Miguel Ibarra Reportedly Called-Up for USMNT October Friendlies

Jurgen Klinsmann’s decisions has caused some head shaking in the past. However, it seems like Klinsmann will do what Klinsmann wants despite the lack of support from media at times. Most of the time his formational choices and call-up decisions, like DeAndre Yedlin among others, paid off in the end.

On Monday, ESPN FC’s Doug McIntyre first reported that Klinsmann is going to call up NASL side Minnesota United midfielder Miguel Ibarra for the October friendlies against Ecuador and Honduras. This report has many wondering what Klinsmann is thinking or what he hopes to accomplish with his call-ups.

For starters, the reported call-up of Miguel Ibarra is intriguing. It shows that Klinsmann isn’t focused on only calling up those playing in the top leagues in Europe and in North America. This shift seems to be a growing trend recently.

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Last month he called-up Stanford’s attacker Jordan Morris to the senior squad. For October it seems like Ibarra will be the first lower-division player to be called into the senior squad since Clyde Simms, who was called-up in 2005 when he played for USL-PRO side Richmond Kickers.

After the call-up, Simms was signed by DC United and spent his last nine years as player in MLS.

Minnesota United issued a statement after McIntrye broke the news of Ibarra’s call-up.

"“We are aware of the speculation regarding the possibility of Midfielder Miguel Ibarra being called up for the U.S. Men’s National Team training camp in October.Although we have not seen a finalized list of players being called up and we don’t know if he will ultimately end up on such a list, we are not surprised that a young and talented player like Miguel Ibarra has drawn the attention of the U.S. Men’s coaching staff.We are extremely proud of how Miguel has developed as a player and a person over the last several years here in Minnesota.”"

While they didn’t offer any form of confirmation, Ibarra himself tweeted about the news, but also made clear where his focus is right now.

Ibarra was drafted by the Portland Timbers in the 2012 Supplemental Draft but was not signed. Earlier this season, New York Red Bulls tried to have Ibarra as a trialist, but no agreement was made.

It is smart for Klinsmann to scout outside of MLS, EPL, etc. and take a look at lower-divisions. It’s never clear who could be considered a steal or a diamond in the rough and where these players are located. This move can’t hurt and allows Klinsmann to see the potential of a larger pool of players.

With a busy time ahead in 2015 and 2016, it is wise for Klinsmann and US Soccer to scout within the lower-divisions. Ibarra has helped Minnesota succeed this season as they currently sit atop the NASL Fall Season table.

Check out some highlights below of Ibarra’s play courtesy of Minnesota United.

Check back with Playing for 90 for the latest news and analysis involving USMNT and Jurgen Klinsmann’s call-ups for the October friendlies.