Minnesota United Sign Christian Ramirez & Miguel Ibarra
As Minnesota United prepares to compete in its inaugural MLS season, the Loons have announced the signing of former duo Christian Ramirez and midfielder Miguel Ibarra to professional contracts. Minnesota will play its first MLS match versus the Portland Timbers on March 3rd.
MLS Soccer News: Minnesota United has announced the signing of forward Christian Ramirez and midfielder Miguel Ibarra to Major League Soccer contracts ahead of the club’s inaugural season. Ramirez has played with the Loons for the past three seasons, while Ibarra returns to Minnesota after being transferred to Club León of Liga MX in 2015. Ibarra will be added to the club’s roster pending receipt of his ITC.
“I’m thrilled to be bringing back two players of this quality,” said Sporting Director Manny Lagos. “First and foremost we are getting two great personalities and two individuals who have embraced the club and are committed to growing the game in our community. They are obviously great talents on the field and we are very excited to have them be a part of our transition and future in Major League Soccer.”
The duo played key roles in Minnesota’s offensive blueprint during their tenure as teammates, with Ibarra showcasing his speed and skill on the wings and Ramirez remaining a constant threat in front of goal.
“I’m extremely excited about these players,” said MNUFC head coach Adrian Heath. “Christian and Miguel have proven themselves in this market before as both on-field and off-field assets. They wanted to be back here in Minnesota to be a part of what we are doing with this club and in this community. I can’t wait to begin working with each of them.”
Both players have earned several accolades during their careers with Minnesota in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Ramirez was named to the NASL Best XI on three occasions and was the first player to win the Golden Boot twice. Ibarra has a pair of Best XI appearances, along with a Golden Ball Award (MVP), and was the first U.S. lower division player to be called up to the U.S. Men’s National Team since 2005.
“It means the world to me,” Ibarra said. “This club has given me everything. These fans are the absolute best and I cannot wait to put on the Minnesota colors and represent the crest again. I’m happy and excited to be back home and can’t wait to get started.”
Ibarra was the first of the two to come to Minnesota, signing with the club in 2012. In his first year as a professional, he helped Minnesota make its second-straight NASL championship appearance.
“First of all I want to thank God, my family and my wife for their support in me through the years,” Ramirez said. “Second I am very grateful for this opportunity to continue playing in Minnesota and help continue the growth of soccer in this state. It was a very long process this offseason but I am very thankful for the belief that the club has in me to bring me along while making the jump to Major League Soccer.”
Ramirez began his professional career in 2013 with Charlotte Eagles of the USL. He scored 12 goals that campaign, en route to a USL Championship matchup against Orlando City, which was led by current Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath. Ramirez netted a pair of goals in the championship match, putting on a stunning performance despite the Eagles’ loss.
Ramirez was forced into a starting role at the start of the 2014 season after Minnesota forward Pablo Campos went down with an ACL injury during the team’s preseason trip to England. Ramirez scored just minutes into his debut, which would be one of many to come in his years with Minnesota United.
The two players were an unstoppable force in the league that campaign, combining for 29 goals to help Minnesota to a first place finish during the regular season. 20 goals for Ramirez earned him the Golden Boot and Ibarra was named NASL’s Most Valuable Player with the Golden Ball.
Ibarra was transferred to Club Leon on Mexico’s Liga MX in June 2015, having played nine games for Minnesota that season. He made eight appearances for Leon in his first season, scoring on one occasion.
Meanwhile, Ramirez has proven to be one of the most valuable players on the Loons’ roster during his career. He has made 92 consecutive appearances across all competitions for Minnesota, missing just one game due to injury in the 2016 season. His consistent contributions to MNUFC’s success earned him three-straight NASL Best XI awards.
“It’s been a dream of mine to play in MLS since I was younger and attended games in Los Angeles growing up,” Ramirez said. “I know there will be an adjustment period coming into this league and I’m very excited about the challenge ahead and the opportunity to work with coach Heath and the rest of the coaching staff. Lastly, I’m very excited about continuing to have the privilege to play in front of the Dark Clouds and True North Elite once again!”
Now reunited in Minnesota, the duo is ready to take on MLS in the club’s inaugural season that kicks off March 3rd in Portland. The club will host its inaugural home opener on March 12th when they face off against fellow expansion side Atlanta United FC.
TRANSACTION: Minnesota United sign forward Christian Ramirez and midfielder Miguel Ibarra on January 5, 2017. Ibarra will be added to the club’s roster pending receipt of his ITC.
Photo Credit: Minnesota United
