Former Storm player Receives Nomination

Miguel Ibarra one of the Storm alumni who was taken in the MLS Draft in 2011 by the Portland Timbers has spent his last two years with the Minnesota United of the North American Soccer League the 2^nd tier of U.S Soccer.  Was nominated by the coaches of the NASL for the Golden Ball award, a league award that is voted on by the all head coaches of the league as reported by the Star Tribune.

Miguel began his career with the Lancaster Rattlers of the USL (former name and league of the Santa Clarita Storm) in 2008 at the age to 18 quick became the most solid part of the Storm and continued with the team for three years until he was taken by the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer in the 2011 Super Draft. Miguel then was signed by the Minnesota United and has enjoyed a very successful professional career since. Miguel has sign a contract extension with Minnesota.

Miguel Ibarra

Ibarra is a fast outside midfielder who loves to be in the thick of it. Not a stranger to the attack when you see the ball in the offensive zone of his team you can beat Ibarra is either on the ball or not far from it.

With the Storm Ibarra was continuously one of the top performers on the team, and one of the top scorers of the team.

In his first year (2012) with his new Professional team Ibarra scored a game winner against the Puerto Rico Islanders in the opening game of the playoffs for that season.

Ibarra was in the starting 11 for Minnesota from day one, with a total of 30 appearances witch was every game of the season and ended with a total of five goals for his Rookie season. A threat whenever you see his name on the outside of the lineup.

Ibarra at a young age to 23 has a list of accomplishments in his soccer career. All through high school and once signing with the Storm he was a starter that played every game and once he was seen by the University of Irvine a full scholarship was without question. Once at Irvine has everywhere he played he quickly caught the attention of everyone who was watching, enough to get him in the MLS Super Draft and a selection in the 2^nd round by the Portland Timbers who loaned him to the Minnesota United of the NASL and almost immediately became a permitted part of their roster.  

Recap of Miguel Ibarra’s career

·        Lancaster High School

·        Santa Clarita Storm of NPSL (formerly Lancaster Rattlers USL)

·        University of California Irvine

·        Professional Contract with Minnesota United FC of the NASL

Accomplishments as a professional

Started and played in every game in rookie season (30)

Scored five goal first year and five assist.

2012 offered and signed contract extension.

Some information taken for the website of the Minnesota United webpage.

- See more at: http://mnunitedfc.com/the-club/2013-roster/#miguel-ibarra

Information taken from the Star Tribune:  'It's an honor just to be nominated'

Defender Aaron Pitchkolan and winger Miguel Ibarra made the league's shortlist for its "Golden Ball" (read: MVP) award, along with 14 other players. The winner will be announced in the lead up to the Soccer Bowl. The nominees came from the league's head coaches.