Date of Birth: Aug 28, 1977 (30)
Place of Birth: Kiev, Ukraine
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Weight: 177
Previous Clubs: New York Red Bulls, FC Metalurh Zaporizhzhya, DC United, FC St. Pauli, Chicago Fire
National Team Exp: none
Jersey Number: #21
Current Status: Senior Roster
How Acquired: trade with NYRB
Personal summary: Born in Ukraine. Emigrated to the US in 1992. Played soccer at the University of Indiana. Dema is known for his fiery personality and has been loved by the fans for every team he has played for. In 2008, he became a US citizen.
Professional summary/highlights: Originally allocated to the Dallas Burn, but let the league know that he wanted to play for Chicago, and the league made that happen. Started out as a forward before moving to attacking midfielder. Most known for two tackles involving broken legs. In his rookie season, he made a dangerous tackle on burn defender, Brandon Pollard and broke his leg which ended his career. Dema was traded to DC United in 2002 for Justin Mapp. In 2003, Dema made another tackle on a player, Ronnie O’Brien, resulting in a broken leg. Dema played a key role for DC for several years before reaching a contract dispute and leaving for Ukraine for a year in 2006. He came back in late 2006 with the Red Bulls playing a bit more of a role player with the team.
Webpages/Myspace/Facebook:
Youtube/video links:
Other links: MLS Player profile: Dema Kovalenko/MLSnet, Wikipedia Page: Dema Kovalenko/Wiki
Keepin It Real Expectations for 2008: In a number of ways, the trade for Dema didn’t seem like a good fit for RSL. We already had a seemingly full midfield at the time. However, my impression of Dema is that he is a guy who just finds a way to contribute, and will play a valuable role for this team. Maybe not a full time starter, but he will see plenty of time on the field.
Fans Scorecard Ratings: Kovalenko Rating
Interesting Fact/tidbits/quote: Played briefly for FC St. Pauli, the same team that Ian Joy came from.
