Year-End Award Winners Unveiled

November 22, 2003 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (Saturday, November 22, 2003) - The Chicago Fire's run to the Supporters Shield title and MLS' best regular-season record was recognized during the eighth annual MLS Gala Awards Ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California on Saturday night. Chicago will face the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday, November 23 at The Home Depot Center for MLS Cup 2003, the League's eighth championship match.

The Eastern Conference Champions captured a League-high four RadioShack Best XI honors - D Carlos Bocanegra, M Chris Armas, M DaMarcus Beasley and F Ante Razov - as well as seven other awards including: ADT Defender of the Year (Bocanegra), Gatorade Rookie of the Year (Damani Ralph), MLS Coach of the Year (Dave Sarachan), Pepsi Goal of the Year (Ralph) and ACE Comeback Player of the Year (Armas). Chicago also saw their technical and administrative personnel receive ACE Athletic Trainer of the Year (Jason Mathews) and Operations Executive of the Year (David Feeley) awards.

Among the other honorees unveiled on Saturday was the first ever international player to win the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award as Canadian Pat Onstad (San Jose Earthquakes) added the honor to his RadioShack Best XI selection. Landon Donovan was the other Earthquakes player honored at the event, being selected for the first-time ever to the RadioShack Best XI. Donovan joined long-time friend and MLS rival Beasley on the Best XI squad the night before the two former Under-17 National Team stars were set to do battle at The Home Depot Center for the MLS Cup title. The referee of Sunday's match will be Official Sports International Referee of the Year Brian Hall, who earned the first such honor of his distinguished officiating career.

D.C. United midfielder Ben Olsen was recognized with the U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year award, while Columbus Crew forward Brian McBride was honored with the MLS Fair Play honor. All three MLS Honda MVP finalists (Preki, Ante Razov and John Spencer) were selected to the RadioShack Best XI team, with Mark Chung (Colorado Rapids), Ryan Nelsen (D.C. United) and Eddie Pope (MetroStars) rounding out the names on the star-studded squad.

This season marked the first in which the majority of the award winners were announced at the Gala Awards Ceremony. The winners of the four categories were previously announced including: Honda MVP: Preki (Kansas City Wizards), Budweiser Scoring Championship: Preki (Kansas City Wizards); MLS Golden Boot: Carlos Ruiz (Los Angeles Galaxy) and Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution); MLS Fair Play Award (Team): New England Revolution; and MLS Supporters Shield: Chicago Fire.

MLS Cup 2003, Major League Soccer's eighth championship game, will be played on Sunday, November 23 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., with the Chicago Fire and San Jose Earthquakes each looking to capture their second MLS title in the match. The Fire won MLS Cup in their inaugural season of 1998, while the Earthquakes won their only honor two seasons ago as this year's championship game pits the top teams in each conference during the 2003 regular season.

A rundown of the winners announced at the Kodak Theatre on Saturday night follows:

Gatorade Rookie of the Year: Damani Ralph (Chicago Fire)

In his debut MLS 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.

Runners-Up: Pat Noonan (New England Revolution), Ricardo Clark (MetroStars)

ADT Defender of the Year: Carlos Bocanegra (Chicago Fire)

The 2002 ADT Defender of the Year continued his strong play in 2003 as he anchored the Fire back line during the team's run to the Supporters' Shield and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles. Showcasing his speed, athleticism and strong ball-winning skills, Bocanegra started 19 of 30 matches, missing playing time while cementing his spot as a stalwart on the new-look U.S. National Team, for which he was also a Player of the Year finalist. Of Bocanegra's 19 starts with Chicago, seven coincided with the Fire registering a clean sheet.

Runners-Up: Eddie Pope (MetroStars), Ryan Nelsen (D.C. United)

MLS Goalkeeper of the Year: Pat Onstad (San Jose Earthquakes) An injury to Jon Conway in preseason led to San Jose's acquisition of experienced Canadian international goalkeeper Pat Onstad and the former A-League player did not disappoint. In an injury-riddled season which plagued San Jose and its back line, Onstad proved a settling and commanding presence. The sure-handed 35-year-old led MLS in every significant goalkeeping category for the majority of the season, finishing tied with a League-high and club-record nine shutouts. Among goalkeepers who played 15 or more matches, Onstad also recorded a superior G.A.A. of 1.04 goals per game.

