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NASL Minnesota United FC

Miguel Ibarra Called up to USMNT

May 31, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Sunday, May 31, 2015) -- U.S. Soccer announced today that Miguel Ibarra has been called up to the Men's National Team for friendlies to be played in the beginning of June. Ibarra will travel to Europe to play the Netherlands and 2014 World Cup Champion Germany as the U.S., prepares for the Gold Cup in July.

"It's always an honor to get called up and play for your country you were born in and raised," said Miguel Ibarra. "Again thanks to my teammates who've been pushing me this season and always keeping me positive. Can't wait to get out there with the USA team and get more experience and keep learning I can only get better there is always room to grow."

This is Ibarra's sixth straight call to play with the National Team. Since October of last year, he has made three appearances and made one start for the U.S. appearing against Honduras, Panama, and Mexico.

U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Jürgen Klinsmann has praised Ibarra for his accomplishments and playing ability with the U.S. and Minnesota.

"He's an endless runner," says Klinsmann. "He can tie up [defenders], he's technically very gifted, he has a great vision, he sees through people to play the killer balls, he's not afraid in front of the goal to finish things himself. There's a huge amount of talent there, and when he's in the middle of that process he's developing a personality. Every camp, he gets stronger. Every time he comes in, he's another level. And this is what we want to see from Miguel."

Starting June 1st, the U.S. will train in Europe to prepare for its matches against two of the top ten teams in the world. They will first take on the Netherlands, who are currently ranked 6th, on June 5th at Amsterdam Arena. The Dutch boast some of the top players in the world including Robin van Persie, Tim Krul, and Wesley Sneijder and have been one of the best teams in the world the past several years, which included a runner-up finish at the 2010 World Cup. Kickoff for the match will be at 1:30 p.m. CDT and can be viewed on ESPN, WatchESPN, UniMas, and UDN.

From there, the U.S. will travel to face the Netherlands' biggest rival, and top team in the world, Germany on June 10th. For many years the Germans have established themselves as one of the dominant powers in soccer, and have proven that fact once again by winning their 4th World Cup last year. With the likes of Mario Götze, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Özil, and Mats Hummels, Germany is not to be taken lightly.

Though Germany has left its main goalkeeper Manuel Neuer off the roster, Ibarra and the U.S. will have their work cut out for them. That match will be played at RheinEnergieSTADION in Cologne and will kick off at 1:45 p.m. CDT. You can catch this match on Fox Sports 1, UniMas, and UDN.

Cheer on Miguel Ibarra and the rest of United when the team returns home on June 13th to close out its Spring Season. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. and you can get your tickets today by calling 763.4SOCCER or visiting MNUnitedFC.com/tickets.

About Minnesota United FC Minnesota United FC plays in the 11-team North American Soccer League (NASL), which also includes the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, FC Edmonton, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, San Antonio Scorpions, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Ottawa Fury FC, Indy Eleven, Jacksonville Armada and the New York Cosmos. Find out more about Minnesota United at MNUnitedFC.com, Facebook.com/MNUnitedFC, and on Twitter @MNUnitedFC.

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