Soccer News: Minnesota United FC Forward Christian Ramirez Wins Another
Minnesota United FC forward Christian Ramirez has been named North American Soccer League (NASL) Young Player of the Year, an award that goes to the league’s top player aged 23 and under.
Christian Ramirez, who also took home 2014 NASL Golden Boot and Goal of the Year honors, scored a league-best 20 goals this year, helping United win the Spring Season Championship and post the best overall record over the Spring and Fall Seasons.
“I just want to thank God, first and foremost, for blessing me this year,” Ramirez said. “I’m truly thankful to everyone who voted for me and I’m humbled to receive this award. None of this would have been possible without my teammates and my coaching staff, so I’ll accept this award on their behalf as well.”
The Santa Ana, CA native scored in each of the first two weeks of the 2014 Spring Season and never looked back, leading the scoring race for nearly the entire year. The 6-foot-2 forward capped off his tremendous year with his 20th tally during the final week of the Fall Season, officially becoming Minnesota United FC’s first player to win the NASL Golden Boot.
“I want to thank my coaches and teammates for believing in me and giving me the confidence to be able play so freely,” Ramirez said. “They pushed me each week to improve and never be content with the previous performance.”
At just 23 years of age, Ramirez has only been playing professionally since 2013. The Colombian-American forward made his professional debut with the Charlotte Eagles of USL Pro, scoring eight goals in 23 appearances during his rookie season. Prior to 2013, Ramirez finished his college career at Concordia University (CA) with 44 goals and 18 assists. While in college, he played with PDL side Orange County Blue Star.