Runners-Up: Zach Thornton (Chicago Fire), Kevin Hartman (Los Angeles Galaxy)

MLS Coach of the Year: Dave Sarachan (Chicago Fire)

In his first year as a head coach, Dave Sarachan continued the winning tradition of the Chicago Fire, as the team registered its best season in club history. Along with registering the best record in MLS and capturing the Supporters' Shield, Chicago also won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in October. After the loss of several key players during the offseason, Sarachan incorporated new elements into a team which qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

Runners-Up: Bob Bradley (MetroStars), Frank Yallop (San Jose Earthquakes)

U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year: Ben Olsen (D.C. United)

The fourth annual U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year award recognizes D.C. United midfielder Ben Olsen for his involvement in several community initiatives. Olsen's activities in organizations like D.C. United's Youth Fan Club (YFC) have made the fifth-year United player a role model and mentor to the youth of the Washington metropolitan area. As the YFC's player-representative, Olsen has passed along his knowledge of the game, while helping to build character and sportsmanship among United's youth supporters. In addition, Olsen has been involved with numerous charities and non-profit organizations this season through D.C. United including Read Across America, Coaches Against Gun Violence, Pennies for Patients and D.C. Scores. He has also donated his personal time to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the MLS Players Association and is a volunteer assistant coach for the American University Men's Soccer Team.

Pepsi Goal of the Year: Damani Ralph (Chicago Fire)

The Jamaican international scored a stunning and dramatic equalizer in the 90th minute of an Aug. 13 road match against the Columbus Crew. In the process, he set the new MLS rookie goal-scoring record with his ninth goal (he would finish with 11). Ralph collected a centering cross from the right flank by Nate Jaqua. Near the top of the box and with his back to 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. Streaming video of each MLS goal was featured on the MLSnet.com multimedia section every weekend during the 2003 season courtesy of Pepsi. MLS fans, who selected the Pepsi Goal of the Week winner on a weekly basis, also voted for the Pepsi Goal of the Year.

Runners-Up: John Wolyniec (MetroStars), Carlos Ruiz (Los Angeles Galaxy)

GaS Play of the Year: Carlos Ruiz (Los Angeles Galaxy)

On Aug. 9 forward Carlos Ruiz broke a 1-1 deadlock against the Columbus Crew with an 86th minute bicycle kick goal, which is also a candidate for Goal of the Year honors. "El Pescadito" used the acrobatic move to fire home a Cobi Jones cross from the right side of the penalty area. Ruiz, who had also scored on a PK, won MLS Man of the Match honors for his performance. Nickelodeon Games and Sports for Kids (GaS) featured an MLS "Play of the Week" segment which aired throughout the regular season on the GaS network, in MLS stadiums and on MLS regional television broadcasts. Nickelodeon viewers voted on the Play of the Year winner from the list of weekly selections by voting online at www.nick.com/gas.

Runners-Up: Adin Brown (New England Revolution), John Spencer (Colorado Rapids)

ACE Comeback Player of the Year: Chris Armas (Chicago Fire)

The midfielder nursed his way back from an ACL tear which cost him the 2002 World Cup. He returned in time for the start of the 2003 season, assuming the captain's armband and leading Chicago to the club's first-ever Supporters' Shield and its third Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Armas earned the Fire Honda MVP award, leaving his mark on the team with his strong presence and leadership in midfield.

Runners-Up: Ben Olsen (D.C. United), John Spencer (Colorado Rapids)

MLS Fair Play Award: Brian McBride (Columbus Crew)

A constant target for opposing defenders, McBride played in 24 of 30 Crew matches in 2003, committing only 20 fouls and receiving three cautions. Known for his strong aerial game, the forward was one of MLS' most fouled players (78 times). However, McBride's reaction would come in the form of his most productive season since 1996, as he led his club in scoring (12 goals, three assists) for the first time since the Inaugural Season.

Runners-Up: Chris Klein (Kansas City Wizards), Eddie Pope (MetroStars)

RADIOSHACK Best XI:

GK Pat Onstad (San Jose Earthquakes) - In his debut season in MLS, the 35-year-old Canadian international compiled a record-setting campaign after being acquired following a long term injury to the projected starter. Onstad, the first foreign player to earn Best XI honors at goalkeeper, proved a solid presence in goal and never relinquished his starting spot. Among the League leaders in several goalkeeping categories, Onstad's nine shutouts established a new team mark and tied for the League lead. His 1.04 GAA was also the best among 'keepers with 15 or more starts.

D Carlos Bocanegra (Chicago Fire) - Bocanegra, who earns his second consecutive Best XI selection, followed up a dream 2002 season with an even more impressive 2003, in which he became a fixture on the U.S. National Team. His performances on the international level carried over to his play with Chicago, where he anchored the defensive unit as the Fire recorded a 10-2-7 record and seven clean sheets with Bocanegra in the lineup.

