Leonel Saint Preux on Trial with RSL

Haitian national team regular and Zenith FC (Haiti) midfielder/striker, Leonel Saint Preux has joined RSL in Florida for a trial with the club. Recently Saint Preux had been linked potentially with the New York Red Bulls, and was on trial with the team in Bradenton.

Updated: Osorio apparantly liked St. Preux but with the strikers they had he felt that he wasn't a good fit, and the price tag was likely higher than some of the other forwards already on the roster. Also,

Lionel Saint Preux, a forward who played for Haiti during World Cup qualifying -- "I spotted him on that Caribbean tournament [Digicel Cup in Jamaica] after that season was over. Haitian National Team. Good striker. Quite aware what is around about him. Quick feet. Strong, good ability on the ball."

Here is some discussion about the Haitian. Note that St. Preux scored two unassisted goals in a NYRB presason match.

Unlike Orok (who wasn't heard from in the match today), I think this may be a serious trialist, not just a warm practice body. Only time will tell.

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Player Profile: Dema Kovalenko

Dema Kovalenko

Position: Midfielder
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.

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Player Profile: Nick Rimando

Nick Rimando

Position: Goalkeeper
Date of Birth: June 17, 1979 (28)
Place of Birth: Montclair, CA, USA
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Weight: 184
Previous Clubs: DC United, Miami Fusion, UCLA
National Team Exp: United States – 3 Caps
Jersey Number: #18
Current Status: Senior Roster
How Acquired: via trade with NYRB (initially trade with DCU)

Personal summary: Married to Jacqui Little who played in the WUSA for the Washington Freedom. Wedding was performed by teammate Ben Olsen.

Professional summary/highlights: Drafted by Miami Fusion in 2000 and took over starting job from Jeff Cassar in rookie season. Helped the Fusion win the Supporters Shield in his second season. Selected by DC United in 2002 allocation draft after the Fusion were contracted. Lost the starting job to Troy Perkins in the 2004 season, after suffering an injury at the end of 2003. Regained the starting job and helped DC win the MLS Cup. Traded to Real Salt Lake prior to the 2007 season. Named club MVP, after leading the league with 146 saves.

Webpages/Myspace/Facebook:

Youtube/video links: Profile interview with Dunseth (must view): Rimando/Dunseth, Rapids match 2007: Save of the Year, AYL Double Talk (with Chris Wingert)

Other links: MLS Player profile: Nick Rimando/MLSNet ; Wikipedia Page: Rimando/Wiki

Keepin It Real Expectations for 2008: Will start 90% of matches. Will be challenged less as RSL midfield holds ball better, and defense is much improved. Will still have great year, and be in the running for GK of the Year.

Fans Scorecard Ratings: Rimando Rating

Interesting Fact/tidbits/quote: During the 2007 hosted teammate Alecko Eskandarian as a housemate.

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