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COLUMBUS CREW ACQUIRES FORWARD CHRISTIAN RAMIREZ FROM SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP SIDE ABERDEEN F.C. 

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COLUMBUS CREW ACQUIRES FORWARD CHRISTIAN RAMIREZ FROM SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP SIDE ABERDEEN F.C. 

31-year-old returns to MLS after two seasons in Scottish topflight; Ramirez has 35 goals and 10 assists to his credit in 105 career MLS regular season matches 

COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew today announced that it has acquired forward Christian Ramirez from Aberdeen F.C. of the Scottish Premiership. The 31-year-old will be added to the Black & Gold roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. Ramirez joins the Crew for an undisclosed transfer fee through the 2024 season with an option for 2025.  

Ramirez goes to the Black & Gold after most recently spending the 2021-23 seasons with Aberdeen. While in Scotland, he scored 10 league goals in 45 appearances. Ramirez additionally scored three goals in six UEFA Europa Conference League matches and three goals in Scottish League Cup action.  

The Garden Grove, Calif., native began his professional career with Charlotte Eagles of the USL Pro in 2013, where he scored 12 goals in 26 matches. In 2014, he joined Minnesota United, then of the North American Soccer League. That year, he captured the NASL Golden Boot with 20 goals, scoring eight more than the runner-up. Two seasons later, Ramirez was again crowned NASL Golden Boot winner, scoring 18 goals in 2016. A three-time NASL Best XI honoree (2014, 2015, 2016), Ramirez holds the club record for appearances (95) and goals (53). Ramirez signed with Minnesota United prior to the start of their inaugural MLS season in 2017. From 2017-18, he appeared in 50 total matches, scoring 21 goals and adding five assists.  

Ramirez joined LAFC via trade in August of 2018 and scored six goals and added two assists from 2018-19. In August of 2019, he joined the Houston Dynamo where he scored eight goals and tallied three assists from 2019-21 prior to departing for Scotland.  

Ramirez has earned two caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team and scored his first international goal in his debut, a 3-0 victory over Panama on Jan. 27, 2019.  

TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew acquires forward Christian Ramirez for an undisclosed transfer fee from Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen F.C. on Jan. 18, 2023. His contract with the Club will run through the 2024 season with an option for 2025. 

Name: Christian Ramirez 

Position: Forward 

Height: 6’2” 

Weight: 187 lbs. 

Born: April 4, 1991, in Santa Ana, Calif.  

Hometown: Garden Grove, Calif.  

Citizenship: United States 

Acquired: Transferred to Columbus Crew on January 18, 2023 

Previous Experience: Aberdeen (2021-2023), Houston Dynamo (2019-21), Los Angeles FC (2018-29), Minnesota United (2017-18), Minnesota United (NASL) (2014-16), Charlotte Eagles (2013) 

RENASANT IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH MLS SOCCER STAR WALKER ZIMMERMAN AS A BRAND AMBASSADOR

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April 27, 2022

Walker Zimmerman, center-back for the Nashville Soccer Club and US Men’s National Team, is Renasant’s newest brand ambassador and spokesperson.

He will lend his talents to Renasant in a variety of ways, including digital and social media promotion, business development efforts, and branded content creation. In addition, he will aid Renasant in its partnership as the Official Bank and jersey sponsor of the Nashville Soccer Club.

Zimmerman was named the MLS Defender of the Year for the second consecutive season, becoming the first defender in more than a decade to achieve that feat. He was also selected to the MLS Best XI in 2021 and named to the MLS All-Star Team. Zimmerman is a member of the US Men’s National Team, which will play in Qatar in November and December 2022.

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Tanner Tessmann Signs with Serie A Club Venezia FC

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VENEZIA FC SIGN MIDFIELDER, TANNER TESSMANN

US Youth National Team and FC Dallas Homegrown Signs Four Year Deal with Serie A Club

Charlotte, N.C. (July 15, 2021) – Venezia FC, announced today the signing of Tanner Tessmann, FC Dallas homegrown and US youth national team player, to a four year deal. The transaction is a record buy for Venezia FC and the biggest sale from Major League Soccer during the this summer window.

“I have always focused on reaching the goals I set for myself, and playing at the highest levels in Europe is one of the biggest on my list,” said Tessmann. “Serie A is a legendary place to play and I can’t wait to get started. I want to thank everyone who has helped me to get here; the team at FC Dallas, my agent and most of all, my family.”