D Eddie Pope (MetroStars) - In his first season with the MetroStars, Pope's presence at center back not only provided the team a stingy defensive unit but he also proved a settling influence as captain of a revamped squad. The Metros, who started the season with three shutouts in their first six games, allowed more than a goal on just three of 20 occasions in which the three-time Best XI defender was in the lineup.

D Ryan Nelsen (D.C. United) - Nelsen's move from a holding midfield role to central defense helped transform United's fortunes midway through the season and the team's back line proved its strongest sector. The 26-year-old New Zealand captain and first-time Best XI honoree would also wear the armband for United during 2003 with his tenacity and aggressiveness regularly setting the tone for his squad.

M Mark Chung (Colorado Rapids) - A midfielder with a rare combination of consistency and skill, Chung captured his third Best XI honor and second in a row after another productive season with the Rapids. The 33-year-old finished second on the team in scoring as his 11 goals and six assists contributed to the Rapids' reversal of fortunes. Ten of his goals came during a 13-game span (8-3-2) which saw the team emerge as a contender.

M Chris Armas (Chicago Fire) - His return from the ACL tear which denied him the opportunity to play in the 2002 FIFA World Cup coincided with the start of the 2003 season. The five-time Best XI selection was immediately tabbed as team captain and left his mark on the younger, new-look Fire while defining its on-field personality with his characteristic work rate in midfield.

M Preki (Kansas City Wizards) - The evergreen Preki captures his fourth career Best XI honor in the season in which he turned 40. His vision, creativity and dribbling skills constituted the heart of the Wizards' attack as he compiled 12 goals and a League-leading 17 assists to capture the Budweiser Scoring title. MLS' all-time leading scorer added to his legend by also claiming the Honda MVP award, becoming the first two-time winner in League history and the oldest in major professional sports history.

M DaMarcus Beasley (Chicago Fire) - The 21-year-old U.S. National Team star becomes the youngest ever Best XI selection, edging out San Jose's Landon Donovan by two months and 20 days. Beasley showed off his versatility and skill in the beginning of the season when he played at forward and attacking midfield while the new-look Fire sought the best formation. He would eventually settle back into his regular left flank position and his blistering pace would help him register a career high seven goals to go along with five assists.

M Landon Donovan (San Jose Earthquakes) - On the heels of the international recognition he received following his performances at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Donovan enjoyed his most productive season in MLS during 2003. Donovan's career high 12 goals in just 21 starts made him the Earthquakes' leading scorer on route to his first Best XI selection. A fixture on the U.S. National Team, the 21-year-old Donovan emerged as a team leader as San Jose captured its first Western Conference regular season title.

F John Spencer (Colorado Rapids) - Following an injury-riddled 2002 campaign, Spencer returned to his Best XI form of 2001 as he proved the major factor in the revival of the Rapids after the team's poor start to the season. The Colorado captain put his finishing skills on display as he hit for 14 goals including in a club-record six consecutive games. The Scotsman's fiery spirit and leadership fueled his team's run and also made him a Honda League MVP candidate.

F Ante Razov (Chicago Fire) - The Chicago Fire's all-time leading scorer and one of the most consistent forwards in League history earns his first Best XI selection of his eight-year career. Razov's 14 goals and six assists (34 points) placed him third overall in the League's scoring table as the multi-talented striker led the Fire in points for the fifth time in the club's six-year history.

Commissioner's Award: Ivan Gazidis

Deputy Commissioner Gazidis, the second-longest tenured MLS official, has helped transform MLS into a League that has attracted the attention of the entire soccer world. The native of South Africa and Oxford University graduate, who provides vision on all key strategic and business decisions made by the League, oversees all aspects of competition for MLS as well as the negotiation and administration of all international and domestic player contracts. Gazidis manages the League's schedule and all day-to-day operations, including stadium event and security issues, disciplinary, player, coaching and refereeing matters. In recognition of his extensive experience in the area of player contracts and international transfers, Gazidis is also a member to FIFA's Dispute and Resolution Chamber, the appeals body for all player contact and transfer disputes worldwide. The MLS Commissioner's Award is presented to the group or individual that has made a difference in the League and the sport in America.

