San Antonio FC has added defender Axel Sjöberg on loan from the Columbus Crew SC (MLS) for the 2020 USL Championship season pending league and federation approval, the team announced today. Per club policy, terms of the loan were not disclosed.

“As a staff, we are excited to add Axel Sjöberg to the SAFC family,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Axel is a former MLS Defender of the Year nominee, a great on-field communicator and a presence on set pieces. We want to thank the Columbus Crew staff for the season-long loan.”

Sjöberg joins after spending the last five seasons from 2015-19 with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. While with the Rapids, the 28-year-old made 92 appearances, compiling 7,827 minutes played while scoring three goals. His most successful season came in 2016 when he was named to the MLS Best XI after starting 35 matches between the regular season and playoffs, totaling 3,162 minutes played. The defender helped lead the Rapids to a record-setting 0.41 goals against average at home after conceding just seven in Denver that season. Following the 2019 season, Sjöberg was signed by the Columbus Crew off waivers.

“I’m very excited,” said Sjöberg. “After talking to the players and coaching staff I have heard a lot of good things and things I want to be a part of. I’m ready to get started this weekend against the reigning champions at home.”

Originally drafted 14th overall by the Rapids in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, Sjöberg attended college at Marquette where he made 63 appearances from 2011-14. The Sweden native played youth soccer in his native country with Helenelunds IK and Djurgårdens IF between 1995 and 2009. While in college, Sjöberg also made 49 combined appearances with USL League Two Clubs Sollentuna United FF and the Thunder Bay Chill.

Sjöberg will wear No. 24 for the club.

San Antonio FC opens the season at Toyota Field this Saturday against Real Monarchs SLC at 7:30 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets to the match – along with 2020 season tickets -- by calling or texting the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5657 or by visiting SanAntonioFC.com. Supporters can also follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook (@SAFCUSL), as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC) and Instagram (@sanantoniofc).