Minnesota United selected Union Omaha fullback Ryen Jiba with the 19th pick in the MLS draft Wednesday.

Jiba, 21, played 2,309 minutes for Omaha in USL League One last season. This selection appears to be a developmental depth piece behind Loons starting left back Kemar Lawrence and newly signed free-agent backup Zarek Valentin.

Jiba is under contract with Union Omaha for 2023, so the Loons would need to negotiate a deal for his rights, the Pioneer Press understands. Jiba played left back, left-sided attacking positions and was nominated for USL League One Young Player of the Year award. He had three assists last season.

Jiba played in Union Omaha’s stunning U.S. Open Cup upset of the Loons at Allianz Field last May.

Jiba was born in South Sudan and grew up in Salt Lake City. He played at Salt Lake Community College and then for Park City Red Wolves in USL League Two before last season.

The Loons also have the No. 48 pick in the second round Wednesday, but traded away their third-round pick (No. 77) as part of the deal with L.A. Galaxy to acquire Cameron Dunbar.

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