Position: Defender (Left Back)
Date of Birth: July 14, 1981 (26)
Place of Birth: San Diego, California
Height: 5 ft 7 in
Weight:
Previous Clubs: St. Pauli (2 Bundesliga), Hamburg SV, Columbus Crew, Chester City, Kidderminster, Montrose FC
National Team Exp: United States U-20 (16 caps)
Jersey Number: #13
Current Status: Senior Roster
How Acquired: Free Transfer from St. Pauli
Personal summary: Born in San Diego, Ian was raised in Scotland from the age of 4. As a teen he left home to train with Manchester United.
Professional summary/highlights: After his youth efforts at Manchester United, he continued his training with Tranmere. Played for the US Under 17, Under 20, and Under 23 during this time. Played in 2000/2001 with FC Montrose. Then played the following season with Kidderminster. In 2002/2003 Ian plied his trade with Chester City before coming stateside for a brief stint with the Columbus Crew. In 2003, he returned to Europe playing for Hamburg SV in the German third division. In 2004, Ian moved to St. Pauli in the Bundesliga 3rd division, where he helped the club ascend to the 2nd division.
Webpages/Myspace/Facebook: IanJoy.Com
Youtube/video links: Preseason
Other links: MLS Player profile: Ian Joy/MLSnet; Wikipedia Page: Ian Joy/Wiki
Keepin It Real Expectations for 2008: Ian should start in this spot all season, as the club is quite thin at experienced, outside back. Our guess is that Ian will be a solid player, and will make us forget about backline players like Kotschau, Forko, and Kipre who all had their moments, but made you cringe at times.
Fans Scorecard Ratings: Joy Rating
Interesting Fact/tidbits/quote: Ian holds dual British/American citizenship as his mother is from Scotland.
Ian contacted Garth Lagerway out-of-the-blue about joining Real Salt Lake: “Major League Soccer has always been a dream of mine, and I didn't want to be 30 years old and finishing my career when I joined. I still want to learn and, in the meantime, help our players with the experience I have gained over my years in European soccer,” said Joy. “Why Real Salt Lake? I love a challenge and I think that with a great staff behind you, a great coaching staff pushing you, and the right players, there is a great chance of success. I have come to Real Salt Lake to do the best I can, to become a better soccer player and learn from the coaches, but most importantly I have come to win. It’s in my blood and I will do anything it takes to walk off the field after every game a winner.”
Ian actually lived within a few miles of Kenny Deuchar in Scotland, and talked to Deuchar before Kenny made the final decision to join RSL.
