Christian Ramirez Scores In MLS Debut

Photo credit: Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC forward Christian Ramirez, second on the NASL’s all-time scoring list, found the back of the net in his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut on Friday night. The California native was one of 10 former NASL players to take the field in an MLS season opener over the weekend.

Although Ramirez’s effort came in a 5-1 loss to the Portland Timbers, the goal will go down in Loons history as the club's first in MLS. The 25-year-old forward was among six former NASL players in the 18 for Minnesota on Friday night.

For a full look at how former NASL players fared in MLS over the weekend, check out the list below:

Justin Davis, defender, Minnesota United FC – Started and played 90 minutes in a 5-1 loss to the Portland Timbers

Christian Ramirez, forward, Minnesota United FC – Came on as a substitute, played 21 minutes, and scored a goal in 5-1 loss to the Portland Timbers

Miguel Ibarra, midfielder, Minnesota United FC – Came on as a substitute and played two minutes in a 5-1 loss to the Portland Timbers

Ibson, midfielder, Minnesota United FC – Was an unused substitute in a 5-1 loss to the Portland Timbers

Kevin Venegas, defender, Minnesota United FC – Was an unused substitute in a 5-1 loss to the Portland Timbers

Brent Kallman, defender, Minnesota United FC – Was an unused substitute in a 5-1 loss to the Portland Timbers

Jeff Attinella, goalkeeper, Portland Timbers – Was an unused substitute in a 5-1 win over Minnesota United FC

Luke Mulholland, midfielder, Real Salt Lake – Came on as a substitute and played 12 minutes in a 0-0 draw with Toronto FC

Matt VanOekel, goalkeeper, Real Salt Lake – Was an unused substitute in a 0-0 draw with Toronto FC

Eriq Zavaleta, defender, Toronto FC – Started and played 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw with Real Salt Lake

Cody Mizell, goalkeeper, Colorado Rapids – Was an unused substitute in a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution

Brad Knighton, goalkeeper, New England Revolution – Was an unused substitute in a 1-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids

Saad Abdul-Salaam, defender, Sporting KC – Was an unused substitute in a 0-0 draw with DC United

David Bingham, goalkeeper, San Jose Earthquakes – Started, played 90 minutes, and kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over the Montreal Impact

Evan Bush, goalkeeper, Montreal Impact – Started and played 90 minutes in a 1-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes

Hassoun Camara, defender, Montreal Impact – Started and played 66 minutes in a 1-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes

Calum Mallace, midfielder, Montreal Impact – Was an unused substitute in a 1-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes

PC, defender, Orlando City SC – Was an unused substitute in a 1-0 win over New York City FC

Mike Grella, forward, New York Red Bulls  – Came on as a substitute, played 36 minutes, and helped set up the game-winner in a 2-1 win over Atlanta United FC

Mark Bloom, defender, Atlanta United FC – Was an unused substitute in a 2-1 loss to the New York Red Bulls

Fafa Picault, forward, Philadelphia Union – Came on as a substitute and played 19 minutes in a 0-0 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps FC