Ian Joy, a 21 year old defender, plans on signing with MLS after mutually cancelling his contract with Kidderminster, an English Third Division side. I have no idea how good this kid is. I know he didn't make the U20 WYC team in '01. http://www.planetfootball.com/artic...=&cpid=218&title=Joy+to+follow+American+dream
The guy is coming to MLS because he couldn't get time with a team that is on the edge of the playoffs for promotion from Div. 3. Remember that Onandi Lowe was an impact player when he went to Div. 3. I don't see Ian Joy making a difference for any MLS team. I guess his youth means he might be good down the road. His stated goal of making the Olympics makes sense, as our U-23s will be light on defenders with pro experience.
It's looking like a good crop of left sided defenders/midfielders are coming this year. With Phil Salyer, John Swann, Todd Dunivent, Ryan Futakaki, and now Ian Joy.
Last year he saw action in 20 matches for them. This year he got a new coach who changed formations and voila--benchtime. I'm thinking along the lines of a potential Brian Kamler type, and I wouldn't expect him to be an MLS all-star/future national team star.
it is also possible that MLS is looking to add as many young decent americans as they can in preperation to adding 2 teams. give a guy like this a little time now and the quality of play wouldnt completely go down after expansion
well, good move by MLS as far as I am concerned. Got some good experience last year. Should be interesting to see how it plays out.