For most rookies, the first season in Major League Soccer is a bit of a transitory time. Newcomers gradually pick up minutes and attempt to work their way into coaches’ systems as they adjust to the faster play, more physical opponents, and more advanced technical strategies that the league presents in comparison to college. But for United midfielder Ian Harkes, being a rookie has simply meant continuing to do what he did throughout his youth and collegiate career—shining at the core of the team thanks his workhorse mentality and box-to-box ability.
At 22 years old, Harkes is usually the youngest United player on the pitch come matchday, but it’s hard to detect his youth and relative professional inexperience. Since making his debut in March, Harkes has already been a major contributor for the Black-and-Red, starting 16 matches and amassing 1,439 minutes played, good for the most rookie minutes in all of Major League Soccer so far this season.
“I’ve known Ian nearly his entire life and have watched him develop into one of the nation’s best young talents," Ben Olsen, head coach, said. "He has all the tools to succeed at this level."
Harkes’ end-to-end play has been a welcome injection into United’s midfield, as the Homegrown’s capacity to transition from holding defensively to making late off-ball runs into the attack has aided United’s possession, distribution, and opportunity creation on both ends of the field. Harkes has created 14 chances so far this season and has rapidly improved his passing, leading United in completed passes in four matches and completing 85% or more of his passes in six of his last seven matches after doing so only once in his first 10 appearances.
The Homegrown has also started to pick up points for the Black-and-Red. Harkes tallied his first career MLS assist on June 21 versus Atlanta, when he sent a perfectly-placed ball into the box for a Patrick Nyarko volley. Then, on July 4, Nyarko returned the favor, dishing a ball across the top of the box to Harkes, who one-timed his shot past FC Dallas’ keeper and won AT&T Goal of the Week for the beautiful strike.
While Harkes’ rookie success is extremely promising, it’s hardly surprising. The midfielder joined MLS after captaining the Wake Forest men’s soccer team, scoring four game-winning goals (five total) and notching four assists to lead the Demon Deacons to the 2016 College Cup championship. Harkes capped off his collegiate career with the MAC Hermann Trophy for college soccer’s top player, and was recently named one of five nominees for the ESPYS Best Male College Athlete award.
Now, as United enter the second half of the season and attempt to make a late playoff push, Harkes has undoubtedly asserted himself as a key member of the squad moving forward. While he’ll don the rookie status for the remainder of 2017, Harkes’ proven influence and steady development will serve as welcome signs for the Black-and-Red’s potential in the years to come.
