Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen relied heavily on Christian Ramirez’s goalscoring abilities last season to remain in the top-flight and Ramirez kicked off his new campaign in style on Sunday.
Ramirez scored two goals in Aberdeen’s 2-0 Scottish League Cup victory over Peterhead, giving the American a strong start to his second European campaign. The former Minnesota United, LAFC, and Houston Dynamo forward finished second with 15 goals for Aberdeen last season and started the new season off on a positive note for Jim Goodwin’s squad.
With both teams fighting for a breakthrough goal in the second half, Ramirez was called on to propel Aberdeen in front from the penalty spot after Matty Kennedy earned the spot kick chance. Ramirez made no mistake, breaking the deadlock from Balmoor Stadium in the 64th minute.
Ramirez doubled his tally in the 73rd minute, finishing off Marley Watkins’ cross with a headed finish. Aberdeen would hang on for a 2-0 road victory as Ramirez totaled 81 minutes in his first competitive start of the new season.
Former Georgetown University star and 2021 Mac Hermann trophy winner Dante Polvara totaled 90 minutes in the heart of Aberdeen’s midfield. Polvara made five league appearances for Aberdeen during the 2021-22 campaign.
“I was pleased for Christian because, as he’ll admit, he had a disappointing end to last season,” Goodwin said about Ramirez postmatch. “We’ve spoken about this League Cup campaign, without being disrespectful to the opposition, as an opportunity for him and the other strikers to get some early goals on the board and get a bit of confidence going. It doesn’t matter who they score against, they enjoy it, so hopefully that will give him the confidence he needs going forward.”
Aberdeen continues League Cup action on Wednesday with third-tier side Dumbarton traveling to Pittodrie Stadium.