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Sebastien Ibeagha

{{Short description|Soccer player (born 1992)}}

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Sebastien Ibeagha

| image =

| fullname = Sebastien Uchechukwu Ibeagha

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|1|21}}

| birth_place = Warri, Nigeria

| height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}{{cite web |title=Sebastien Ibeagha |url=https://www.lafc.com/players/sebastien-ibeagha/ |access-date=20 August 2022 |publisher=Los Angeles FC}}

| position = Defender

| currentclub = FC Dallas

| clubnumber = 25

| youthyears1 = 2008–2010

| youthclubs1 = Houston Dynamo

| collegeyears1 = 2010–2013

| college1 = Duke Blue Devils

| collegecaps1 = 70

| collegegoals1 = 8

| years1 = 2011–2013

| clubs1 = Carolina Dynamo

| caps1 = 25

| goals1 = 1

| years2 = 2013–2015

| clubs2 = AC Horsens

| caps2 = 17

| goals2 = 0

| years3 = 2014

| clubs3 = → FC Fredericia (loan)

| caps3 = 16

| goals3 = 1

| years4 = 2015

| clubs4 = → Fram Reykjavík (loan)

| caps4 = 19

| goals4 = 1

| years5 = 2016

| clubs5 = Houston Dynamo

| caps5 = 0

| goals5 = 0

| years6 = 2016

| clubs6 = → Rio Grande Valley FC (loan)

| caps6 = 6

| goals6 = 0

| years7 = 2016

| clubs7 = → Rayo OKC (loan)

| caps7 = 19

| goals7 = 2

| years8 = 2017

| clubs8 = San Antonio

| caps8 = 30

| goals8 = 0

| years9 = 2018–2021

| clubs9 = New York City FC

| caps9 = 64

| goals9 = 0

| years10 = 2021–2022

| clubs10 = Los Angeles FC

| caps10 = 30

| goals10 = 0

| years11 = 2023–

| clubs11 = FC Dallas

| caps11 = 81

| goals11 = 4

| nationalyears1 = 2010–2011

| nationalteam1 = United States U20

| nationalcaps1 = 7

| nationalgoals1 = 0

| pcupdate = March 15, 2025

| ntupdate =

}}

Sebastien Uchechukwu Ibeagha (born January 21, 1992) is a professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club FC Dallas. Born in Nigeria, he represented the United States national under-20 team.

Career

=Youth, college, and semi-professional=

Ibeagha joined the Houston Dynamo academy after he and his family moved to Houston, Texas from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/academy/player/sebastien-ibeagha|title=Sebastien Ibeagha|website=Houston Dynamo|access-date=April 16, 2019|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930032321/https://www.houstondynamo.com/academy/player/sebastien-ibeagha|url-status=dead}} He was named as the 2009 Dynamo Academy Player of the Year and trained with the Dynamo first team during the summer of 2009.

Ibeagha played four years of college soccer at Duke University from 2010 to 2013. He made 70 appearances for the Blue Devils, scoring eight goals and assisting on three others. Ibeagha was twice named first team All-ACC and was named as the 2012 ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He was named to one of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-South Region teams in all of his seasons with Duke.{{cite web|url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=204959799&|title=Sebastien Ibeagha|publisher=Duke Athletics|accessdate=November 30, 2017}} While at Duke, Ibeagha was offered multiple first team contracts by Houston, but he declined them due to his father wanting him to finish school and Ibeagha preferring to try to make a career in Europe.{{Cite web|url=https://indyweek.com/api/content/149211a8-1fb1-5d58-be77-1e015289726c/|title=Duke soccer star Sebastien Ibeagha on his decision to spurn Major League Soccer for Europe|last=Morris|first=Neil|date=2014-01-23|website=INDY Week|language=en-us|access-date=2019-04-16}}

While at college, Ibeagha also appeared for Premier Development League side Carolina Dynamo.{{cite web|url=http://soccerstats.us/bios/sebastien-ibeagha/|title=Sebastien Ibeagha|publisher=SoccerStats.us|accessdate=November 30, 2017}}{{better source needed|date=November 2017}}

