USMNT midfielder Miguel Ibarra wins NASL Golden Ball Award
U.S. men's national team member Miguel Ibarra has won the North American Soccer League's Golden Ball Award, which is given to the league's most valuable player, the NASL announced Friday.
Ibarra is a midfielder for Minnesota United FC in the league, who won the 2014 NASL Spring Season Championship and clinched the top seed in the league's postseason tournament.
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"It's an honor to win the Golden Ball award. This award isn't just for me. I think our whole team deserves this award because we had an amazing run and an amazing year," Ibarra said.
Ibarra scored nine goals and added five assists for Minnesota in 2014. He was named Player of the Week twice and was Player of the Month in September.
The 24-year-old made his debut with the USMNT on Oct. 14 for a friendly with Honduras and has been called up to the team twice this year.
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"This has been an unforgettable year for me," Ibarra said. "It’s all a dream come true, and all I ever dreamed of since I was a kid. Hard work, dedication and faith was what did it for me. I want to thank everyone again for this award. It's an honor."
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