Ibarra Called Into U.S. Men's National Team Camp

U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann today announced his 21- man roster for the upcoming international friendlies against Ecuador on October 10 in East Hartford, Conn., and October 14 against Honduras in Boca Raton, Fla. Among the 21 players named to the roster is Minnesota United’s own standout Miguel Ibarra.

“We look at these two games as an opportunity to take a picture of the player pool as it stands now,” said Klinsmann. “Already the hierarchy starts to shift in some ways, which is normal at the beginning of a cycle. It’s important that the younger players get a chance to swim in the cold water. We are excited to look at this group against a very competitive team like Ecuador, and then we will have a chance to bring some different faces for the game against Honduras. Obviously it’s going to be a special night as everyone in the U.S. Soccer family will have the chance to honor the amazing career of Landon Donovan.”

Players will report to Boston for training camp before traveling Oct. 9 to East Hartford. Following the match against Ecuador, Klinsmann is expected to make several changes to the U.S. roster that will travel to Boca Raton, Fla., to face regional rival Honduras in the USA’s first match in Palm Beach County.

Ibarra becomes the first player from the modern North American Soccer League to be called into the Senior Men’s National Team.

“It's an honor to be given this opportunity to play for my national team,” said Ibarra.  “My teammates have been crucial to helping me excel on the field I wouldn't be in the position I am in now without them. I also want to thank my coaches for always pushing me and helping me get better every day and the organization for how hard they have worked to help the team succeed. Last but not least I thank the man above.”

The 24-year-old Ibarra has excelled on the field for the Loons this season, scoring eight goals and notching five assists in 22 games. He has been recognized numerous times by the North American Soccer League for his on field success, receiving six Team of the Week honors as well as the Player of the Month award for September.  Ibarra was in fine form in September, scoring four goals as well as tallying the game-winning assist in Minnesota’s 3-2 win over Ottawa Fury FC on September 28th.

Minnesota United Head Coach Manny Lagos, a member of the U.S. National team from 2001-03, was very proud of his talented midfielder’s call up: “It’s a huge honor for Miguel to get a chance to go into camp for the U.S. National Team. It’s great that he has been recognized for his play on the field. It’s very exciting because of the person he is; right away he would say he’s accepting this honor because of all the hard work of his teammates.”

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.

Using his outstanding speed, awareness, and control of the ball, Ibarra has provided United’s attack with a spark both as a central and outside midfielder.

“Miguel brings an energy to field and he has the ability to change the tempo of the game. From that energy he makes other guys better and makes them want to work for him,” said Lagos. “He really has embraced all the different aspects of the game and he continues to get better and grow as a person and a professional.”

This is the first time a player from a second-tier American league has been called up to a U.S. Soccer camp since 2005, and the first U.S. Men’s National Team call up for Minnesota United.

“I hope our loyal fans are proud of the work the club is doing and the product we are putting on the field and the way we go about producing high level talent. I hope the fans are excited, because they have really put in a lot over the years to keep professional soccer growing and our club growing and they always bring a lot of great energy and enthusiasm,” said Lagos.

Ibarra shared his head coach’s appreciation for the Minnesota fans. “I want to thank all the amazing Minnesota United fans. Our fans are always there cheering us on and I truly appreciate all the love and support they have shown me.”

Ibarra will join the 21-man roster that will be preparing for an international friendly match against Ecuador on October 10th. The Ecuador match will be played at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. This highly anticipated game will feature the final Men’s National Team appearance of Landon Donovan, who announced his retirement earlier this year. The first match will start at 6 p.m. CT and can be watched on ESPN.

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (7): John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Greg Garza (Club Tijuana), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Michael Orozco (Puebla), Tim Ream (Bolton Wanderers), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake), Julian Green (Hamburg), Alfredo Morales (Ingolstadt)

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Joe Gyau (Borussia Dortmund), Miguel Ibarra (Minnesota United FC), Bobby Wood (1860 Munich)