those guys were just wonderful guys to be around. It's kind of tough saying goodbye to everybody, but it was good while it lasted. Hopefully one day I'll be able to get back here.
"[Rubin Kazan] played in the Champions League two years ago, and that's the biggest tournament in the world. It is a huge opportunity to have the chance to play in a tournament like that, and it provides me with a different experience right now. I thought this would be a good chance for me to move on and see what might be in store for me out there and see if it might open some other doors. I'd like to thank MLS, my coaches and the Fire staff, especially [general manager] Peter Wilt, for everything they did for me during my time in Chicago."
In two seasons with the Fire, Ralph proved to be one of the league's most potent scorers, registering 53 points (22 goals, nine assists) in 51 appearances. His standout performance in 2003, during which he set a new MLS record for goals by a rookie with 11, made him the hands-down winner of the MLS Rookie of the Year award.
Ralph helped the Fire to the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2003 as the club with the best regular season record. His side made it to MLS Cup that season, though they lost to the San Jose Earthquakes by a 4-2 score in the club's third MLS Cup appearance in six years. Ralph played a major part of Chicago's success in the 2003 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, though, scoring the only goal of the game in the final, a 1-0 victory over the MetroStars. That victory gave the Fire their third Open Cup title.
Though the Fire struggled to find the same success in 2004, Ralph proved that he was still at the top of his game, netting 11 goals once again and adding three assists for 25 points -- good enough for eighth place on the Budweiser Scoring Chart. His sophomore campaign was highlighted by a superb hat trick against D.C. United on June 5 at Soldier Field and a starting nod on the MLS All-Star Game at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
"First, this is a great situation for Damani financially," said Wilt. "This move will enable him to take care of himself and his family in Jamaica for life. Damani has been a great asset to the team and organization. In only two years, he created some of the most exciting goals in Fire history. He has also been a wonderful representative of the Fire and a loyal part of the organization off the field. I will miss him professionally and personally.
"For the Fire, it is the fourth time in two years we are losing one of our top players to European clubs," continued Wilt. "It makes things challenging, but we will receive a major allocation to replace Damani. [Head coach] Dave [Sarachan] and I have been working the phones and looking at tapes and we are confident that we will be able to find another top forward for the Fire some time this season.
"This will also create an opportunity in the short term for Nate Jaqua and our newly drafted forwards to step up and prove themselves. Transfers of talented players are a part of soccer globally. We are playing in a world market and these moves the last two years are a credit to the organization's ability to develop top players. We will use Damani's transfer as an opportunity to improve the Fire and compete for championships again this year."
Ralph's success at the club level led to a blossoming international career. He has scored one goal in a dozen appearances for the Jamaican national team. Ralph was a regular contributor to the 'Reggae Boyz' World Cup qualifying schedule, including several appearances as a starter, during the semifinal round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
"Damani made a tremendous impact on the Fire in his two years with us," said Fire head coach Dave Sarachan. "As difficult and sad as it is as a team and an organization, I am happy for him on a personal and professional level that he is able to move to a place where he feels he will be able to advance his career. I wish him only the best in his new venture."
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
