The hard working and talented Ruben Mingo was named the PDL's MVP in 2004 for his steady and significant contributions to the teams undefeated season that year.  Mingo led the team again in scoring in the 2005 season, and he's back wearing the Barons shirt for 2006. The hard working and talented Ruben Mingo was named the PDL's MVP in 2004 for his steady and significant contributions to the team's undefeated season that year.  Mingo led the team again in scoring in the 2005 season, and he's back wearing the Barons shirt in 2006.

After the Barons' loss in the Conference Semifinals last year, Ruben got a call from the USL First Division's Richmond Kickers, and signed with them for the remainder of the season and ended his play at the USL-1 Championship match in Seattle. The Barons took pride in the fact he had taken that next step but also knew filling his boots would be a tall order.

As events unfolded, the Kickers dropped back to the Second Division for this season and Mingo made a run at Portland (USL-1) before returning to the Barons for the 2006 season.  Along with Carmichael and some talented new faces, Mingo will be a key element in the attack in any success the Barons achieve this year and the staff is glad to have him back for another run.

Mingo gives you 110% whenever he's on the pitch and that leading by example is a valuable part of his game. Valuable, not only to his own success, but to the entire team. His skill is a bonus in a way.

If you were in the stands at Carey Stadium for the Conference Semifinal match with the Kickers Future in 2005, Mingo's impact on a game was a key of that final match of the season for the Barons. They fell behind to a relentless attack by the Future and their star Dominic Oduro (now with FC Dallas of MLS) but the Barons wouldn't say die with Mingo on the pitch. They battled back and took command in the 62nd minute when Ruben produced a quality free kick for a 4-3 lead.

For the next 22 minutes the Barons dominated and several chances to widen the lead were narrowly missed as the Future seemed to be losing their legs. Watching the match unfold, it seemed the Barons were in control and on their way to the Final. Then came the leveler by Oduro in the 85th and another in stoppage time and the Barons had lost 5-4.

Ruben Mingo remembers; and he aims to see a different outcome this time.