NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Midfielder Miguel Ibarra Named NASL Player of the Month

October 3, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Friday, October 3rd, 2014) -- With an impressive month of play, including two Player of the Week awards, Minnesota United midfielder Miguel Ibarra has been named the North American Soccer League Player of the Month for September, an award voted on by the media who regularly cover the NASL.

"It's an honor to win Player of the Month but again, all thanks to my teammates and the man above. I couldn't have done it without them," said Ibarra. "We've had a really good month and have been playing really well as a team and have to continue to play well. We want to make sure we stay in first place. Every game counts for us and every game we look to get three points."

Ibarra has been nothing short of spectacular for Minnesota this past month. He has scored four goals in the past three matches, along with one assist. He scored the game-winner against Fort Lauderdale on September 13th, followed by a two-goal performance against San Antonio the next week. Ibarra gave United its first goal against Ottawa on September 28th as well as assisting the game-winning goal by Christian Ramirez.

"Individually Miguel has had some outstanding games, and I think he would be the first one to say as a group we are trying to get better," said Minnesota Head Coach Manny Lagos. "He has really stepped up his game individually these last few weeks at a time when the team really needed him to do so. It's a sign of his maturation. He is doing a lot of the little things that really make a big difference as you start to become a consistent professional. It's the little things that you do in preparation for games and Miguel has really stepped up and taken charge and it's certainly showing in his play over the past month."

Ibarra signed with Minnesota in 2012 after playing four years in the fourth division and college. 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 he has had an outstanding 2014 so far with eight total goals and five assists.

Ibarra has also been named to the Team of the Week the past three weeks, for a total of six times this year. Reports indicated that he has even caught the eye of U.S. National Team Head Coach Jürgen Klinsmann saying Ibarra could be added to a preliminary roster and may possibly call up the United midfielder for two international friendlies in October.

Come see Ibarra and the rest of Minnesota United in action at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 4th as they host the Atlanta Silverbacks at NSC Stadium in Blaine. Purchase your tickets now and you'll be qualified for playoff presale tickets. Visit MNUnitedFC.com/tickets or call 763.4SOCCER to get your seats today.

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