Ian Harkes

Ian Harkes Bio

Ian Andrew Harkes (born March 30, 1995) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes. He previously played for Dundee United F.C. in The Scottish Championship and The Scottish Premier League as well as D.C. United in Major League Soccer. Harkes is a recipient of the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is awarded to the best college soccer player in the United States. He is the son of John Harkes, who captained the U.S. national soccer team during the 1990s.

Early Life and Background

Ian Harkes was born in Derby, England. He grew up in a family with a strong soccer background, being the son of former U.S. international John Harkes. Ian began playing soccer at a young age, showing promise early on. He attended Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., where he played high school soccer and was a standout player. Harkes played for the youth academy of D.C. United, where he served as captain for the U-18 and U-16 teams. His early exposure to the sport and leadership roles helped shape his future career.

Path to Soccer

Harkes’s success in high school soccer earned him several accolades, including being named the Gatorade Player of the Year in D.C. in 2011. He was also selected as an NSCAA First Team High School All-American and participated in the High School All-American Game. After high school, Harkes signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Wake Forest University, where he continued to excel in collegiate soccer. During his time at Wake Forest, he became a key player, earning All-ACC honors and leading his team to significant tournament runs.

Ian Harkes Career

Early Career (2017-2018)

Ian Harkes signed a homegrown contract with D.C. United in January 2017. He made his professional debut on March 12, 2017, playing a full 90 minutes in a match against New York City FC. Harkes scored his first goal for D.C. United in a U.S. Open Cup match against Christos FC on June 13, 2017. Despite a promising start, he faced challenges in his second year, losing his starting position and making only eight appearances during the 2018 season before being released by the club.

Breakthrough (2019-2023)

In January 2019, Harkes signed a two-year contract with Dundee United in the Scottish Championship. He made an immediate impact, scoring in his debut match and continuing to perform well throughout his time at the club. Harkes played a significant role in Dundee United’s promotion to the Scottish Premiership during the 2019-2020 season. He extended his contract with the club until 2022 and continued to be a key player in the squad. In July 2023, Harkes signed with the New England Revolution, where he made his first appearance shortly after joining the team. He scored his first two goals for the Revolution in a match against D.C. United, marking a significant moment in his career.

Notable Works and Milestones

Ian Harkes is known for his achievements in both collegiate and professional soccer. He was awarded the MAC Hermann Trophy in 2017, recognizing him as the best college soccer player in the United States. His transition from D.C. United to Dundee United marked a significant step in his career, leading to his eventual signing with the New England Revolution.

Ian Harkes Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Ian Harkes has received recognition for his performances, including the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy awarded in 2017.

Ian Harkes Awards Won

Ian Harkes has won the MAC Hermann Trophy, which highlights his excellence in collegiate soccer.

Ian Harkes Family

Ian Harkes is married to Sarah Teegarden, who is also a professional soccer player. They share a passion for the sport, with Sarah having played for Celtic in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.

Personal Life

Harkes is the son of John Harkes, a former U.S. international soccer player, and Cindi Harkes, who also played collegiate soccer. He has two younger sisters, Lauren and Lily. Ian Harkes is of Scottish descent through his paternal grandparents, and he has maintained a strong connection to his family’s soccer legacy.