Ian Harkes, the 2016 MAC Hermann Trophy winner and United’s ninth Homegrown Player, will make his Major League Soccer debut during Sunday’s match against New York City FC. The Fairfax, Virginia, native is a former D.C. United academy member and the son of legendary United and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder John Harkes.
Harkes signed with United in January of 2017 following a standout collegiate career at Wake Forest University, but his roots with the club extend much deeper. Twenty-one years ago, a one-year-old Harkes watched his father, the Black-and-Red captain at the time, lead D.C. to their first MLS Cup.
Harkes joined United’s academy in 2009 and developed into a standout high school midfielder. He captained United’s U-16 and U-18 teams and starred on his Gonzaga High School team, where he was named the 2011 Washington, D.C. Gatorade Player of the Year.
The accolades continued to accumulate for the midfielder during Harkes’ four years with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. As a freshman, Harkes was the only Deac to start every match, ultimately earning him a spot on the 2013 All-ACC Freshman Team. He dominated the midfield during his sophomore and junior years, earning All-ACC honors, All-ACC Championship Tournament honors, and NSCAA All-South Region honors.
Harkes’ senior year was his best yet, as he captained Wake in a season that culminated in a College Cup championship appearance for only the second time in the school’s history. The midfielder scored four game-winning goals (five total) and added four assists en route to the championship game while earning him the MAC Hermann Trophy for college soccer’s top player.
While the transition to professional soccer can be a huge jump for some collegiate players, Harkes has already impressed United’s coaching staff with his prowess in the midfield. He’s a true box-to-box player, capable of holding to bolster the back line while also transitioning well into the offense, making late runs in the final third to support the attack. Harkes will lock down the Black-and-Red’s midfield alongside Jared Jeffrey, and while the 21-year-old is adept at both the "six" or "eight" roles, don’t be surprised if Harkes gets involved on the other end of the pitch as well—his strong off-the-ball runs helped him net nine goals and complete 18 assists while at Wake.
Harkes’ debut with the Black-and-Red on Sunday is cause for genuine excitement among United fans old and new. The talented midfielder symbolizes the ripe potential of the Black-and-Red’s future thanks to their Homegrown Players, their recent acquisitions, and their youthful talent, all of which Harkes embodies.
