NASL Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Bolsters Record-Setting Offense by Adding 2015 Golden Ball Winner Stefano Pinho

Published on December 3, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


Fort Lauderdale Strikers Forward Stefano Pinho Battles Minnesota United
Fort Lauderdale Strikers Forward Stefano Pinho Battles Minnesota United
(Minnesota United FC)

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - As it prepares for the 2016 NASL season, Minnesota United has bolstered its record-setting offense by announcing the signing of Brazilian forward Stefano Pinho, pending USSF approval. Pinho was the 2015 Golden Boot and Golden Ball winner while playing for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. As per league and team policy, the terms of the deal have not been made public.

"We are really excited to get a player of Pinho's quality and his specific skill set," said Minnesota United Sporting Director Manny Lagos. "We had a fantastic offense last season with a lot of quality and we did a great job scoring goals, but you're always looking to add finishers, you want guys that are hungry to score. Pinho is someone we identified that brings all those key qualities to the table and we are very excited to add him to our already potent offensive roster."

Pinho made a name for himself in the NASL last year during his time with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. His 16 goals led the NASL last year earned him the 2015 Golden Boot for most goals during the season. With seven assists on the year as well, Pinho proved to be a vital part of the Strikers success, which led to him receiving the 2015 Golden Ball Award as the league's most valuable player. Pinho was also honored with a spot in the 2015 NASL Best XI and made the Team of the Week seven times while being named Player of the Week four times.

"I am very excited to be joining Minnesota United and the amazing players and coaching staff," said Pinho. "The club has an amazing history and I want to be a part of their story and their success. I will do my best to bring the fans of Minnesota lots of goals and championships."

The 24-year-old Brazilian striker grew up in São João Nepomuceno, north of Rio de Janeiro, and came up through the Fluminense academy. He joined the first team in 2009 where he trained with the top team before being loaned to Brazilian Série B club Guaratinguetá, followed by another short stint with Madureira.

2013 saw Pinho make his first trip to the U.S. to participate the MLS Combine. He was the top striker at the combine and was drafted by the Colorado Rapids in the 2013 SuperDraft, but was unable to reach an agreement with the club.

In 2014, Pinho was once again loaned out, this time to MYPA in the Finnish Veikkaausliiga. He found his scoring touch with the club, netting 11 goals in 20 appearances, which he would carry over to his next loan move with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Welcome Pinho to the club and cheer on the Loons next year by purchasing your 2016 season tickets. Season tickets give you the ability to select your favorite spot in the stadium, access to exclusive season ticket holder events, and priority for tickets in the future MLS stadium. Get yours today by calling 763.4SOCCER or visiting MNUnitedFC.com/tickets.

Check out the Minnesota United FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Images from this story

Fort Lauderdale Strikers Forward Stefano Pinho Battles Minnesota United
Fort Lauderdale Strikers Forward Stefano Pinho Battles Minnesota United
   



North American Soccer League Stories from December 3, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central