Miguel Ibarra Makes First USMNT Start In Win Over Panama

Photo credit: Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC’s Miguel Ibarra lined up next to his good friend Gyasi Zardes during the national anthem. They both were making their first starts for the United States Men’s National Team.

When Zardes slipped Clint Dempsey in on goal for the team’s second tally in a 2-0 win over Panama, Ibarra jumped into his friend’s arms before running over to Dempsey to celebrate.

"Just being out there playing in front of my family, my friends, it was just amazing," Ibarra said.

Ibarra’s unyielding speed and stamina would play a role in both goals for the U.S.  

He was racing down the left flank in the 4-on-4 rush that led to Dempsey’s goal. Earlier in the first half, he sped after a long ball down the left side and had enough of an advantage that the Panama defender was forced to boot the ball out of bounds deep in his territory. A corner kick would soon follow and Michael Bradley swerved the kick into the far top corner for a rare Olimpico goal.

"That was a good experience," Ibarra said. "From the guys in the locker room, just to let me go out there and be confident, just make sure I play how I know how to play, and everything came out just how I wanted."

The NASL, which features 11 teams - nine from the U.S. and two from Canada - had 18 of its players suit up for their respective national teams in 2014. Having a player start for the USMNT is special, though. The last player from the NASL to start a game for the USMNT was Perry Van Der Beck on Feb. 8, 1985, who scored the lone goal in 1-1 draw against Switzerland in a friendly played in Tampa, Fla.

Dempsey said Ibarra’s rapid development with the national team is a testament to the value of U.S.-based leagues such as the NASL.

"You need those types of leagues for development and to just help the game grow here," he said. "It goes to show you that if you’re playing well, no matter what league you’re in, you can always get a call-up and make a difference, and I think Miguel took advantage of his opportunity today."

Chris Wondolowski, the leading goal scorer in MLS in 2010 and 2012, mirrored Dempsey’s response, calling Ibarra’s performance "a great thing" for the NASL.

"Miguel’s a wonderful player and it shows where the league is at," he said. "I think it’s going to continue to develop and it’s going to make American soccer better."

Wondolowski said he wouldn't be surprised if more NASL players earn time with the national team in the coming years.

"If they have the skill, absolutely," he said.

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann first beckoned Ibarra last October against Ecuador, making him the first NASL call-up since the launch of the league’s Modern Era in 2011. He earned his first cap four days later against Honduras. Ibarra didn’t appear in the next three matches, but impressed Klinsmann enough in recent training that he gave him the start against Panama at left midfield.

Klinsmann liked what he witnessed, just as he did in camp last month.

"He’s a regular already and he proved that in every training session," Klinsmann said. "He has an endless engine. He’s very smart tactically, he helps out defensively and he always has an eye for the forwards. And he himself, as he’s shown with his club, he can finish things as well."

The USMNT has five more friendly matches scheduled before the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July in 13 North American cities. Klinsmann said he plans to field the best team possible for the tournament. Based on his comments Sunday, that would include Ibarra.

"I think he’s done a very, very good job and he’s totally respected and a part of this group now," Klinsmann said. "That’s nice to see that process over half a year."