NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC Players Ibarra, Pitchkolan Named to Best XI

Published on November 8, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Golden Valley, MN (November 8, 2013) - The North American Soccer League (NASL) today announced that Minnesota United FC Midfielder Miguel Ibarra and Defender Aaron Pitchkolan were named to the 2013 NASL Best XI. The award recognizes the top players at each position throughout the 2013 season.

"I'm very happy for them, I think they both in their own way have played really hard for the club and had some really great moments," said Head Coach Manny Lagos. "I think it's a great honor for them and we're really pleased."

Ibarra appeared in 26 games this season for Minnesota United, scoring one goal and adding three assists in 1,967 minutes. His most memorable moment came in the closing seconds of a 3-2 win at San Antonio on August 31st. Deep in stoppage time, a 15 second stretch saw Ibarra tracking down the ball in the corner, stealing it from a San Antonio defender, then splitting the defense to set up Connor Tobin's game winning goal in the final seconds. His lone goal came in the second half of a 3-1 loss at FC Edmonton on June 30.

"There are a log of great players in this league and being selected for the Best XI means a lot to me," Ibarra said. "I always believed hard work pays off in the end and it really does. I also wouldn't have been selected without my teammates, they've always pushed me and helped me as much as they can. I just have to keep working hard because the next season starts now and we are hungry for that championship."

"It's a great honor for him, there's a lot to the game that's not always about points," Lagos said. "There are layers to the game that he provides and he's still young and still learning the game but he's someone that we value and very happy and pleased for him that his effort is rewarded."

Pitchkolan appeared in 20 games this year, scoring two goals and adding an assist in 1,665 minutes. Pitchkolan scored the second goal in a 3-1 win over Ft. Lauderdale in the home finale on October 26. He also scored the third goal in a 3-2 win over Atlanta on April 27.

"It's a great honor to be selected," Pitchkolan said. "Thanks to everyone at Minnesota United, coaches, front office, but especially the players who put in a lot of hard work throughout the season and made it an enjoyable season on and off the field. I believe that there is a very bright future for this club."

"I feel like he had to deal with some injuries a little but from that I felt like he got better and better and more steady," Lagos said of Pitchkolan. "We asked him to play a couple different positions this year and had no issues, he stepped in and did a great job. It's a nice acknowledgement from the league for his accomplishments."

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

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



North American Soccer League Stories from November 8, 2013


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.

OurSports Central