Miguel Ibarra (soccer, born 1990)

Miguel Ibarra
Personal information
Full nameMiguel Ibarra
Date of birthMarch 15, 1990
Place of birthNew York, New York, United States[1]
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Playing positionAttacking Midfielder, Winger
Club information
Current team
Minnesota United FC
Number10
Youth career
2004–2007Ambush Soccer Club
2008–2009Taft Cougars
2010–2011UC Irvine Anteaters
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2008–2010Lancaster Rattlers43(12)
2011Orange County Blue Star4(0)
2012–Minnesota United FC82(14)
National team‡
2014–United States3(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of April 12, 2015.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of April 16, 2015

Miguel Ibarra (born March 15, 1990) is an American professional soccer player currently playing for Minnesota United FC in the North American Soccer League and the United States national team.

Career

College and amateur

Ibarra played college soccer at the Taft College between 2008 and 2009, and then at UC Irvine between 2010 and 2011. During his time at Taft, Ibarra was named as Central Valley Conference MVP and at Irvine was named as Named Big West Co-Offensive Player of the Year and All-Big West First Team in 2011.[2]

During his time at college, Ibarra played with USL Premier Development League club Lancaster Rattlers between 2008 and 2010,[3][4][5] and later with Orange County Blue Star in 2011.[6]

Professional

Ibarra was selected in the second round of the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft (27th overall) by Portland Timbers,[7] but was not signed by the club.

Minnesota United FC

Ibarra signed with NASL club Minnesota United FC on March 13, 2012.[8] He made his professional debut on April 8, 2012 in a 0-0 draw against Carolina RailHawks.[9] He was named to the NASL Best XI in 2013 and 2014. He was named NASL Player of the Month for September 2014[10] and was awarded the 2014 Golden Ball as the league's best player at the conclusion of the season.[11]

International

Ibarra was called up to United States national team for an October 2014 friendly against Ecuador, [12] becoming the first American second division player called up to the national team since 2005.[13] He earned his first cap against Honduras[14] on October 14, 2014.

Ibarra received a second call up to the national team for the final two games of the 2014 campaign[15] but did not see playing time in either game. His first start came on February 8, 2015 in a USMNT friendly against Panama.

On March 22, 2015 Miguel was called up for his fourth time to the US National team for a game against Mexico.

Personal

Ibarra was teammates with former Minnesota Stars player Amani Walker while at UC Irvine. While at Minnesota they were roommates and carpooled to practice together.[16]

During the 2014 season, Ibarra was joined in Minnesota by former Orange County Blue Star teammate Christian Ramirez. The two became roommates and formed a fruitful partnership on the field. Ibarra was nicknamed "Batman" and Ramirez "Superman" by the fans.[17]

Honors

Individual

References

  1. ↑ http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/teams/redbulls2.php?article_id=38743
  2. ↑ "Miguel Ibarra - UC Irvine". Ucirvinesports.com. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  3. ↑ "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". Uslsoccer.com. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  4. ↑ "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". Uslsoccer.com. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  5. ↑ "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". Uslsoccer.com. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  6. ↑ "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". Uslsoccer.com. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  7. ↑ "Shiver Me Timbers! Ibarra Headed to MLS". Newuniversity.org. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  8. ↑
  9. ↑ "Minnesota United vs. Carolina RailHawks - 8 April 2012 - Soccerway". Uk.soccerway.com. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  10. ↑ "After struggling mentally, Stave back in Badgers' QB picture" (October 3, 2014) Saint Paul Pioneer Press
  11. ↑ "Ibarra Awarded NASL Golden Ball". mnunitedfc.com. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  12. ↑ "Klinsmann Names 21-Player Roster for #USAvECU". Ussoccer.com. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  13. ↑ MCINTYRE, DOUG Sources: NASL Minnesota United's Miguel Ibarra to get USMNT call-up ESPN
  14. ↑ http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/10/13/18/06/141013-mnt-v-hon-game-preview
  15. ↑ "Klinsmann Names 25-Player Roster for Final Matches of 2014". Ussoccer.com. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  16. ↑ La Vaque, Davie (October 6, 2012) "Former collegians reunited in Stars' championship bid" (October 1, 2014) Star Tribune
  17. ↑ "A Star In The North". thelooncall.com. Retrieved 22 October 2014.

External links