Only 19, Tessmann burst onto the scene in 2020 when he signed a Homegrown deal with FC Dallas only days before the start of what would become a rocky season due to COVID-19. But, even with the uncertainty brought on by the virus, Tessmann showed his quality in the 21 games he played in his rookie season, one of those being a start in a playoff game.

“Tanner is not only a gifted player, but an amazing person,” said Mike Gartlan, Tessmann’s agent and co-owner of PROSPORT Management. “His leadership skills and persona in the locker room make him someone any team would want on their roster. He’s ready for his biggest challenge yet, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him grow and excel in one of the best leagues in the world.”

Initially planning on attending Clemson University after high school to play soccer and kick for the football team, Tessmann took the opportunity to start his professional soccer career when it was offered. A few days later he was on the pitch and hasn’t looked back. 

Originally from Birmingham, Ala., Tessmann moved to Dallas at the age of 16 to join the FC Dallas academy. While there he tallied 25 goals in 67 matches and had 55 starts. He helped lead the U18/19 team to the academy championship in the 2018-2019 season and won the Golden Ball for his efforts.  

Off the pitch, Tessmann is co-host of ChumChat, a podcast with the motto, Success Defined. 

For more details, contact Katie Bratland @kb@prosportmanagement.com or +1 612 270 1455.

New York Red Bulls Sign Academy Product Bento Estrela

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Estrela signs as New York’s 24th and youngest Homegrown Player in Franchise History

HARRISON, N.J. (February 9, 2021) – The New York Red Bulls have signed Academy Product midfielder and New Jersey native Bento Estrela to an MLS Homegrown contract, presented by Premio. Estrela becomes the youngest New York Homegrown signing and the fourth-youngest signing overall in league history at the age of 14 years and 364 days.

“This is an exciting day for Bento and his family, and for everyone at the club as well,” said Head of Sport Kevin Thelwell. “Bento has stood out at the academy level and progressed quickly while playing with an older age group. By bringing him into our professional environment, we aim to maximize his development and give him the best chance to grow as a player and a person.”

Estrela joined the New York Red Bulls Academy in July of 2019 and has appeared in 22 matches. He scored his first goal for Red Bulls Under-19s at 14 years old against Philadelphia Union II on November 7, 2020. The Bloomfield, New Jersey, native most notably assisted on the final goal for the U-14’s in a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur Academy to advance to the knockout rounds of ICC Futures tourney on December 12, 2019. Estrela helped the U-14s become the only MLS academy team to advance to the Round of 16 in the ICC Futures.

“We at the Academy are extremely proud of Bento’s progress over the last 18 months and are excited to see him sign his first professional contract with New York Red Bulls,” said Red Bulls Academy Director Sean McCafferty. “Although Bento is very young, he understands that this is just the beginning and that the hard work starts now. I’d like to take this moment to congratulate Fouad Kawtari for scouting and recruiting Bento to New York Red Bulls and also the Academy coaches/staff who work hard to challenge him every day to ensure we accelerate his development and ultimately help him fulfill his potential.”

At 14 years, 11 months and 30 days, Estrela becomes the third-youngest Homegrown signing in league history behind Chicago’s goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, who signed at 14 years, nine months and 22 days. He is the 24th Homegrown Player in franchise history and the 26th academy product to sign with the First Team. Estrela is New York’s youngest Homegrown signing by 684 days, edging out Tyler Adams, who signed at 16 years, eight months and 21 days.

Transaction: New York Red Bulls Sign Bento Estrela to a Homegrown contract on February 9, 2021.

Bento Estrela

Position: midfielder

Height: 6-0

Date of Birth: February 10, 2006

Place of Birth: Bloomfield, N.J.

