Ethiopian-born Abdus Ibrahim signs with Minnesota Stars FC

BLAINE, Minn. – (Press Release) – The Minnesota Stars FC roster is taking shape nicely after the club announced three veteran signings Wednesday, including a player with both local roots and Major League Soccer experience. Abdus “Fuad” Ibrahim, who was born in Ethiopia and raised in Richfield, Minn., has joined the Stars after four seasons in MLS. The team has also signed Shawn Chin and Connor Tobin, who bring experience in the lower divisions of North American soccer. Per club and league policy, terms of the signings will not be revealed. With these signings, the Stars have 24 rostered players.

Former US U-17 and U-20 player Ibrahim brings MLS experience

Known as “Ibee” to his teammates, forward Fuad Ibrahim brings the Stars four years of experience at the Major League Soccer level despite his young age. When FC Dallas drafted him in the second round in 2007, Ibrahim was the second-youngest player ever selected in the MLS Superdraft. He never made an appearance with Dallas, however, and was traded to Toronto FC in 2008, where he scored on his debut. He made 26 league appearances for Toronto between 2008 and his release after the 2010 season, scoring three goals. He also played three matches for Toronto in the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League.

Though born in Ethiopia, Ibrahim was raised in Richfield, Minn., and was a member of the United States Under-17 and Under-20 national team programs from 2006 to 2010, participating in the 2007 U-17 World Cup in South Korea and the 2010 Milk Cup in Northern Ireland. In total, he has made 52 youth international appearances and scored 12 goals.

About Minnesota Stars FC
Professional soccer in the Twin Cities enters its 23rd consecutive season as Minnesota Stars FC-formerly the NSC Minnesota Stars-prepares to defend its 2011 North American Soccer League crown. Stars FC plays its home games at the 8,500 seat NSC Stadium on the campus of the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. Stars FC plays in the eight-team NASL, which also includes the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, FC Edmonton, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Puerto Rico Islanders, San Antonio Scorpions FC and Tampa Bay Rowdies. A club in Ottawa, Ontario