PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Markhus “Duke” Lacroix |
| Date of Birth | 14 October 1993 (Age: 32) |
| Place of Birth | New Egypt, New Jersey, United States |
| Nationality | Haitian (via parents) / American |
| Height | 1.75 m / 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | — |
| Position | Left Back / Full Back / Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #14 (Colorado Springs Switchbacks) |
| Current Club | Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC |
| Previous Clubs | Indy Eleven, Orange County SC, Reno 1868, Charlotte Independence, Sacramento Republic |
| International Caps | 3+ |
| International Goals | 1+ |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | — |
| Market Value | €50K |
The Frozen Moment
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. June 21, 2026. Haiti and Brazil, locked in a World Cup group-stage clash that would define Les Grenadiers’ return to the global stage after 52 years. For Duke Lacroix, the 32-year-old left-back from New Jersey who had spent his entire career in the lower tiers of American soccer, this was the moment that transcended everything.
“I mean, playing Brazil at Lincoln Financial, few moments will ever elevate above that,” Lacroix would later say. The match ended in defeat—Haiti were eliminated from Group C—but the journey was the victory.
Just weeks earlier, Lacroix had trained for the World Cup on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, where he had played college soccer a decade before. “To walk on that ground again as an international footballer, to be able to walk back in to wear the Haiti jersey at the same time—the last time I was wearing a jersey was the Penn jersey.”
The boy from New Egypt, New Jersey, who had made his professional debut in the NASL, who had bounced between USL clubs for a decade, who had become president of the USL Players Association, was now representing his parents’ homeland on football’s greatest stage.
“It’s every soccer player’s dream to play in the World Cup and represent their country,” Lacroix said. “I am extremely honored and excited.”
Origins
Markhus “Duke” Lacroix was born on October 14, 1993, in New Egypt, New Jersey. Both of his parents were born in Haiti, giving him the opportunity to represent his heritage on the international stage.
He grew up in the New Egypt section of Plumsted Township, New Jersey, and attended The Lawrenceville School, where he played soccer and ran track. As a runner, he was part of a 4×400 relay win at the prestigious Penn Relays.
His talent was recognized early—he was a member of the U.S. Under-14 and Under-15 Boys National Teams and was also in the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team player pool following his time in New Jersey’s Olympic Development Program.
He played four years of college soccer at the University of Pennsylvania between 2011 and 2014. At Penn, he was a two-time captain and one of only three players in school history to receive four All-Ivy League honors—First-team in 2013 and 2014, Second-team in 2012, and Honorable Mention in 2011. He was also the only Quakers player ever to be named both the Ivy League’s Rookie of the Year (2011) and an Ivy League Player of the Year (Offensive POY in 2013). He graduated with the third-most appearances in Penn history (68), racking up the fifth-most points with 65, from 25 goals and 15 assists.
His international career began late. In 2023, Lacroix earned his first call-up to the Haiti Men’s National Team, making his debut in a friendly against St. Kitts & Nevis. The following year, he competed for the side in World Cup Qualifying and the CONCACAF Nations League, becoming a fixture for Les Grenadiers.
The Forge
Ocean City Nor’easters (2012–2013):
While in college, Lacroix appeared for Premier Development League side Ocean City Nor’easters, making 21 appearances and scoring 4 goals.
Indy Eleven (2015–2016):
Lacroix signed for North American Soccer League side Indy Eleven on May 21, 2015. He made his first appearance in a 0-2 loss to Louisville City FC in the US Open Cup on May 27, 2015. His first goal for the club was the game-winning goal in a 3-0 victory over FC Edmonton on June 13, 2015. He played 34 games and scored three goals across two seasons, including the 2016 NASL Goal of the Year. Over two NASL seasons with Indy Eleven, he made 41 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists.
Orange County SC (2017):
Lacroix signed with United Soccer League side Orange County SC on March 15, 2017. He made 5 appearances and scored 2 goals.
Reno 1868 FC (2018–2019):
In April 2018, he signed for Reno 1868 FC in the USL. Lacroix played two seasons in Reno as a left back, amassing 59 appearances and scoring 4 goals with 10 assists. He started 34 games in his second season, playing 3,060 minutes.
Charlotte Independence (2020):
For the 2020 season, Lacroix signed with Charlotte Independence, making 16 appearances.