Citizenship: USA

New York’s Homegrown Signing History

– when they signed is in parenthesis

1. Giorgi Chirgadze (September 12, 2009)

2. Juan Agudelo (March 26, 2010)

3. Matt Kassel (January 25, 2011)

4. Sacir Hot (February 1, 2011)

5. Connor Lade (December 5, 2011)

6. Santiago Castaño (December 11, 2012)

7. Amando Moreno (December 11, 2012)

8. Matt Miazga (May 30, 2013)

9. Sean Davis (December 11, 2014)

10. Tyler Adams (November 3, 2015)

11. Brandon Allen (December 21, 2015)

12. Derrick Etienne Jr. (December 21, 2015)

13. Alex Muyl (December 22, 2015)

14. Mael Corboz (December 23, 2015)

15. Scott Thomsen (December 23, 2015)

16. Chris Thorsheim (December 23, 2015)

17. Evan Louro (January 23, 2017)

18. Arun Basuljevic (January 24, 2017)

19. Kevin Politz (January 3, 2018)

20. Ben Mines (January 8, 2018)

21. Omir Fernadez (January 26, 2019)

22. John Tolkin (January 14, 2020)

23. Caden Clark (October 10, 2020)

24. Bento Estrela (February 9, 2021)

Timbers sign midfielder Eryk Williamson to multi-year contract extension

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February 3, 2021; Portland, OR, USA; Eryk Williamson signs a new contract. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-Portland Timbers

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced that the club has signed midfielder Eryk Williamson to a multi-year contract extension.

Williamson, 23, tallied three goals and five assists in a career-high 21 appearances (17 starts) for Portland in 1,417 minutes of action during the 2020 MLS regular season. Notably, Williamson delivered four game-winning assists during regular-season play, which ranked second in the league in 2020.

“Signing Eryk has been a key objective of the club’s for the past 12 months and we are delighted that Eryk’s belief in the club mirrors our belief in him,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers general manager and president of soccer. “Eryk is a unique talent and we are looking forward to seeing his continued growth and performance as a Timbers player.”

The Alexandria, Va., native tallied three goals and six assists in 26 appearances (22 starts) across all competitions for the Timbers in 2020. The midfielder tallied two assists in seven appearances (6 starts) in the summer’s MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, Fla. Notably, Williamson registered the game-winning assist in the Timbers’ 2-1 win over Orlando City SC in the MLS is Back Tournament Final on Aug. 11.

February 3, 2021; Portland, OR, USA; Eryk Williamson signs a new contract. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-Portland Timbers

“Eryk is an extremely talented and creative player with many great attributes on and off the field,” said Giovanni Savarese, Timbers head coach. “I very much believe in the development of American players and am incredibly excited to see him continue his career in Portland.”

Since his MLS Homegrown Player rights were acquired in a trade with D.C. United on Jan. 23, 2018, Williamson has notched three goals and six assists in 35 games played (25 starts) across all competitions for the Timbers. Additionally, Williamson tallied seven goals and 11 assists in 2,862 minutes played across 34 appearances (34 starts) for T2, on loan from the Timbers, in the USL Championship (2018-19).

At the international level, Williamson was most recently called in by the U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team for a two-week camp from Jan. 9-24 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. While competing at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the summer of 2017, Williamson started four of the five matches, helping the U-20 USMNT advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

KEVIN WEINRESS JOINS PROSPORT MANAGEMENT AS DIRECTOR, NORTH AMERICA

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CHARLOTTE, NC (Dec. 15, 2020) – ProSport Management, a leading international sports talent management firm, is proud to welcome Kevin Weinress as Director, North America. Weinress will work with Mike Gartlan and Oskar Olsen, co-owners of the ProSport Management soccer division, to continue to sign the best soccer players in the U.S. and Canada.

“We are growing and it’s gotten to a point where it was clear we needed another high level agent—someone who has extensive experience in the North American soccer scene,” said Mike Gartlan. “I have known Kevin for almost 20 years and I knew he’d be a great fit for the company considering his history as a player, coach and agent.”

“This is the perfect time to bring Kevin onboard,” said Oskar Olsen. “Soccer is growing in the U.S. and there will always demand for talented players around the world. With Kevin’s network and experience, we will be able to provide even better opportunities to our clients and our club contacts.”

As a FIFA Licensed Intermediary for over a decade, Weinress has managed the careers of professional soccer players in Major League soccer and around the world. He has signed MLS SuperDraft first round picks, MLS homegrowns and United States national team members. Weinress has represented, among others, Kemar Lawrence, Kei Kamara, Memo Rodriguez, Tristan Blackmon, Dejuan Jones and Mauricio Pineda.

“I’m looking forward to working with Mike and Oscar, two highly experienced agents who have had tremendous success,” said Weinress. “ProSport Management is a fantastic group of professionals and without question one of the top soccer agencies in the industry.”

A graduate of University of Southern California, Weinress lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

For more information contact Katie Bratland kb@prosportmanagement.com.

