PAPILLION, Nebraska — Union Omaha announced the transfer of defender Ryen Jiba to Major League Soccer's Minnesota United FC for a USL League One record-breaking fee. The move came on the heels of Jiba's first professional season, in which he featured in 34 matches across all competitions and earned a nomination for the 2022 USL League One Young Player of the Year award.

The 21-year-old played the third-most minutes on the team, recording three assists and 16 chances created, with three USL League One Team of the Week selections to his name. In 28 league appearances, Jiba racked up 27 interceptions and won 142 duels — the third-most by a defender in the league that season — as a key contributor to the best defensive unit in USL League One. He also played a central role in Union Omaha's historic 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run, which saw the club eliminate both Chicago Fire FC and Minnesota United FC en route to a memorable postseason campaign.

"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. 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."

Jiba joined Omaha from Salt Lake Community College ahead of the 2022 season, having previously earned regional first-team honors three times and the 2019 NJCAA Region 18 Player of the Year award, tallying 25 goals and 20 assists over his three-year career with the SLCC Bruins.