Ike Opara facts for kids
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Opara with Minnesota United in 2019
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ikenna Martin Opara | ||
| Date of birth | February 21, 1989 | ||
| Place of birth | Durham, North Carolina, United States | ||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||
| Playing position | Centre Back | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2008–2009 | Cary Clarets | 13 | (0) |
| 2010–2012 | San Jose Earthquakes | 35 | (3) |
| 2013–2018 | Sporting Kansas City | 113 | (12) |
| 2019–2021 | Minnesota United | 32 | (5) |
| Total | 193 | (20) | |
| National team‡ | |||
| 2009 | United States U20 | 7 | (0) |
| 2012 | United States U23 | 4 | (0) |
| 2018 | United States | 1 | (0) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 2021 | Nashville SC (scout) | ||
| 2022– | Sporting Kansas City II (assistant) | ||
† Appearances (Goals). |
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Ikenna Martin "Ike" Opara, born on February 21, 1989, is an American former professional soccer player. He now works as an assistant coach for Sporting Kansas City II. This team plays in a league called MLS Next Pro.
Contents
Ike Opara's Soccer Journey
College and Early Years
Ike Opara played college soccer at Wake Forest University from 2007 to 2009. He played in 65 games, scoring nine goals. He also helped his team win the NCAA College Cup Championship in 2007. Ike was named the best defensive player in his conference in both 2008 and 2009.
While in college, Ike also played for a team called Cary Clarets. He played with them for two seasons in the USL Premier Development League.
Professional Career
Playing for San Jose Earthquakes
In 2010, Ike Opara was chosen third overall in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes. This was a big step in his professional career.
He played his first professional game on March 27, 2010. He scored his first goal on April 10, 2010, which helped his team win against the Chicago Fire. During his time with the Earthquakes, Ike faced some challenges with foot injuries.
Playing for Sporting Kansas City
Ike Opara moved to Sporting Kansas City in December 2012. He played his first game for them on March 23, 2013. A few months later, he scored his first goal for the club. This goal was scored in the very last minute of the game, winning it for his team.
In 2013, Ike and Sporting Kansas City won the MLS Cup. Even though he was on the bench, he was part of the winning team. He played in 21 games and was named the best new player for Sporting Kansas City that year.
Ike became a key player for Sporting Kansas City. He helped create one of the best defenses in the MLS. He played alongside other great players like Matt Besler and Graham Zusi. This strong defense, with their excellent goalie Tim Melia, helped the team win the U.S. Open Cup in 2015 and 2017. In 2017, Ike was named the MLS Defender of the Year. He was also chosen for the MLS Best XI, which lists the best players in the league.
Playing for Minnesota United FC
In January 2019, Ike Opara joined Minnesota United FC. He scored his first goal for them on May 4, 2019. For the second time in his career, he was awarded the MLS Defender of the Year Award in 2019. In August 2021, Ike's contract with Minnesota United ended.
Playing for the National Team
Ike Opara was called to play for the United States Men's National Team in January 2018. He played one full game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was his only game for the national team.
Coaching Career
Sporting Kansas City II
After his time with Minnesota United, Ike Opara worked as a scout for Nashville SC. In January 2022, he returned to Sporting Kansas City. He became an assistant coach for their second team, Sporting Kansas City II.
Honors and Awards
Sporting Kansas City
- MLS Cup: 2013
- Eastern Conference Championship (Playoffs): 2013
- U.S. Open Cup: 2015, 2017
Individual Awards
- MLS Best XI: 2017, 2019
- MLS Defender of the Year: 2017, 2019
