NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Midfielder Miguel Ibarra Called up to U.S. Men's National Team Roster for Second Ti

Published on November 10, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


MINNEAPOLIS, MN. (Monday, November 10th, 2014) -- U.S. Soccer announced today that Minnesota United midfielder Miguel Ibarra has been called up to represent the U.S. Men's National Team. This is the second call-up for Ibarra this season as he will travel to across the Atlantic to England to face Colombia and Ireland.

U.S. Men's National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has called 25 players into camp for the final matches of the 2014 campaign. The U.S. will first meet No. 3-ranked Colombia on Friday, Nov. 14, in London. Kickoff is set for 1:45 p.m. CT, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN and UniMas.

Four days later, the United States will play on the Republic of Ireland's soil for the first since 2002 when it faces the home side at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. ESPN2 and Univision begin coverage at 1:45 p.m. CT.

"We want to finish 2014 on a high note and continue to try to meet the top teams eye to eye," said Klinsmann. "In these last two games we want our veterans to really become mentors both on and off the field, and we want to see our youngsters take advantage of the opportunity to make their case and grow from the experience. These performances will set the tone for 2015."

Klinsman first called up the California native for two international friendlies in October 2014. Ibarra was a part of Landon Donovan's final National Team appearance against Ecuador, and then made his debut against Honduras in the final minutes of the United States' 1-1 draw on October 14th.

"Being called up for a second time to represent my country is an unbelievable feeling and an opportunity that is truly humbling," said Ibarra. "It is an honor to be included with such talented players and I look forward to the chance to represent my country in these upcoming friendlies. I'm going to go out there and keep playing like I have all year with confidence. This wouldn't have happened without the help of God and without my teammates and coaches that have helped me all year to get better and improve everyday."

Ibarra had a fantastic season for Minnesota, scoring nine goals while providing five assists. His performances have earned him several awards from the NASL, including being named to the Team of the Week seven times, earning Player of the Week honors twice, and being the Player of the Month in September. Ibarra is also in the running for the Golden Ball Award, given to the North American Soccer League's most valuable player.

"This is a tremendous honor for Miguel," said Minnesota United Head Coach and former U.S. National Team player Manny Lagos. "It shows that he performed well in his previous call-up. I am truly excited for Miguel as a soccer player to get this opportunity, he is such a hard-working kid, he really deserves this."

Ibarra signed with Minnesota in 2012 after playing four years in college and the fourth division. While at UC-Irvine, Ibarra was named the Big West Co-Offensive Player of the Year and to the All-Big West First Team. He immediately became a key part of Minnesota's roster, helping the team to a second straight championship appearance. 2013 was a much quieter year for the midfielder, but his play in 2014 helped lead United to win the Spring Championship and the Woosnam Cup.

U.S. MNT ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS (4): Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Greg Garza (Club Tijuana), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Julian Green (Hamburg), Alfredo Morales (Ingolstadt), Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution)

FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Miguel Ibarra (Minnesota United FC), Jordan Morris (Stanford), Rubio Rubin (Utrecht), Bobby Wood (1860 Munich), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

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