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Minnesota United's 'Lamps' Qualifies for FIFAe World Cup

July 8, 2022 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Minnesota United announce 'LAMPS', Ehsan Zakeri, has advanced from the EA FIFA 22 Global Series Playoffs to the 32-player FIFAe World Cup 2022, held from July 14 - July 17 in Copenhagen, Denmark. This is this first time the eWorld Cup tournament is being held since 2019 and the furthest that a Minnesota United eMLS player has qualified in EA competitions.

"After I started 0-2, I went for a walk and came back with a new mentality," MNUFC eMLS Representative Ehsan Zakeri. "[Penalties] in the Swiss [Elimination], won by a goal last game, extra time here, penalties here. I just found a way to get it done. I feel like North America gets a bit of disrespect so me and Chris [DidyChriLito] had to come and get us some spots at the eWorld Cup."

The FIFA Global Series Playoffs in London concluded this past Sunday, July 3, where 'LAMPS' competed against 127 additional players from around the world. Each round consisted of two leg match ups. After losing the first two games in the Swiss Elimination bracket, 'LAMPS' went on a three-game winning streak to secure his spot in the Top 64. The 64 players were split into four groups of 16 to compete in a double-elimination bracket, with only eight qualifying for the eWorld Cup. 'LAMPS' as the 16th seed was victorious over the number one seed in their group with a 1-1 draw in game one and a 3-2 win in game two in Round One. In Round Two, 'LAMPS' secured his spot in the Top 32 after two draws, but winning in PKs 4-2.

'LAMPS' will be joined in Copenhagen by Atlanta United's PauloNeto999 and former eMLS Player from New York City FC DidyChrisLito, the 2021 eMLS Cup Champion. That trio is guaranteed $10,000 each in prize money for reaching the event as part of a $500,000 total purse. 'LAMPS' will compete in Group A with PauloNetto999 and six other players. He and DidChrisLito are the only two North American players to move on to the FIFAe World Cup. Fans can watch the competition here: https://www.twitch.tv/easportsfifa/.

This is 'LAMPS' first season with Minnesota United and first season competing in eMLS. The 19-year-old won the eMLS League Series 2 in February. He advanced to the eMLS Cup 2022 semifinals, losing to DC United's KingCJ0.

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