It was then news broke about United's star striker Pablo Campos tearing his ACL and MCL in a preseason match just weeks before the team's season opener, meaning he would miss most of the upcoming campaign.
The Loons front office wondered how it would replace Campos' 13 goals, which led United and ranked him second among NASL scorers a season ago. As it turned out, the answer would come from an unheralded offseason move.
United bolstered its ranks in the winter with numerous signings aimed at adding depth, with the core of the squad already in place. Among them was the 23-year-old Ramirez, who was plying his trade in USL PRO, the third tier of professional soccer in the U.S. (NASL being the second level of competition to top-division MLS.)
So far this season the Colombian-American forward has proved to be a godsend for United. The Loons stand atop the league standings at 5-0-1 thanks to Ramirez's NASL-leading four goals in six games. He is also tied for the team lead in assists with two.
The 6'2" forward received NASL Player of the Week honors for his highlight real goal (video of the stunning 25-yard volley can be found here) and assist on roommate Miguel Ibarra's strike versus Fort Lauderdale.
"I just want to first off thank God and my teammates and coaches, because without them welcoming me and believing in me like they have since day one, none of my success so far would be possible," Ramirez said in a press release after receiving the award. It's a humbling feeling to receive Player of the Week honors and I'm thankful for it, but even more thankful that we regained the top of the table and are one step closer to the Spring title."
Ramirez should be getting used to the honor by now as he's been named to the NASL Team of the Week four out of the first five weeks of the 2014 season.
A look back into Ramirez's history shows he has a goal scoring pedigree. At Concordia University in Irvine, Calif., Ramirez notched 44 goals and 18 assists in his career. He was named the Golden State Athletic Conference player of the year in 2012.
When United signed Ramirez in February, head coach Manny Lagos gushed over the promise of the Loons' latest acquisition.
"We are very excited to have Christian on board," Lagos said in a release. "We feel he has a ton of potential and he is going to add a lot to the attack of our team. He is a young pro with a great future ahead of him and we can't wait to get him on the field this season."
After Ramirez's most recent stellar performance, Lagos praised Ramirez's plays thus far and his ability to seamlessly transition into the starting 11.
"The goals and the assists are great for our club, but I think it's the other stuff that he is doing on the field that is important," Lagos said. "I think that's why the points are there, but he has really stepped in and given us the ability to continue to play well and the guys have responded and respected the effort he has put in."
Campos is expected to return for the second half of the 2014 season, according to the team, but that timeline appears rather ambitious for the 31-year-old Brazilian.
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson famously returned after tearing his ACL and MCL in nine months' time. United's final regular season game is on November 1, eight months after Campos suffered his major knee injury.
In addition to Ramirez, United also possess Italian Simone Bracalello and American Nate Polak among its forward ranks.
To return and assist the United this season, Campos will have to pull off a record feat even Purple Jesus would be proud of. In the meantime, the Loons appear to be in good hands, erm feet, with their newest budding talent.
| Christian Ramirez will be featured on 105 The Ticket during Michael Knight Show from 2-3:00 this Friday. Nicolas Hallett is a recent University of Minnesota graduate who writes for 105TheTicket.com |