Before making his name at Minnesota United FC, Christian Ramirez starred in high school and college on pitches in Southern California. Arriving at LAFC via a trade with the Loons on Monday night, Ramirez is coming back to his roots.
Here are five things about LAFC’s newest addition:
Born in Santa Ana, California
Born in the city of Santa Ana, Ramirez grew up in nearby Garden Grove. He attended La Quinta High School and played for the soccer team there for two seasons. As a junior and senior, Ramirez played exclusively for the Olympic Development Program before heading off to college.
Scored 44 Goals In Two Seasons At Concordia University Irvine
Two seasons at UC Santa Barbara resulted in just two starts and one goal. Ramirez transferred back down south, and once again found his scoring touch.
In 42 regular-season matches for Concodia University Irvine, Ramirez scored 41 times. The center forward was the Golden State Athletic Conference player of the year in 2012 and an NAIA First Team All-American.
Played For Minnesota United In NASL and MLS
Ramirez joined Minnesota United, then of the NASL, in 2014 from the Charlotte Eagles of the USL. Coming off a season in which he led the Eagles to the USL Championship against Orlando City – the Eagles lost 7-4 – the center forward scored 20 goals in his first season with Minnesota.
Ramirez was the top goal scorer for Minnesota across three seasons in NASL. When United made the jump to MLS, he was one of the few players to feature in both leagues for Minnesota, along with midfielder Miguel Ibarra.
Called In To The U.S. Men’s National Team
Ramirez received his first call-up to the USMNT in January of 2018 against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Although he did not see any time on the field in the friendly, Ramirez was part of the USMNT camp with LAFC center back Walker Zimmerman.
Superman
In Minnesota, Ramirez is affectionately known as “Superman.” The nickname was given to him as he formed a dynamic duo with winger Miguel Ibarra both in the NASL and MLS with the Loons.