=Professional=

== AC Horsens ==

After college, Ibeagha forgoed a homegrown contract with the Houston Dynamo and instead signed with Danish side AC Horsens.{{cite web|url=http://www.achorsens.dk/ac-horsens-skriver-kontrakt-med-sebastien-ibeagha|title=AC Horsens skriver kontrakt med Sebastien Ibeagha|publisher=AC Horsens|date=January 31, 2014|accessdate=November 30, 2017|archive-date=August 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808061459/http://www.achorsens.dk/ac-horsens-skriver-kontrakt-med-sebastien-ibeagha|url-status=dead}} He made his AC Horsens debut on March 15, 2014, in a 5–0 victory over Vejle Boldklub in the Danish Cup.{{Cite web|url=https://us.soccerway.com/players/sebastien-ibeagha/180649/matches/|title=USA – S. Ibeagha – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway|website=us.soccerway.com|access-date=2019-04-16}} Ibeagha would make his league debut for AC Horsens on March 23 in a 0–0 draw with Vejle Boldklub. He started 17 out of a possible 18 games for AC Horsens in his first season with the club.

Ibeagha made 2 appearances with AC Horsens in the 2014–15 season before being sent on loan to FC Fredericia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/players/sebastien-ibeagha|title=Sebastien Ibeagha|website=Houston Dynamo|access-date=April 16, 2019}} He made his Fredercia debut on August 10, 2014, in a 2–0 defeat to Akademisk Boldklub. On October 5, Fredericia played Ibeagha's parent club AC Horsens to a 3–3 draw, with Ibeagha scoring an own-goal.{{Cite web|url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2014/10/05/denmark/1st-division/ac-horsens/fc-fredericia/1699693/|title=Horsens vs. Fredericia – 5 October 2014 – Soccerway|website=us.soccerway.com|access-date=2019-04-16}} Ibeagha scored his first goal on October 26 in a 3–1 defeat to Vejle Boldklub.

Ibeagha returned to AC Horsens for the second half of the 2014–15 season, but he didn't feature with the team. He was loaned to Icelandic club Fram Reykjavik for Fram's 2015 season. He made his debut for Fram on May 23, 2015, in a 0–1 loss to Knattspyrnufélag Fjarðabyggðar. Ibeagha scored his first goal for Fram on August 22 in a 2–2 draw with Throttur Reykjavik.

== Houston Dynamo ==

On January 26, 2016, Ibeagha signed with his former youth club Houston Dynamo.{{cite web|url=http://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2016/01/26/houston-dynamo-sign-defender-sebastien-ibeagha|title=Houston Dynamo sign defender Sebastien Ibeagha|publisher=MLS|date=January 26, 2016|accessdate=November 30, 2017}} He struggled to find game time, so Ibeagha was sent to Houston's USL affiliate club Rio Grande Valley FC. He would make six appearances with the Torros before being loaned to NASL side Rayo OKC on July 12, 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2016/07/12/houston-dynamo-loan-defender-sebastien-ibeagha-rayo-okc|title=Houston Dynamo loan defender Sebastien Ibeagha to Rayo OKC|date=July 12, 2016|website=Houston Dynamo|access-date=April 16, 2019}} Ibeagha made his debut for Rayo OKC on July 23 in a 1–0 defeat to Puerto Rico FC. He scored his first goal for Rayo OKC on September 10 in a 3–2 win over the Jacksonville Armada. Ibeagha helped Rayo OKC qualify for the 2016 NASL Playoffs. He made zero competitive appearances in his time with Houston.

== San Antonio FC ==

On February 3, 2017, Ibeagha signed with USL club San Antonio FC.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/753263-san-antonio-fc-signs-defender-sebastien-ibeagha|title=SAN ANTONIO FC SIGNS DEFENDER SEBASTIEN IBEAGHA|last=Communications|first=San Antonio FC|date=2017-02-03|website=San Antonio FC|language=en-us|access-date=2019-04-16}} He made his SAFC debut on March 26 in a 1–0 win over Rio Grande Valley FC. He was named to the USL team of the week for Week 1.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/775015-san-antonio-fc-defender-sebastien-ibeagha-named-to-usl-team-of-the-week|title=SAN ANTONIO FC DEFENDER SEBASTIEN IBEAGHA NAMED TO USL TEAM OF THE WEEK|last=Communications|first=San Antonio FC|date=2017-03-28|website=San Antonio FC|language=en-us|access-date=2019-04-16}} Ibeagha and San Antonio recorded the second longest shutout streak in USL history between April 28 to June 17 when they went 672 minutes without conceding a goal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/859110-san-antonio-fc-defender-sebastien-ibeagha-named-usl-defender-of-the-year|title=SAN ANTONIO FC DEFENDER SEBASTIEN IBEAGHA NAMED USL DEFENDER OF THE YEAR|last=Communications|first=San Antonio FC|date=2017-11-21|website=San Antonio FC|language=en-us|access-date=2019-04-16}} Ibeagha helped San Antonio finish second in the Western Conference by anchoring defense that led the league with 15 clean sheets and conceded a league-low 24 goals in 2017. His 190 clearances were the most by any USL player for 2017. Ibeagha was named as the 2017 USL Defender of the Year and was also named to the 2017 USL All-League First Team.

