Hadji [Barry] is a special player in the USL Championship and we want him leading this Switchbacks team and community without any reservations for the next few years. We are keen to build on the momentum Barry helped generate last season to win trophies and celebrate the people of Colorado Springs as winners."
Barry can also add several 2021 campaign accolades to his belt, including Team of the Week in Week 4, Week 9, Week 17, Week 18, and Week 22, the USL Championship's Player of the Week for Week 10, and Player of the Month for June and for August.
The Switchbacks FC announced their home opener against reigning USL Championship Champions Orange County SC on Saturday March 12th. Tickets will go on sale soon, and season tickets are available now HERE.
Colorado Springs, CO (January 11, 2021) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Tuesday that the club had signed Hadji Barry to a new contract extension that includes the 2024 season.
“I am really excited, knowing that I’ll be part of the Switchbacks organization for years to come, and I’d like to take this time to really thank the Ragain family, coach Brendan Burke and the whole Switchbacks organization for how they’ve embraced me and welcomed me from the first day that I arrived here,” said Barry when asked about what it means to help create a legacy with the Switchbacks. “This shows again how much they value me as a player and person, and I really can’t wait to repay that back by giving my all, 110% everytime I step on that field, and help bring success to this organization. Like I’ve said before, I’d like to continue the success that I’ve started here and keep building the legacy that I came here for and I really can’t wait to start up the 2022 season.”
In his inaugural season with the Switchbacks, Barry made an indelible impact on the team. In 32 regular season games, Barry notched a massive 25 goals, tying the USL Championship all league record for a single season and earning himself the Golden Boot for 2021. Post-season, Barry additionally earned a spot on the 2021 All-League First Team, and most impressively, was awarded Most Valuable Player in the USL Championship for the 2021 season. With a goal averaged every 115 minutes and five assists, Barry was instrumental in helping lead the team to a playoff position and played in every game the Switchbacks had this season – coming in at 2,783 minutes.
“It’s really exciting to see the direction this franchise is heading towards and they’ve really shown a consistent level of keeping and bringing really talented players, and the future looks really bright for the Switchbacks,” said Barry on the future of what the team will look like for the organization. His final remarks on how he feels about the extension turned towards his appreciation for the fans and his hopes for the 2022 season: “To the Switchbacks fans: thank you for all the love and support you have shown us. We appreciate you guys always being there with us through the ups and downs, and we can’t wait to have you all at Weidner Field this upcoming season. I invite you all to come out in big numbers and help us make Weidner Field a fortress to opponents, and I hope you guys are as excited as us and looking forward to the upcoming season.”
Switchbacks FC President, Nick Ragain, spoke about what Barry’s signing will mean for the organization: “Hadji [Barry] is a special player in the USL Championship and we want him leading this Switchbacks team and community without any reservations for the next few years. We are keen to build on the momentum Barry helped generate last season to win trophies and celebrate the people of Colorado Springs as winners.”
Barry can also add several 2021 campaign accolades to his belt, including Team of the Week in Week 4, Week 9, Week 17, Week 18, and Week 22, the USL Championship’s Player of the Week for Week 10, and Player of the Month for June and for August.
The Switchbacks FC announced their home opener against reigning USL Championship Champions Orange County SC on Saturday March 12th. Tickets will go on sale soon, and season tickets are available now HERE.