Official Sports International Referee of the Year: Brian Hall

MLS coaches, general managers, players, the Professional Soccer Reporters Association and referees assigned to MLS recognized Brian Hall, an MLS referee since 1996, as the Official Sports International (OSI) Referee of the Year. It is the first such honor for Hall, who has advanced further on the international level than any other American referee in history including becoming the first American born referee to officiate at the FIFA World Cup. The native of Cupertino, CA who has climbed the referee ranks over the last 25 years, will also head the officiating crew for MLS Cup 2003 on Sunday, November 23. A finalist for last year's award, Hall has been the man in the middle for 16 MLS matches this year while taking up fourth official duties on two occasions.

Runners-Up: Kevin Stott, Terry Vaughn

ACE Athletic Trainer: Jason Mathews (Chicago Fire)

Entering his second full season with the Fire, Jason Mathews manages the day-to-day sports medicine operations for the team. Mathews has been a certified athletic trainer with the NATA since 2000 and has worked for AthletiCo Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy since 1998. Prior to joining the Fire, he served as the Head Athletic Trainer for the USHL's Chicago Steel.

Executive of the Year: Doug Hamilton (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Doug Hamilton, Vice President and General Manager of the Los Angeles Galaxy, oversees all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the Galaxy including the club's strategic marketing, corporate partnerships, broadcasting, public relations, community development, ticket operations and sales. Working closely with Head Coach Sigi Schmid, Hamilton oversees team and player personnel matters. Having joined the Galaxy on Jan. 14, 2002, Hamilton led the club's transition to the state-of-the-art The Home Depot Center and under his leadership the Galaxy increased attendance by 10 percent and 16 percent respectively in 2002 and 2003.

Marketing Executive of the Year: Whit Haskel (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Whit Haskel, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for the Los Angeles Galaxy, managed the development and communication in 2003 of the team's new look and the highly anticipated move into The Home Depot Center. Haskel, who oversees the Galaxy's PR efforts, developed the team's communication platform in three languages (English, Spanish, Korean) and also expanded the club's broadcast presence. The Yale graduate also created several grass-roots programs catered to the team's corporate partnerships. As an organization, the Galaxy succeeded in increasing attendance, revenue and corporate sponsorships during the last season.

Operations Executive of the Year: David Feeley (Chicago Fire)

As Director of Operations for the Chicago Fire, David Feeley managed the club's midseason move from Cardinal Stadium in Naperville to the renovated Soldier Field in Chicago. He was also in charge of transforming Cardinal Stadium on the campus of North Central College from a Division II football field to a 15,000-seat soccer stadium at the start of the year. Feeley, the former Director of Operations from the Miami Fusion, joined the Fire in March of 2003 after serving as Director of Operations of South Florida Stadium Management, which operated Lockhart Stadium.

Public Relations Team Award: Colorado Rapids

Led by Director Jurgen Mainka and Media Relations Coordinator German Sferra, the Colorado Rapids successfully broadened the club's local media coverage while managing two major club announcements during the year: the launch of the team's new brand and the introduction of a new investor-operator: Kroenke Sports Enterprises. While overseeing all aspects of the Rapids' publicity, media relations and team publications, the Rapids PR Department also worked with Liberian forward Zizi Roberts on the launch of the "Zizi Roberts Liberian Relief Effort", while managing the dissemination of various popular promotions including the annual July 4 extravaganza.

Team Ticketing Sales Award: MetroStars

In 2003, the MetroStars exceeded the total number of season tickets sold for the 2002 season by eight percent. Group and advance ticket sales for all home games also increased by 15 percent from 2002. With no doubleheaders featured in the 2003 schedule, the MetroStars' average attendance of 15,882 marked the seventh time in the eight-year team history that the team has surpassed the 15,000 mark.

Community Relations Executive of the Year: Catherine Marquette (D.C. United)

Sales Leader of the Year: Bill Armistead (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Team Manager of the Year: Bobby Hammond (Dallas Burn)

Ticket Director of the Year: Ryan Haas (Kansas City Wizards)

Ticket Revenue Leaders: Bill Armistead (Los Angeles), James Mullins (Los Angeles), Mike Harloff (D.C. United), Nick Harmelin (San Jose), Eric Geisterfer (Los Angeles), Dan Giffin (D.C. United)

Group Ticket Sales Leaders: Brandon Wilmoth (Columbus), David Quinn (Chicago), Greg Zaskowski (Chicago), Ali Bradshaw (Dallas), Mike Harloff (D.C. United), Nick Harmelin (San Jose)

Major League Soccer Stories from November 22, 2003

• MetroStars Take Home Two Awards at 2003 MLS Gala - New York Red Bulls
• Year-End Award Winners Unveiled - MLS
• National Soccer Hall of Fame to Release List of Names for 2004 Induction on Sunday - MLS
• MLS Cup 2003 Notebook - MLS

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