== New York City FC ==

Ibeagha signed with Major League Soccer side New York City FC on February 27, 2018, after training with the team during pre-season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycfc.com/post/2018/02/28/new-york-city-fc-signs-sebastien-ibeagha|title=New York City FC Signs Sebastien Ibeagha|last=Booth|first=Mark|date=February 28, 2018|website=NYCFC|access-date=April 13, 2019}} He made his MLS debut in NYCFC's first game of the 2018 season, coming on as a sub in a 2–0 win against Sporting Kansas City.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycfc.com/players/79/sebastien-ibeagha|title=Sebastien Ibeagha|website=NYCFC.com|access-date=April 13, 2019}} Ibeagha got the start in their next game, a 2–1 win over the LA Galaxy. After only featuring as a sub for three of the next six games, Ibeagha established himself by appearing in 26 league games and starting 18 of them. He helped qualify NYCFC for the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs, their third straight season qualifying for the postseason.

After not appearing in the first five games of the 2019 season, Ibeagha started against the Montreal Impact and helped NYCFC keep a clean sheet and earn a 0–0 draw. He made 23 MLS appearances on the season, 11 being starts, to help NYCFC finish first place in the Eastern Conference and finish with the second-best defensive record in the conference.{{Cite web|url=https://fbref.com/en/comps/22/Major-League-Soccer-Stats|title=Major League Soccer Stats|website=FBref.com|language=en|access-date=2020-01-07}} However, he did not feature in the playoffs.{{Cite web|url=https://fbref.com/en/players/41ba8175/matchlogs/2019/Sebastien-Ibeagha-Match-Logs|title=Sebastien Ibeagha 2019 Match Logs|website=FBref.com|language=en|access-date=2020-01-07}}

== Los Angeles FC ==

On August 6, 2021, Ibeagha was acquired by Los Angeles FC from NYCFC in exchange for $150,000 in General Allocation Money.{{cite news |title=LAFC acquire Sebastien Ibeagha in trade with New York City FC |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/lafc-acquire-sebastien-ibeagha-in-trade-with-new-york-city-fc |access-date=6 August 2021 |work=Major League Soccer |date=6 August 2021}}

== FC Dallas ==

On December 5, 2022, Ibeagha was signed by FC Dallas three weeks after his contract with Los Angeles FC expired.{{cite web|date=December 5, 2022|title=FC Dallas sign defender Sebastien Ibeagha in free agency|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/fc-dallas-sign-defender-sebastien-ibeagha-in-free-agency|access-date=December 5, 2022|publisher=Major League Soccer}}

=International=

Ibeagha has represented the United States at the under-20 level.

Personal

Born in Nigeria, Ibeagha and his family moved to the United States in 2001. Ibeagha attended Hightower High School in Missouri City, Texas. He played varsity soccer and football in high school. Ibeagha's brother, Christian Ibeagha, currently plays for the Oklahoma City Energy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.energyfc.com/christian-ibeagha|title=#5 Christian Ibeagha|website=www.energyfc.com|access-date=2019-04-16}}

Career Statistics

= Club =

{{Updated|match played November 7, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://us.soccerway.com/players/sebastien-ibeagha/180649/|title=S. Ibeagha|website=soccerway.com|access-date=April 13, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/sebastien-ibeagha|title=Sebastien Ibeagha|website=mlssoccer.com|access-date=April 13, 2019}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|+

