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Ibarra no lock for USMNT call-up, but has reportedly drawn interest from Orlando City

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By CARL SETTERLUND

Miguel Ibarra may not quite be a lock to earn a surprise U.S. Men’s National Team call-up, but the Minnesota United player has caught the eye of Major League Soccer scouts.

The two-time reigning NASL Player of the Week could be on his way to MLS next season, according to a report on Tuesday that expansion side Orlando City is interested in acquiring Ibarra.

An ESPN report on Monday had Ibarra earning a national team call-up for the USMNT’s October friendlies, but Goal.com is now reporting that Ibarra has only been included on the preliminary roster and isn’t yet guaranteed a spot in the USMNT roster against Ecuador and Honduras.

Either way, Ibarra’s star is surely on the rise after helping to turn Minnesota United FC into one of the top teams in the NASL. Ibarra has contributed eight goals and five assists this season from his outside position.

He would be a formidable acquisition if Orlando City can manage it.

The Lions like to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, which would mean a hypothetical lineup of Kaká playing No. 10 spot next season in between Ibarra and USL Pro MVP Kevin Molino.

The Ibarra rumor puts a further spotlight on last week’s MLS Expansion Priority Draft when the Lions were gifted the top spot in the USL Pro/NASL player priority ranking. That happened after New York City FC coach Jason Kreis mistakenly selected the 20th spot in the discovery ranking from the bottom of his list.

At the time, more attention was shown toward OCSC coach Adrian Heath’s luck in pocketing the top picks in the Expansion Draft and SuperDraft, but it’s starting to look like the USL Pro/NASL ranking could also end up netting Orlando City a potential MLS star.

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What do you think of Orlando City’s reported interest in Ibarra? Hoping he makes it to the USMNT?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

    • he had his notes under the table and read from the bottom of his list instead of the top. it was pretty dumb on his part and he tried to get a do-over. Conrad, caught in an awkward position, then looked out into the group of reporters and asked MLS executive Todd Durbin if they would allow it. he seemed to also be caught off-guard and, after a uncomfortable pause, was like, “i think you have to stick with what you picked.”

      so Conrad nervously laughed along with Kries who was bright red at this point. it was pretty funny to watch.

      Reply

      • That’s how I read it so and am in disbelief. Also since I’m in such disbelief I also think u could be joking haha

      • Sorry, OCSC between Matchday and TV Revenue will blow Minnesota out of the water from a having of money perspective. And even if Ibarra does get the call up (and not just prelim roster) that will make USMNT Callup count 76,201 (Made this # up) MLS to 1 NASL. If Ibarra wants to be a USMNT player he would be wise to beg Minnesota to sell him.

      • MN United’s owner is very wealthy. He left his last job with at least $800 million and that was years ago. If he wants to pay Ibarra a lot, he is certainly capable of doing so.

        I think the real issue is the one you identify in your last sentence: Ibarra’s own professional ambition. He wants to play in the MLS and said as much when the NY Red Bulls were interested in him last year (it didn’t happen partly because they weren’t willing to pay a transfer fee to MN United).

      • Yes true it is more about his professional ambition – also even if they could do it I would like to see all US Leagues as well as overseas leagues run from their own revenue and not deep pocketed owners.

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