Forward Christian Ramirez, the North American Soccer League's Golden Boot winner last season, re-signed Thursday with Minnesota United FC through 2017.
"It's huge for the club. We are already a special club, and this shows that we are continuing to build our current roster, and also for the future," said United coach Manny Lagos. "It's another example of our ownership group giving us a vision about how we want to develop and grow as an organization and drive forward."
Ramirez led the NASL with 20 goals, which earned him the Golden Boot and broke the franchise single-season record. He also had six assists. The league also named him its Young Player of the Year.
"It's a great day for Minnesota soccer to have signed a player that has already done so much," Lagos said, "and will continue to develop and do so into the future."
"I'm thankful that the club believes in me," Ramirez said, "and I just want to keep working hard and reward the club for believing in me."
MSHSL to hire Leighton
Veteran sports reporter Tim Leighton will become the media relations coordinator for the Minnesota State High School League.
Leighton has covered high school sports for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, where he has worked for 25 years. He also is a registered basketball official. He replaces Howard Voigt, who retired at the end of January.
The league also hired Jason Nickleby to serve as officials coordinator. Nickleby is a longtime coach, game official and educator.
