<img alt="" src="/sites/dallas/files/LSIhemelu.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 450px;" /><br />
<em>Photographer: Anthony Chiang<br />
Grooming: Barbara Guillaume, Joanna Hathcock, and Mike Evans<br />
Styling: Kathryn Knox<br />
Assistant Stylist: Lindsey Higgins</em><br>
Acquired
Signed with FC Dallas following a trade with Colorado on August 31, 2009.
Professional
2012: Named FC Dallas captain at the beginning of the season… Ihemelu started and played every minute for FC Dallas through the first 10 games of the season, before suffering a concussion against Colorado on May 6… Ihemelu scored one goal, a game-winner which came in stoppage-time of a 1-0 win against the New England Revolution on April 5. 2011: Ihemelu logged career highs in games played (31), games started (30), minutes played (2726) and goals (2)... As of March 10, 2012, he ranks 32nd amoung active MLS players in minutes played (14879)... Ihemelu logged the second-most minutes for FC Dallas across all competitions (43GP, 3691MP). 2010: Started 18 games for FC Dallas... Scored his only goal of the season against Houston on May 5... The goal was a game winner, securing FC Dallas’ first-ever victory in Houston against the Dynamo... Picked up an assist on a George John goal in the 54th minute of FC Dallas’ 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Western Conference Final... 2009: Started 20 games for the Colorado Rapids and provided two assists before being traded to FC Dallas on Aug. 31…Made his FCD debut at right back on Sept. 5 versus D.C. United…Scored his first FCD goal in the regular season home finale on Oct. 17 versus his former club the Colorado Rapids, it was his second career goal...2008: Ihemelu played a big part in the Rapids defense in 2008, starting 16 of the 18 matches that he appeared in and playing all 90 minutes in 15 of those 16 contests…Played in 1,493 minutes…His efforts led to the Rapids allowing a league-low 278 shots on goal all season…Appeared in one Rapids Reserve match...2007: Appeared in 25 games…Played 2,018 minutes, tied for a team high among defenders…Scored his first career goal against Chivas USA on Oct. 14...2006: Appeared in 25 games, making 23 starts with 2,031 minutes played for L.A.…Registered his first career MLS assist on 7/27 against the New England Revolution in a 1-1 tie at Gillett e Stadium...2005: Played in 25 games for the Galaxy as a rookie - 23 of them starts - and logged 2,031 minutes while recording one assist…A contender for Rookie of the Year honors.
International
2010: Following Dallas’ run to MLS Cup in 2010, Alexander, Shea, Loyd and Ihemelu made FC Dallas one of the most-represented MLS teams at the January U.S. National Team camp. Ihemelu was sent home prior to the Jan.22 match against Chile due to a groin injury. 2009: Took part in the U.S. MNT training camp in Jan. and Feb... Made his second appearance with the National Team on Jan. 24 in the 3-2 U.S. win over Sweden when he replaced Michael Parkhurst in the U.S. lineup and played 14 minutes...2006: Participated in a U.S. men’s national team camp in Jan. at The Home Depot Center... Earned his first career cap as a substitute in a 5-0 win over Norway on Jan. 29, 2006… was invited to a U.S. U20 National Team camp after a solid freshman year at SMU.
College
2004: Ihemelu was a three-time all-Missouri Valley Conference selection and an All-American during his time at SMU... 2003: A first team all conference pick that scored three goals and contributed one assist in 22 games...2002: A second team All-MVC choice... 2001: One of three players to start all 21 games the Mustangs played, recording two assists.
Personal
Full name is Ugochukwu Ihemelu…Fourth of five children…Both parents grew up in Nigeria…Family later moved to Winnipeg, Canada and then to Texas…Grew up competing in soccer, football, basketball and track…Double major in general business and psychology. Ihemelu has a dog named Harper.