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PROSPORT MANAGEMENT HIRES FRANK JOHANSEN AS DIRECTOR OF SCANDINAVIAN FOOTBALL

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CHARLOTTE, NC (Oct. 14, 2020) – ProSport Management, a leading international sports talent management firm, has hired Frank Johansen to lead its business in Scandinavia. Frank will work directly with partners Oskar Olsen and Mike Gartlan, as well as U.S. based agents, to create a more seamless path for clients to move between Scandinavia and the Americas.

“We have found the need for a person on the ground in Scandinavia and are thrilled to have Frank join the team”, said Oskar Olsen, ProSport Management partner and co-owner of the soccer division. “With his background, we know we are getting the best person in the region to help bring players to the top leagues in Scandinavia and identify local players for MLS and Liga MX.”

“Frank was an amazing find for us,” said Mike Gartlan, ProSport Management partner and co-owner of the soccer division. “He has a great background and contacts and is quickly showing his value. Our clients are our number one priority and bringing on someone of Frank’s caliber allows us to provide even better service to them.”

Prior to joining ProSport Management, Frank worked in various positions in professional sports as well as other industries. Most notably he was the youngest chairman in Norwegian elite football at the age of 25 when he ran Follo FK and was Head of Partnerships for Vålerenga Football Club, Oslo.

“I’m looking forward to expanding the ProSport Management brand in Scandinavia and Europe,” said Frank. “My philosophy is in line with Oskar and Mike as they are always looking to help their clients and partners reach their potential and their dreams. ProSport Management has built a lot of momentum already and I am thrilled to be a part of the next chapter.”

In 2012, the Norwegian Football Association named Frank Young Leader in Norway. Frank has a master’s degree in Sport Management from the University of Stirling, Scotland.

For more information contact Katie Bratland kb@prosportmanagement.com.

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Na’s optimism helping new generation of stars

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LAS VEGAS – It takes a special type of human to get the yips and come out on the other side with a bright smile.

“I’ve always been told I was special growing up,” Kevin Na said with a laugh.

The laugh is contagious. As is the smile. If you didn’t know him you would never guess this was the guy who for a lengthy part of his career couldn’t pull the trigger on his driver. Or the guy who had a 16 on one hole during the 2011 Valero Texas Open. Or the guy who copped vitriol for being too slow on the course.

Having played PGA TOUR events since 2001, Na has seen a lot in this game. The above could have easily sent him into a deep state of depression. And while he admits there have been tough moments, the 36-year-old Na made a decision to always search for positives.

His natural humor helps. It is why we see things like him walking in putts, which has become a social media sensation. It is why he went back out to TPC San Antonio with a chainsaw to cut down some trees. It is why he set a speed record during the 2016 TOUR Championship, playing alone as he ran around East Lake in under two hours.

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MERAM & THE LONG ROAD TO ATLANTA

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Justin Meram at the U.S. Open Cup

USSOCCER.com | Jonah Fontela

DISCOVERED BY CHANCE ON AN ARIZONA PARK, WIDE MAN JUSTIN MERAM TOOK A CIRCUITOUS PATH TO ATLANTA UNITED AND HIS FIRST OPEN CUP FINAL.

Justin Meram was at a crossroads. He’d just finished high school and there were options: College? Work? Follow his brothers into their dad’s construction business? He wasn’t thinking much about the future that one day in the summer of 2007, kicking around in a park in Scottsdale, Arizona when he caught someone’s eye. “I wasn’t recruited to play soccer in college,” said the Atlanta United wing-back and one-on-one wizard, now in his eighth year as a pro. “Someone just saw me playing in a park for fun.”

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FC Cincinnati selects UCLA’s Frankie Amaya with top pick in MLS SuperDraft

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ESPN.com | Jeff Carlisle, U.S. Soccer Correspondant | Jan. 11, 2019

Expansion side FC Cincinnati selected UCLA midfielder Frankie Amaya No. 1 overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft on Friday.

Amaya, 18, is the youngest player in the draft, but his upside is such that he’s expected to adapt well to the professional game, even in a central playmaking role that is usually the domain of foreign players.

The Generation Adidas player spent just one season at UCLA, making 14 appearances, 10 of them starts, while scoring two goals and adding two assists.

However, it was with the U.S. Under-20 team that the Santa Anna, California, native has drawn the most attention, helping the U.S. qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup late last year.

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