!rowspan="2"|Club

!rowspan="2"|Season

!colspan="3"|League

!colspan="2"|National cup

!colspan="2"|Continental

!colspan="2"|Other

!colspan="2"|Total

DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
rowspan="4" |Carolina Dynamo

|2011{{Cite web|title=Sebastien Ibeagha {{!}} SoccerStats.us|url=http://soccerstats.us/bios/sebastien-ibeagha/|access-date=16 February 2021|website=soccerstats.us}}

| rowspan="3" |USL PDL

|9

|0

|1

|0

| colspan="2" |—

|0

|0

|10

|0

2012

|11

|0

| colspan="2" |—

| colspan="2" |—

|0

|0

|11

|0

2013

|5

|1

| colspan="2" |—

| colspan="2" |—

|0

|0

|5

|1

colspan="2" |Total

!25

!1

!1

!0

!0

!0

!0

!0

!26

!1

rowspan="3" |AC Horsens

|2013–14

| rowspan="2" |Danish 1st Division

|15

|0

|2

|0

| colspan="2" |—

| colspan="2" |—

|17

|0

2014–15

|2

|0

|0

|0

| colspan="2" |—

| colspan="2" |—

|2

|0

colspan="2" | Total

!17

!0

!2

!0

!0

!0

!0

!0

!19

!0

FC Fredericia (loan)

|2014–15

|Danish 1st Division

|16

|1

|0

|0

| colspan="2" |—

| colspan="2" |—

|16

|1

Fram Reykjavík (loan)

|2015

|1. deild karla

|19

|1

|1

|0

| colspan="2" |—

| colspan="2" |—

|20

|1

Houston Dynamo

|2016

|Major League Soccer

|0

|0

|0

|0

| colspan="2" |—

| colspan="2" |—

|0

|0

Rio Grande Valley FC (loan)

|2016

|United Soccer League

|6

|0

| colspan="2" |—

| colspan="2" |—

| colspan="2" |—

|6

|0

Rayo OKC (loan)

|2016

|North American Soccer League

|18

|2

|0

|0

| colspan="2" |—

|1{{efn|Appearance in North American Soccer League Playoffs}}

|0

|19

|2

San Antonio FC

|2017

|United Soccer League

|30

|0

|1

|0

| colspan="2" |—

|2{{efn|Appearances in United Soccer League Playoffs}}

|0

|33

|0

rowspan="4" |New York City FC

|2018

| rowspan="4" |Major League Soccer

|26

|0

|1

|0

| colspan="2" |—

|0

|0

|27

|0

2019

|23

|0

|3

|0

| colspan="2" |—

|0

|0

|26

|0

2020

|7

|0

| colspan="2" |—

|2{{efn|Appearances in CONCACAF Champions League|name=Con}}

|0

|1{{efn|Appearance in MLS Cup Playoffs|name=Play}}

|0

|10

|0

2021

|8

|0

| colspan="2" |—

| colspan="2" |—

| colspan="2" |—

|8

|0

colspan="3" | Total

!64

!0

!4

!0

!2

!0

!1

!0

!71

!0

Los Angeles FC

|2021

|Major League Soccer

|13

|0

|colspan="6"|—

|13

|0

colspan="3" |Career total

!208

!5

!9

!0

!2

!0

!4

!0

!223

!5

{{Notelist}}

Honors

Los Angeles FC

Individual

  • USL Defender of the Year: 2017
  • USL All-League First Team: 2017
  • ACC Defensive Player of the Year: 2012
  • First Team All-ACC: 2012, 2013
  • Second Team All-ACC: 2011
  • All-ACC Freshman Team: 2010
  • NSCAA All-American Third Team: 2013
  • NSCAA All-South Region First Team: 2012, 2013
  • NSCAA All-South Region Second Team: 2011
  • NSCAA All-South Region Third Team: 2010
  • Dynamo Academy Player of the Year: 2009

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

  • {{MLS player|sebastien-ibeagha}}

{{FC Dallas squad}}

{{Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Year navbox}}

{{USL Defender of the Year}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ibeagha, Sebastien}}

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:American expatriate men's soccer players

Category:American expatriate sportspeople in Denmark

Category:American expatriate sportspeople in Iceland

Category:African-American soccer players

Category:American sportspeople of Nigerian descent

Category:American men's soccer players

Category:Men's association football defenders

Category:North Carolina Fusion U23 players

Category:Duke Blue Devils men's soccer players

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Denmark

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Iceland

Category:Houston Dynamo FC players

Category:Major League Soccer players

Category:New York City FC players

Category:Los Angeles FC players

Category:FC Dallas players

Category:Nigerian men's footballers

Category:North American Soccer League (2011–2017) players

Category:Sportspeople from Missouri City, Texas

Category:Rayo OKC players

Category:Rio Grande Valley FC Toros players

Category:San Antonio FC players

Category:Soccer players from Texas

Category:USL Championship players

Category:United States men's under-20 international soccer players

Category:USL League Two players

Category:Footballers from Warri

Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:21st-century Nigerian sportsmen