The Swope Park Rangers have signed former Sporting KC Academy defender Joe Amico, the club announced on Wednesday. Amico recently completed his collegiate career at Jacksonville University and will join the Rangers ahead of preseason camp in February, pending USL and federation approval.

“We’re very pleased to sign Joe as he fits the profile of our model of play,” Swope Park Rangers head coach Nikola Popovic said. “Joe has all the qualities we’re looking for in a right back – he’s explosive and we think he’ll do an excellent job in this position.”

“I’m very excited to start my professional career back in Kansas City where I played in the SKC Academy,” Amico said. “I’d like to give a huge thanks to Sporting KC and the Swope Park Rangers for giving me an incredible opportunity and I can’t wait for preseason next month.”

Amico, 21, was a member of the Sporting KC Academy from 2012-13 after relocating to Columbia, Mo. from Indianapolis, Ind. He spent his freshman season at the University of Central Florida, making 15 appearances in the 2013 season before transferring to Jacksonville University.

The Indianapolis native made 50 appearances in three seasons with the Dolphins, including 43 starts, adding a goal and an assist from the backline. Amico helped the side to their first ASUN Conference Tournament Final in eight years as a senior in 2016.