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Minnesota United made a roster move today, extending one of their top players from the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The club announced that they have come to an agreement with Miguel Ibarra, who played well enough last season to earn a spot on the NASL Best XI.
The 24-year old trialed with the Portland Timbers before joining United ahead of the 2012 season. His first season in Minnesota saw him start 30 matches in total, 28 in the NASL and a pair in the U.S. Open Cup. He registered five goals and five assists, and probably should have been awarded a spot in the NASL Best XI based on his showings throgout the year. In 2013, he'd be given that honor which he deserved the season before. He started 26 matches (all in the league), scoring one goal and setting up three others.
WIth Pablo Campos going down for quite a while with an ACL injury, bringing Ibarra back was of crucial importance if United hope to contend in 2014. The Cosmos won't get their first look at Ibarra and Minnesota for just over a month, their spring meeting will be played May12th at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium.