KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Swope Park Rangers announced on Wednesday they had signed former Sporting KC Academy defender Joe Amico. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

The 21-year-old Amico recently completed his collegiate career at Jacksonville University and will join the Rangers ahead of preseason camp in February.

“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.”