Union Omaha leftback midfielder Ryen Jiba was selected 19th overall by MLS side Minnesota United FC in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. The USL League One Young Player of the Year nominee was recently announced as a contract option for Union Omaha going into the 2023 season.
Jiba’s eligibility for the SuperDraft was based on his two years playing for Salt Lake Community College before waiving his remaining NCAA eligibility to sign with Union Omaha in February. With his contract status at Union Omaha, Minnesota United FC will still need to work out a transfer deal in order to bring him on in 2023.
Jiba dominated at SLCC with 25 goals over 48 appearances in two seasons. He immediately became part of Union Omaha’s core lineup in 2022, with 29 appearances and racking up the third highest minutes on the club. With Union Omaha, Jiba pivoted into a defensive back role, where he excelled. He finished the season with three assists, 37 interceptions and 16 chances created.
This certainly drew the attention of Minnesota United FC, who fell to Union Omaha in the 2022 US Open Cup.
Jiba was born in South Sudan and grew up in Salt Lake City. In addition to SLCC, he was an amateur member of USL League Two side Park City Red Wolves in 2021.
Media Coverage
Minnesota United selects Union Omaha fullback Ryen Jiba in MLS draft (Twin Cities Pioneer Press)
Minnesota United selects fullback Ryen Jiba in MLS draft (Yahoo)
Minnesota United select defender Ryen Jiba, forward Emmanuel Iwe in 2023 MLS SuperDraft (Star Tribune)