Sunday Q&A: United midfielder Miguel Ibarra

Miguel Ibarra is in the midst of a breakout season for Minnesota United FC, and the greater soccer world has taken notice. He recently received a call-up to the U.S. men's national team, where he received advice from Landon Donovan. Ibarra also made a late appearance in Tuesday's match against Honduras. Fresh off that trip, Ibarra chatted with the Star Tribune's Michael Rand.

Q Walk me through, first, your emotions on getting called up to the national team?

A I got a call from Jurgen [Klinsmann, national team coach], and I couldn't believe it. It caught me kind of off guard. I talked to him and when I realized it was true it was just amazing. It was a dream come true.

Q What brought you to Minnesota United and what got you to stay here?

A I was drafted by Portland [of MLS, in 2012]. Amos Magee was an assistant coach at the time, and I was one of the ones who was released at the end. He had told me he knew Manny Lagos, the United coach, and he asked me if I would be interested in going. He said, "We don't want you to not fight for your dream. You have a lot of potential." … I came, and Manny liked my work ethic and offered me a contract. It was a great year, and my second year was another good year. Just knowing they opened up the door made me say, "You know what? I owe this team a lot. I'm going to re-sign with them again." I have no regrets. It's been amazing.

Q Getting a national team call-up while playing in the North American Soccer League opened some eyes. What does it say to you about the league?

A I just know this league has a lot of good players. They are players who couldn't get into MLS for some reason, just like I couldn't, and maybe needed just a little more time to mature. It's a great league. Overall, it can compete. It's full of players who are hungry, and with Klinsmann giving me a call-up, it makes other players think that it doesn't matter where you play.

A It was amazing. I've always seen Donovan play since I was a little kid, with him playing for the [Los Angeles] Galaxy. I never thought I was going to be there for his last national team game. Just being there, with my locker right next to him, just talking to him and he sat down on the bench — him talking to me was an amazing experience. … He introduced himself, I introduced myself. He said, "You play in Minnesota, right?" He knows Manny because they played together. He just told me, "You've been playing well this season. Don't change what you're doing." … He just gave me a lot of confidence.

Q Getting into the match against Honduras — when you stepped onto the field, what was the emotion of that experience?

A I was on the sideline waiting to get subbed in, and then they announced my name. Walking in, running onto the field, I had chills all over my body. The atmosphere, just knowing that I had made it, it was just amazing. I couldn't believe it, and I still can't. It's a dream come true walking onto the field and representing your country.