Christian Ramirez Receives NASL Golden Boot Award
Christian Ramirez has received the NASL Golden Boot after tallying 18 goals for Minnesota United during the 2016 season. The Santa Ana, California, native brings his career total to 50 goals in league play as he claims the award for the second time in three years.
Related Article: NASL Championship Stage Set
NASL Soccer News: Minnesota United forward Christian Ramirez receives North American Soccer League (NASL) Golden Boot honors after recording 18 goals during the 2016 campaign.
Ramirez, 25, again showed why he has been one of the NASL’s top goalscorers as his 18 tallies moved his career total to 50 in league play. The 6-foot-2 forward earns his second Golden Boot in two of his three years in the league, claiming the award with 20 goals in 2014.
On July 2nd, Ramirez notched his first professional hat trick in a 5-1 win over the Carolina RailHawks at NSC Stadium.
“I think that all of the hard work that I put in during the offseason really prepped me for the long journey that was this season with so many battles,” Ramirez said.
The Santa Ana, California, native played in 31 of the Loons’ 32 league matches over the course of the season, starting in 30 of his appearances and logging 2,697 minutes. In addition to his 18 goals, Ramirez recorded four assists.
One of Ramirez’s highlights of the campaign came during the Spring Season when his half-volley snuck over the head of Carolina goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald for the first goal of the 2016 NASL season.
“To my teammates, thanks for all of the selfless assists and for putting me in situations to score goals,” Ramirez added.
Previous Winners
2011: Etienne Barbara (Carolina RailHawks, 20 goals)
2012: Pablo Campos (San Antonio Scorpions, 21 goals)
2013: Brian Shriver (Carolina RailHawks, 15 goals)
2014: Christian Ramirez (Minnesota United, 20 goals)
2015: Stefano Pinho (Fort Lauderdale Strikers, 16 goals)
Photo Credit: North American Soccer League
