2022 League One Young Player of the Year Nominee becomes first Owl transferred to MLS
PAPILLION, Neb. (January 12, 2023) – Union Omaha announced today the transfer of defender Ryen Jiba to Major League Soccer side Minnesota United FC for a USL League One record-breaking fee. Jiba is fresh off his first professional season in which he featured in 34 matches across all competitions and was nominated for USL League One Young Player of the Year.
Jiba played the third-most minutes on the team this season, recording 3 assists and 16 chances created with a trio of USL League One Team of the Week selections. In his 28 league appearances, the 21-year-old South Sudanese defender also racked up 27 interceptions and won 142 duels as a vital contributor to the league’s best defensive unit.
“This is a massive moment in the young history of our club and league,” Union Omaha General Manager Peter Marlette said. “Ryen had an excellent season with us last year and showed the world what his current level is and how high his potential is. We’ve proven that Union Omaha can provide young players with the right skillset and mentality the platform they need to showcase themselves to higher leagues and that we’re willing to sell them on for the right price and situation.
“Ryen is a great kid and has incredible potential as a player. I thank him for how he represented this club and city in 2022 and can’t wait to see him grow in Minnesota. To have a player go directly from Union Omaha to an MLS First Team roster is proof of concept for this club and this league. Minnesota United has been excellent to work with on this transfer from start to finish. I look forward to seeing them reap the rewards of their faith in Ryen.”
Season tickets for the 2023 season are currently available via UnionOmaha.com or the Werner Park Ticket Office by calling 402-738-5100.
ABOUT UNION OMAHA Union Omaha, the 2021 USL League One Champion, is the only professional soccer team in the state of Nebraska. USL League One is a United States Soccer Federation-sanctioned professional men’s soccer league that occupies the third tier of the American soccer landscape, below USL Championship (tier two) and Major League Soccer (tier one). Union Omaha plays its home matches at Werner Park in Sarpy County, also home to the Omaha Storm Chasers of Minor League Baseball. The team is led by General Manager Peter Marlette in the front office.
