November 19, 2003

FORMER PALADIN RICARDO CLARK NAMED GATORADE MLS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FINALIST

Greenville, S.C. -- Former Furman Paladin midfielder Ricardo Clark has been named as one of three finalists for Major League Soccer's Gatorade Rookie of the Year award the league announced this week.

Clark, a key member of Furman's 19-3-1 team of 2002 and second overall pick by New York/New Jersey in the MLS Draft this past summer, played in 28 of 32 matches this season for the MetroStars to lead the team in minutes played. The Jonesboro, Ga., native tallied three goals and one assist in his rookie season in the MLS. He joins Pat Noonan of the New England Revolution and Damani Ralph of the Chicago Fire as finalists for the award which will be announced this Saturday at the 2003 MLS Gala Awards Ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California.

"I am very proud of Ricardo and the success he has had during his rookie season," said Furman head coach Doug Allison. "He continues to elevate his game to every challenge that he is faced with and was able to make a major contribution for the MetroStars this year."

During his two-year career at Furman, Clark garnered 2002 NSCAA and College Soccer News First Team All-American honors, while leading the Paladins to two SoCon titles and a 36-8-1 record.

Clark, who has appeared in 42 matches for the United States Under-20 Men's National Team, will join former Furman teammate Clint Dempsey and the rest of the U-20 MNT at the FIFA World Youth Soccer Championship in the United Arab Emirates November 27- December 19.