Former Soccer Standout Damani Ralph Named to the MLS All-Star Roster

NEW YORK (July 9) – Former University of Connecticut men’s soccer All-American Damani Ralph was named to the 2004 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game roster, in only his second year with the league. Ralph, the 2003 MLS Rookie of the Year, is amid his second season with the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. The game will be played on Saturday, July 31 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The League’s midsummer showcase will be televised nationally, live on ABC Sports beginning at 2:00 p.m. (ET).

The reigning MLS Rookie of the Year will be making his first career All-Star appearance in 2004. Following up on his 11 goals last year, which set an all-time rookie record, the Jamaican international currently leads his team with six goals this season. His unpredictable and explosive play at forward has made for several spectacular strikes including the 2003 Goal of the Year.

Ralph is one of seven players making their first All-Star appearance, and as a top vote getter will be a starting forward for the East Team. Last year’s, MLS Cup runner-up, the Chicago Fire have five representatives in the starting line-up.

The 22 players were elected through voting by (a) fans, (b) media, (c) players and (d) coaches and general managers with each group representing 25 percent of the final tally. Eddie Pope was the leading vote-getter among players, tied with Landon Donovan among coaches and GM ballots. Donovan and Pope also led the way among the soccer media while Donovan was the favorite in the fan balloting, followed by DaMarcus Beasley, Pope and Carlos Ruiz. Six reserve players per team, as well as the two Commissioner's picks, will be announced on Monday, July 12, and the rosters for the MLS Reunion Match featuring stars from the 1994 World Cup in a U.S. vs. the World format will follow on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.