August 25, 2024 will be a date that will live long in the memory of Guatemalan soccer fans as it was the day goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen lifted the Leagues Cup title as a starter against LAFC.
Thanks to that performance with the Columbus Crew, Hagen also became the fifth Guatemalan soccer player to be crowned champion on a team in the United States soccer league and first since 2014.
There have been many Guatemalan players who have been part of an MLS team, but only a few have had the good fortune to celebrate a title.
The list is so select, that it is reduced, Not counting Nicholas Hagen, there are only four precedents.
Carlos Ruiz
In chronological order, the first Guatemalan to make it in the MLS was Carlos “el Pescado” Ruiz. In September 2002, he was instrumental in helping the Galaxy win the Supporters’ Shield over the San Jose Earthquakes, and then on October 20, 2002, the historic striker scored the goal against the New England Revolution that gave the Galaxy its first league title in the United States.
Free press made a special coverage for that event and the cover of the sports section of October 21, 2002 showed Carlos Ruiz kissing the trophy with the caption “The Golden Fish.”
Freddy Garcia
Four days after Carlos Ruiz was crowned Galaxy player, it was Freddy García’s turn.
The Guatemalan, wearing the Columbus Crew jersey, faced the Galaxy led by “El Pescado” in the final of the Lamar Hunt Cup (today known as the US Open Cup).
“If Carlos Ruiz was able to be crowned league champion with a goal of his own, Freddy Garcia responded with a goal to give the Columbus Crew a 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy and thus be crowned champion of the Lamar Hunt Open Cup,” wrote the sports section of Free press in the edition of Friday, October 25, 2002.
Guillermo Ramirez
Guillermo “Pando” Ramírez is the third man on the list of Guatemalan champions in the United States. The former Municipal and Guatemalan national team player was crowned champion with the Galaxy on November 13, 2005 and did so by being a protagonist just like his compatriots.
“After three years, a Guatemalan once again contributes to the absolute triumph of the Los Angeles team. Guillermo “el Pando” Ramírez, with his goal, gave the MLS title to the Los Angeles team that became the champion of the American league by defeating the New England Revolution 1-0 in extra time in the final,” it says. Free press on November 14, 2005.
Mark Pappa
The last Guatemalan to win a title in the United States was Marco Pablo Pappa. The skilled footballer celebrated while wearing the Seattle Sounders jersey in 2014.
The first title came on September 16 when they faced Philadelphia in the Lamar Hunt final at PPL Park. The final score was 3-1 and Pappa entered the game in the 73rd minute.
“Pappa, who is coming off of playing the Uncaf Cup final with the Guatemalan National Team against Costa Rica, entered in the 73rd minute of play to replace Lamar Neagle,” reports the September 17 edition of Free press. He then also celebrated a Supporters’ Shield that Seattle snatched from the Galaxy.
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