Written by Nicolas Hallett
In a shocking revelation, Minnesota United midfielder Miguel Ibarra has been reportedly called up to the United States Men's National Team to participate in friendly matches against Ecuador and Honduras in October, according to ESPN FC's Doug McIntrye.
Ibarra, a 5-foot-7 Lancaster, Calif. native, is one the best players on United, which plays in the North American Soccer League (NASL), the division below Major League Soccer (MLS).
United currently sit in first place in the NASL standings thanks in large part to Ibarra's standout campaign where he's scored eight goals and provided four assists.
"It’s an honor to be mentioned regarding the US team, I haven’t seen a final roster, but it is gratifying to be considered for the team,” Ibarra (@Migue10Ibarra) tweeted shortly after the news broke.
The news, which as yet to be confirmed by U.S. Soccer, would be astonishing because for all intensive purposes United are a minor league team. ESPN cited multiple unnamed sources for its story so it’s unclear where this information is coming from.
It’s not from United, which seems to be unsure as well. The team sounded cautious when acknowledging the report.
“Although we have not seen a finalized list of players being called up and we don’t know if he will ultimately end up on such a list, we are not surprised that a young and talented player like Miguel Ibarra has drawn the attention of the U.S. Men’s coaching staff,” reads the team statement on its website.
Sources inside United revealed to me early this season that MLS clubs have asked about possibly acquiring Ibarra, but that each time the team said he was off limits.
Ibarra operates as United’s creative cog from an attacking midfield position. According to the ESPN report, Ibarra is seen as a winger by the national team, however.
Video highlights of Ibarra’s exploits thus far in 2014 show his astute technical ability and explosive speed.
Ibarra would become the first player from North America’s second division soccer league to participate with the national team since Clyde Simms of the Richmond Kickers in 2005 before a World Cup qualifying match, per ESPN.
Simms eventually went to sign with D.C. United in MLS and played the remainder of his career in the top division.
That’s the one negative from a Minnesota perspective with the release of this news. Ibarra’s profile will be higher than ever regardless if he trains with the USMNT now or not. Big teams are going to come for him. The question is if United can resist and afford to hang one to him.
Ibarra might not be the only one United struggle to keep on its roster. Forward roommate Christian Ramirez has arguably been Minnesota’s top performer this season and currently leads NASL with 16 goals.
Ramirez and Ibarra are roommates and close friends. To those close to the team, they are nicknamed “Superman and Batman.”
“If it's true, couldn't be happier for batman @Migue10Ibarra #USMNT breaking barriers,” Ramirez tweeted on Monday.
Today’s news confirms what many who have attended games in Blaine at the National Sports Center already knew. The soccer product in Minnesota is among the highest quality.
| Nicolas Hallett is a staff writer for 105 The Ticket. He recently graduated from the University of Minnesota and has written for the Murphy News Service, the Minnesota Daily and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Follow him on Twitter @NicolasHallett |