Miguel Ibarra


Miguel Ángel Ibarra Andrade is an American professional soccer player who plays for Major League Soccer club Seattle Sounders FC and the United States national team.

College and amateur

Ibarra played college soccer at Taft College from 2008 to 2009, and then at UC Irvine from 2010 to 2011. During his time at Taft, Ibarra was named as Central Valley Conference MVP and at Irvine was named as Named Big West Co-Offensive Player of the Year and All-Big West First Team in 2011.
During his time at college, Ibarra played with USL Premier Development League club Lancaster Rattlers between 2008 and 2010, and later with Orange County Blue Star in 2011.

Professional career

Ibarra was selected in the second round of the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft by Portland Timbers, but was not signed by the club.

Minnesota United FC

Ibarra signed with NASL club Minnesota United FC on March 13, 2012. He made his professional debut on April 8, 2012 in a 0–0 draw against Carolina RailHawks. He was named to the NASL Best XI in 2013 and 2014. He was named NASL Player of the Month for September 2014 and was awarded the 2014 Golden Ball as the league's best player at the conclusion of the season.

Club León

Ibarra signed with Club León on June 10, 2015, for a fee reported to be near $1 million.

Return to Minnesota

Ibarra returned to Minnesota in January 2017 for their inaugural season in MLS. The Portland Timbers previously owned his MLS rights but sent them to Minnesota United as part of a trade for goalkeeper Jeff Attinella. His option was declined at the end of the 2019 season, releasing him from the club. However, it woud, have been possible for him to rejoin the team, if he had agreed to a new contract with a lower salary.

Seattle Sounders FC

On February 20, 2020, Ibarra signed with Seattle Sounders FC.

International career

Ibarra was called up to United States national team for an October 2014 friendly against Ecuador, becoming the first American second division player called up to the national team since 2005. He earned his first cap against Honduras on October 14, 2014.
Ibarra received a second call up to the national team for the final two games of the 2014 campaign but did not see playing time in either game. His first start came on February 8, 2015 in a USMNT friendly against Panama.

Personal life

Ibarra was born in the United States to Mexican parents.
Ibarra was teammates with former Minnesota Stars player Amani Walker while at UC Irvine. While at Minnesota they were roommates and carpooled to practice together.
During the 2014 season, Ibarra was joined in Minnesota by former Orange County Blue Star teammate Christian Ramirez. The two became roommates and formed a fruitful partnership on the field. Ibarra was nicknamed "Batman" and Ramirez "Superman" by the fans.

Career statistics

Honors

Individual