NEW YORK – Miami FC forward Stéfano Pinho captured the North American Soccer League Golden Boot award after scoring a league-high 17 goals this season.
The Brazilian returned to the top form that saw him win the same award in 2015.
Leading the league’s most potent attack, Pinho was a model of consistency. The 26-year-old forward tallied eight goals in the spring season and another nine in the fall campaign. He also added four goals in the Lamar Hunt/U.S. Open Cup.
The Minas Gerais, Brazil, native has 38 league goals to his name over three NASL seasons.
Quite possibly the Brazilian’s most stunning performance during the year came July 8. In a matchup against the San Francisco Deltas, who were chasing Miami for the spring title, Pinho scored four times in a 7-0 win at Riccardo Silva Stadium to clinch the crown.
The 6-1 forward also finished the fall Season in sensational form, scoring five times in the last month.
Pinho played in 27 of Miami’s 32 games, starting in 26 and logging 2,186 minutes. He added four assists.
The former Fluminense forward scored 16 goals in 2015 with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
Miami FC was eliminated by the Cosmos in The Championship semifinals Sunday as the host side lost in a shootout,6-5, after playing to a scoreless draw.
Previous Winners
2011: Etienne Barbara (Carolina RailHawks, 20 goals)
2012: Pablo Campos (San Antonio Scorpions, 21 goals)
2013: Brian Shriver (Carolina RailHawks, 15 goals)
2014: Christian Ramirez (Minnesota United, 20 goals)
2015: Stefano Pinho (Fort Lauderdale Strikers, 16 goals)
2016: Christian Ramirez (Minnesota United, 18 goals)