Sacramento Republic FC (2021–2022):
Lacroix joined Sacramento Republic FC in 2021. Over two seasons, he made 66 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 5 assists. He was part of the squad that reached the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks (2023–Present):
Lacroix joined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks in 2023 and is currently in his fourth season with the club. He has made 80 appearances for the Switchbacks, scoring 2 goals and providing 4 assists. In the 2024 season, he played a key role in the Switchbacks’ USL Championship title run. He also serves as the president of the USL Players Association.
International Career:
Lacroix’s Haiti career began in 2023. He played in five of Haiti’s six games in the final stage of World Cup Qualifying, helping the side to a 3-0-2 record while notching a pair of assists, securing the nation’s berth at the World Cup.
The Anatomy of His Game
Duke Lacroix is a 32-year-old left-back defined by his versatility, work rate, and experience. Standing at 1.75 meters, he is a modern full-back who can contribute to both defence and attack.
In Possession:
Lacroix is a composed passer with solid technical ability. In the 2024 season, he achieved an 82.0% pass completion rate, completing 1,105 successful passes. He created 8 chances, completed 4 successful crosses, and recorded 22 successful dribbles with a 56.4% success rate. He has accumulated 10 goals and 19 assists in 216 USL Championship appearances across his career.
Out of Possession:
Defensively, Lacroix is a reliable presence. In the 2024 season, he won 29 tackles with a 74.4% success rate, won 99 duels at a 50.5% success rate, won 32 aerial duels at 51.6%, made 22 interceptions, and recorded 139 recoveries. His disciplinary record is solid—he has received 21 yellow cards and 1 red card in 216 USL appearances.
Psychological Edge:
Lacroix’s mental resilience and leadership are his defining qualities. He has been described as “the perfect vessel, the perfect person, the most humble guy that you can walk right up to, shake hands, have a conversation with.” He serves as president of the USL Players Association, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to his fellow professionals. His journey—from college soccer to the USL to the World Cup—reflects a player who has consistently seized opportunities.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USL Championship (Switchbacks) | 4+ | 4+ | 0 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Haiti) | 3 | 270 | — | — | — |
| TOTAL | 7+ | 274+ | — | — | — |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2013 | Ocean City Nor’easters | PDL | 21 | 4 |
| 2015 | Indy Eleven | NASL | 18 | 2 |
| 2016 | Indy Eleven | NASL | 16 | 1 |
| 2017 | Orange County SC | USL | 5 | 2 |
| 2018 | Reno 1868 | USL | 30 | 2 |
| 2019 | Reno 1868 | USL | 29 | 2 |
| 2020 | Charlotte Independence | USL | 16 | 0 |
| 2021 | Sacramento Republic | USL | 31 | 1 |
| 2022 | Sacramento Republic | USL | 29 | 3 |
| 2023 | Colorado Springs | USL | 19 | 1 |
| 2024 | Colorado Springs | USL | 33 | 1 |
| 2025–26 | Colorado Springs | USL | 28+ | — |
| TOTAL | — | — | ~275+ | 19 |
TABLE C: International Record (2023–2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 1+ | 0 | 0 |
| World Cup Qualifiers (CONCACAF) | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| CONCACAF Nations League | 2+ | 0 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | ~11+ | 1 | 2 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2011–2014 | Penn Quakers | 4x All-Ivy League, Ivy League Player of the Year |
| 2015 | Professional Debut | Indy Eleven |
| 2015 | First Professional Goal | Game-winner vs FC Edmonton |
| 2016 | NASL Goal of the Year | With Indy Eleven |
| 2017–2019 | USL Regular | Orange County, Reno 1868 |
| 2021–2022 | Sacramento Republic | U.S. Open Cup Finalist |
| 2023 | Haiti Debut | vs St. Kitts & Nevis |
| 2024 | USL Champion | With Colorado Springs Switchbacks |
| 2024 | Haiti Regular | World Cup Qualifying and Nations League |
| 2025 | World Cup Qualification | Played in 5 of 6 qualifiers, 2 assists |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Haiti’s 26-man squad |
What these figures reveal is a player of persistence and late-blooming recognition. Lacroix has accumulated over 275 professional appearances across a decade in the American lower divisions. He has scored 10 goals and provided 19 assists in USL Championship play—solid numbers for a full-back. His international career, which began at age 30, has been a rapid ascent from debut to World Cup starter in just three years. His market value of €50K reflects his age and level, but his World Cup selection is a testament to his quality and perseverance.
