Minnesota United announced today the club has acquired defender Miguel Tapias from CF Pachuca of Liga MX to a three year contract, with a club option for 2026. Tapias will join the Loons pending a physical and will occupy an international spot on Minnesota’s roster.
Tapias will be made available to media following today’s training session, at 11:45 a.m. CT at the National Sports Center, in Blaine, Minn.
“Miguel [Tapias] first came across our attention when we played [CF] Pachuca in 2019, we’ve kept in touch with him and have been following him ever since,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “The one thing that stuck out for us on the night was he played centerback and he had an incredible leap. I remember watching him win some of the headers and thinking the kid has some leap on him. Obviously, the fact that he’s left-footed, the fact that he’s got experience, the fact that he can play left-side centerback, he’s played in a three-man backline, he can play leftback in a four, the fact that he’s 26 – everything combined made it a no-brainer for us. Really pleased to get him here. It’s not very often you get free transfers out of Mexico and it was a huge leap of faith for the boy as well. He’s got a very strong resolve, mentally. As I said, his athleticism, his age, his experience were all items we were looking for and we’re glad we found it.”
The Mexican centerback joins Minnesota United after four years at CF Pachuca. In his four seasons at Pachuca, Tapias has over 70 game appearances, with two goals, including Copa MX and Copa MX Apertura contests. Tapias was on the roster for the international friendly between Pachuca and Minnesota United in Spetember of 2019. He joined the Pachuca youth system at age 11 and progressed through their youth squads. He made his professional debut in 2016 when Tapias was loaned to Ascenson MX side Mineros de Zacatecas. He made 46 appearances in his two seasons on loan with Zacatecas before returning to Pachuca in 2018. Internationally, Tapias was a part of the Mexican youth national teams.
Transaction: Minnesota United sign Miguel Tapias to a three year contract, with a club option for 2026.
VITALS
Miguel Tapias
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 01.09.1997 (26 years old)
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 154lb
Birthplace: Hermosillo, Mexico
Citizenship: Mexico
