Ralph Named MLS Rookie of the year

HOLLYWOOD, CA (November 23) – Former University of Connecticut men’s soccer player Damani Ralph (Kingston, Jamaica) was named Major League Soccer (MLS) Gatorade Rookie of the Year and earned Pepsi MLS Goal of the Year honors, at the MLS Gala Awards Ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Saturday night. The Gala was held in conjunction with the 2003 MLS Cup at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles.

In his debut campaign, Ralph broke the all-time single-season MLS rookie scoring record, registering 11 goals (including four game-winners) and six assists for 28 points. Second on his team in scoring, Ralph also tallied the lone goal in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Championship Game on Oct. 15 against the MetroStars. During his breakout year, the University of Connecticut product and No. 18 selection in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft was also called up to the Jamaican National Team and played against world champions Brazil in an international exhibition.

The Jamaican international scored a stunning and dramatic equalizer in the 90th minute of an Aug. 13 road match against Columbus Crew. In the process, he set the new MLS rookie goal-scoring record with his ninth goal. Ralph collected a centering cross from the right flank by Nate Jacqua. Near the top of the box and with his back to the goal, he brought the ball down with his right foot and then quickly spun around and fired a searing left-footed drive under the crossbar for the 2-2 tie. MLS fans, who selected the Pepsi Goal of the Week winner on a weekly basis, also voted for the Pepsi Goal of the Year.