Minnesota United Forward Christian Ramirez Named NASL Player of the Week for Third Time
August 18, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release
Minneapolis, Minn (Monday, August 18th, 2014) -- The North American Soccer League (NASL) today announced Minnesota United's forward Christian Ramirez was named Player of the Week for his two-goal performance in United's 5-1 victory over Indy Eleven last Saturday at NSC Stadium.
The 23-year-old NASL Golden Boot leader, Ramirez, increased his scoring tally to 12 goals Saturday, while helping Minnesota extend its unbeaten streak to 10 matches. This is Ramirez's second time winning the award in three weeks and his third of the season. Ramirez has been named to the NASL Team of the Week eight times during the season. The most of any player in the NASL.
Ramirez was thrilled to receive the award saying, "First off I want to thank God for this award. Also, I want to share this with my teammates because sometimes so much of the guys' work goes unnoticed, but their play sets me up in good positions to be successful. As a team, we felt we put together one of our better and more complete games this weekend."
The California native put on a highlight-reel performance on Saturday, including a bicycle-kick goal that would be the game-winner. He opened his tally in the 37th minute, after United defender Justin Davis played a high cross to Ramirez in the middle of the Indy penalty area. Ramirez chested the ball high into the air, flipped head over heels, and launched the ball into the left side of the net past Eleven goalkeeper Kristian Nicht. The goal will surely be a contender for play of the year, and has already been recognized on Fox Sports 1 as the "The 1" for being the highlight of the day on Saturday.
The second goal of the match for Ramirez came in the second half as United pressed a quick counter attack. Midfielder Miguel Ibarra's pass to the right corner flag was blocked by an Indy defender, sending the ball straight to the feet of Ramirez. He took a touch and chipped the Indy keeper from over 30-yard from goal, placing the ball into the far back left corner of the net, bringing Minnesota to five goals on the night.
Ramirez has scored a league-leading 12 goals in 15 matches this season. He also has five assists, the most of any United player in 2014. The Colombian-American striker has scored seven goals in six Fall season games.
"It was a great team performance and within that, Christian really stepped up and individually had some world-class goals," said United Head Coach Manny Lagos. "Christian has been a great player on the field all season and his work ethic in training has really proven to be a big part of his on-field success. He comes to train everyday with an attitude that is contageious for the rest of the team."
Ramirez joined Minnesota United FC in the spring of 2014 after playing in the USL-PRO. He finished his college career Concordia University at Irvine with 44 goals and 18 assists before signing with the Charlotte Eagles in 2013. The 6'2" forward would net 12 goals for the USL PRO team before joining United. Ramirez took over the starting forward role for Minnesota after fellow forward Pablo Campos suffered a preseason injury.
This is the third straight week a Minnesota United player has been honored with this award. Last week, midfielder Daniel Mendes was named Player of the Week for his two-goal performance against FC Edmonton. Ramirez received the award the week prior to Mendes as well, after netting two goals against Ottawa.
Minnesota United hits the road this coming Saturday, putting its ten-game unbeaten streak to the test as it faces off against the New York Cosmos at James M. Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, NJ. The match kicks off at 6 p.m. CT. Fans can watch all the action at the Official Watch Party at Brit's Pub or via NASLLive.com.
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North American Soccer League Stories from August 18, 2014
- Minnesota United FC's Christian Ramirez Earns NASL Player Of The Week For Week 6 - NASL
- Minnesota United Forward Christian Ramirez Named NASL Player of the Week for Third Time - Minnesota United FC
- FCE Academy Finish Top of United Cycle Premier Division - FC Edmonton
- Caribbean Players Turn in Star Performances in Week 6 NASL Fall Action - NASL
- Game Times Change for October 11 and October 25 Matches - New York Cosmos
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