The Cougars, coached by Tray Dayak, are currently in the middle of their season and are playing in the new Stockton Arena. Ramirez won’t be eligible to play until next season.

Ramirez was the Hornets’ starting defensive midfielder the past two seasons, and in 2005, helped the program to its best finish, 9-7-2, since 1992.

The Modesto, Calif., native finished the year with four goals and one assist, and his workhorse mentality in the center of the field earned him Mountain Pacific Sports Federation second team honors.

During the year, Ramirez was named MVP of the Long Island Soccer Classic after scoring two goals in the tournament, including the game winner in the championship match. The 2001 Beyer High School graduate also earned MPSF Player of the Week honors and was named to the College Soccer News Team of the Week.

Ramirez started all 18 matches for Sacramento in 2005 and was a vital reason the Hornets posted a program-record eight-match undefeated streak on their home field. In his two-year career out of Modesto JC, Ramirez posted six goals and five assists.