Minnesota United FC Midfielder Miguel Ibarra Awarded with NASL Golden Ball

Published on November 14, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release


NEW YORK (November 14, 2014) - Minnesota United FC midfielder Miguel Ibarra has been awarded the 2014 North American Soccer League Golden Ball, which goes to the league's most valuable player.

Ibarra, who received the most media votes, scored eight times and dished out five assists, helping United earn the 2014 NASL Spring Season Championship and a league-high 55 points. United claimed the top seed in The Championship, the league's four-team postseason tournament, but they were eliminated on penalty kicks by the Fort Lauderdale Strikers last Saturday.

"It's an honor to win the Golden Ball award. This award isn't just for me. I think our whole team deserves this award because we had an amazing run and an amazing year," Ibarra said. "To me, Minnesota United won the Golden Ball. I wouldn't have done it without my teammates, the organization, the fans, and most importantly my family that has always supported me."

The Lancaster, Calif. native took home NASL Team of the Week honors seven times, NASL Player of the Week honors twice, and NASL Player of the Month honors once. Ibarra also recently became the first player from the NASL Modern Era to make an appearance for the U.S. Men's National Team. He is currently with the U.S. team in England after receiving another call-up for a pair of international friendlies against Colombia and Ireland.

" This has been an unforgettable year for me," Ibarra added. "It's all a dream come true, and all I ever dreamed of since I was a kid. Hard work, dedication and faith was what did it for me. I want to thank everyone again for this award. It's an honor."

Named to the NASL Best XI for the second straight year, Ibarra has played in Minnesota since 2012. He has made a total of 74 regular season appearances, scoring 12 goals and tallying nine assists.

Prior to United, Ibarra played two years of college soccer at Taft College (2008-2009) before transferring to UC Irvine (2010-2011), where he would go on to tally 34 goals and 40 assists. During his collegiate career, Ibarra also spent time with a pair of PDL teams, the Lancaster Rattlers from 2008-2010, and then Orange County Blue Star in 2011.

Ibarra becomes the fourth NASL Golden Ball winner in the league's modern era, joining Etienne Barbara (Carolina RailHawks - 2011), Pablo Campos (San Antonio Scorpions - 2012) and Georgi Hristov (Tampa Bay Rowdies - 2013).

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Soccer League Stories from November 14, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central