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: Ian Joy

Ian Joy

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.

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