The Present Tense
Duke Lacroix is 32 years old, in the prime of his career. He is Colorado Springs Switchbacks’ left-back, a Haitian international, and a 2026 World Cup participant.
The Switchbacks Story:
Lacroix joined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks in 2023 and is in his fourth season with the club. He has made 80 appearances for the club. In 2024, he played a key role in the Switchbacks’ USL Championship title run. He is also the president of the USL Players Association.
The World Cup Campaign:
Lacroix was named to Haiti’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making history alongside Carl Sainté as the first active USL Championship players selected to compete on soccer’s biggest stage. He started all three group matches against Scotland, Morocco, and Brazil. Haiti were eliminated in Group C, but their participation ended a 52-year wait for a World Cup appearance.
International Record:
Lacroix has earned 11+ caps for Haiti since his debut in 2023. He played in five of Haiti’s six World Cup qualifiers, recording a pair of assists to help secure the nation’s berth. He also competed for Haiti in CONCACAF Nations League matches.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Duke Lacroix is defined by his humility and leadership. He is “the perfect vessel, the perfect person, the most humble guy that you can walk right up to, shake hands, have a conversation with.” He serves as president of the USL Players Association, representing his fellow professionals.
His connection to the World Cup is deeply personal. Both of his parents were born in Haiti, and representing their homeland is a source of immense pride. “It’s a dream come true really, and I’m just looking forward to the experience,” Lacroix said.
The World Cup training camp was held at the University of Pennsylvania, where Lacroix played college soccer a decade earlier. “To walk on that ground again as an international footballer, to be able to walk back in to wear the Haiti jersey at the same time—the last time I was wearing a jersey was the Penn jersey,” he said.
His career has been one of steady perseverance. He was selected for the U.S. U-14 and U-15 National Teams as a youth, but his professional path took him through the lower divisions of American soccer. He never gave up, and his reward was representing his parents’ homeland on the biggest stage.
The Verdict from the Camp
USL Championship
, on Lacroix’s World Cup selection:
Lacroix and Carl Sainté made history as the league’s first active players selected to compete on soccer’s biggest stage. Lacroix has made 226 appearances in the USL Championship over his career across the regular season and playoffs and won the league title in the 2024 season with the Switchbacks.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
, on Lacroix’s Penn connection:
The fact that it’s Duke is the perfect vessel, the perfect person, the most humble guy that you can walk right up to, shake hands, have a conversation with. Both coaches also praised Lacroix’s work with the USL Players Association, of which he has been the president for two years.
FOX21 News
, on Lacroix’s dream:
It’s a dream come true really, and I’m just looking forward to the experience. It’s a reason why I’m at the tournament. Because of the opportunities that I have here, the stage I’m able to perform here in Colorado Springs.
Duke Lacroix
, on his World Cup dream:
It’s every soccer player’s dream to play in the World Cup and represent their country. I am extremely honored and excited to have been selected and to have the opportunity to represent Haiti at the World Cup. I am grateful to all of the people who have supported me throughout my career and up to this point. I’m looking forward to representing my club, Colorado Springs Switchbacks, the fans, and Haitian people everywhere proudly.
Lacroix
, on training at Penn:
To walk on that ground again as an international footballer, I’ve been back a couple times, obviously. But to be able to walk back in to wear the Haiti jersey at the same time—the last time I was wearing a jersey was the Penn jersey. It will be a really special, full-circle moment for me.
Where Next?
Duke Lacroix is 32 years old and in the prime of his career. He is established at Colorado Springs Switchbacks, a Haitian international, and a World Cup participant.
For Haiti
, Lacroix’s international future is bright. He has become a fixture for Les Grenadiers since his debut in 2023. His experience at the World Cup will be invaluable for a team that has returned to the global stage after 52 years. He will be expected to contribute to Haiti’s ambitions in future tournaments, including the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
For Colorado Springs Switchbacks
, Lacroix is a key player and leader. He is in his fourth season with the club. He helped the Switchbacks win the USL Championship title in 2024. He also serves as president of the USL Players Association.
His career trajectory is one of perseverance and representation—from college soccer at Penn to the NASL, from the USL to the World Cup. He has overcome the perception that a player in the American lower divisions cannot reach the global stage.
The boy from New Egypt, New Jersey, who played college soccer at Penn, who spent a decade in the USL, who became president of the players’ association, who represented his parents’ homeland at a World Cup—Duke Lacroix’s journey is a story of persistence, representation, and the pursuit of a dream on football’s greatest stage.
