Phoenix Rising FC Signs Reigning MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot Winner Rémi Cabral
January 24, 2024 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release
Phoenix Rising FC has signed 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot Winner Rémi Cabral on loan from Colorado Rapids, the club announced today.
"From my side, I only know bad things about coming to play Phoenix," said Cabral. "I had awful experiences. The first time I came here, we lost 4-0. The second was 6-1. As an opponent, Phoenix is a difficult place to play, a tough team with a true fan base. I know about Phoenix. They're a top team in USL. Last year they won the league, which means everything. When I knew they wanted me, it was easy for me to say yes."
Cabral capped last season by scoring three goals for Colorado Rapids 2 in a 22-minute span of the second half to win, 4-2, vs. Minnesota United 2 on September 25. The hat-trick forced a three-way tie in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot race. Cabral finished the season with 19 goals in just 1,410 minutes of regular-season action, making his goal output per 90-minutes played, 1.217.
"I was trying not to think about the golden boot race but everyone knew," said Cabral. "Two days prior to the game, MLS Next posted an article about the golden boot race. Everyone saw I was two goals behind so all they said to me that week was "a trick is coming." It was the first time I've scored three goals in a game."
Cabral began his professional career as a 17-year-old with the reserve side of Paris Saint-Germain in 2016. He appeared 30 times, scoring five goals between stints with French Championnat National 3 sides Valenciennes II and Metz II before joining LA Galaxy II for the 2021 season.
"Remi offers both sides of what we are looking for in a player in his position," said Phoenix Rising Head Coach Danny Stone. "He adds a dynamic element to the group because of his physical attributes but he also plays well and combines with his teammates. Remi is coming off a 19-goal season, so I expect him to come in with confidence. Equally significant, I've heard nothing but good things about him as a person and a teammate."
Cabral scored eight goals in 56 USL Championship appearances during the 2021-22 seasons but blossomed when last season when Rapids 2 asked him to transition into playing as a forward.
"I had been playing more as an attacking midfielder with LA Galaxy II," said Cabral. "I always felt I had more finishing ability in me and last season, when I joined Colorado, they asked me to play as a nine. I was like 'why not?' During training I always leaned towards playing more as a nine. In my first season at that position, I was fortunate enough to win the golden boot."
"I'm a technical player with speed," added Cabral, when asked about his playing style. "I can put the ball in the back of the net, but my first thing is to play well. I grew up with the mentality of needing to play well, not just kick the ball and run though, but play the right way, enjoy combining with your teammates and of course, don't forget to score goals."
Transaction: Rising signs forward Rémi Cabral
Name: Rémi Cabral
Position: Forward
Height: 6-0
Weight: 174
DOB: July 10, 1999 (24)
Birthplace: Paris, France
Hometown: Paris, France
Previous Club: Colorado Rapids 2
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