LANSING, Mich. – Lansing Ignite FC has announced on Thursday it signed defender Brandon Fricke for the inaugural USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.

The 6-foot-1 center back played four years at Butler University, recording six goals and four assists in 71 appearances. During his collegiate career, Fricke also competed for USL League Two side the Des Moines Menace, recording four goals in 48 appearances. He earned First Team Academic All-American honors at Butler before being drafted by the Colorado Rapids in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.

Since then, the 26-year-old has appeared for the USL Championship’s Charlotte Independence and has competed for the Menace and Swedish club Nybro IF.

“Brandon is a very reliable and intelligent defender who has gained a lot of experience overseas,” Lansing Head Coach Nate Miller said. “He is a strong leader and someone who makes players around him a lot better. Brandon has been on my radar a long time, and I know he has the qualities to make a strong impact on our squad. His mentality and approach to being a professional really impressed me, and I look forward to working with him.”

Fricke becomes the 11th player added to Ignite FC’s roster for the 2019 season, joining Xavier Gomez, Rafa Mentzingen, Christian Silva, Kyle Carr, Nathan Lewis, Steeve Saint-Duc, Kyle Ihn, Rhys Williams, Kevin Coiffic and Omar Castro.

“I’m excited that Lansing Ignite is the next step in my career and will do everything I can to help us win the championship this season,” Fricke said. “I can’t wait to get started and look forward to meeting everyone in February.”