OMAHA, Neb. - The Omaha men's soccer team signed United States Youth National Team player Elvir Ibisevic (Des Moines, Iowa/Sporting Iowa) to a national letter of intent for the 2016 season, head coach Jason Mims announced on Wednesday.  Ibisevic will graduate high school in December and join the Mavericks for the spring semester.

“Elvir is a fantastic player with a wonderful resume,” said Mims.  “He has played at the highest level of soccer in our country.”

He becomes the first UNO recruit to come from the elite U.S. National Residency program in Bradenton, Fla.  He made two appearances in February against Panama for the U-17 Men's National Team.  Ibisevic, the first player from the state of Iowa to be invited to the residency program, is the second-ranked player in the Heartland Region for his age group according to TopDrawerSoccer.com. 

Prior to joining the residency program, Ibisevic played for the Sporting Kansas City and Sporting Iowa Academy teams.  He also was a member of the Iowa Olympic Development program and the U.S. Soccer Region II team.

Before leaving for the residency program, Ibisevic scored 41 goals in two seasons for Johnston (IA) High School. As a sophomore, he led the Dragons to a runner-up finish at state soccer tournament.

“Elvir has a humbleness about him that is refreshing and he comes from a wonderful family that has instilled a great work ethic in him,” added Mims.  “He is driven to become better.  We are excited he has chosen to continue his development here at UNO.”

The Mavericks kick-off the 2015 season with the Black-White intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.  

Omaha hosts an exhibition match against tenth rated Washington on Saturday, Aug. 22 in the South Omaha Classic to be held at Caniglia Field.  Game time is 7 p.m.

For more information about the U.S. National Residency Program, click here.