Although he was D.C. United’s best player last season — scoring six goals in 26 starts — midfielder Dema Kovalenko now is wondering about his status on the team.
The fiery Ukrainian was red-carded for throwing an elbow in United’s 2-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes in the team’s opening game at RFK Stadium. Kovalenko, 26, was fined $500 and had to sit out the team’s impressive 1-1 tie at the Los Angeles Galaxy last week.
Rookie Joshua Gros, who replaced Kovalenko and played exceptionably well in his professional debut at 21, could get the start against the MetroStars at Giants Stadium today. Meanwhile, Kovalenko, who has been a consistent starter in Major League Soccer for four years, finds himself on the outside looking in for the first time.
“It’s very difficult to jump into a team when you’re out and the team does well,” said United coach Peter Nowak, hinting he again might start Gros, a fourth-round draft pick.
Said midfielder Earnie Stewart: “The roles are so set on this team now that it’s easier to fit in, and Josh played so well.”
The red-card call on Kovalenko looked a little harsh, but referees watch him closer than most players because of his temperament.
“He has a good side and bad side,” Nowak said. “He has gained a reputation over the years.”
Last May, Kovalenko snapped the right leg of the Dallas Burn’s Ronnie O’Brien. In 1999, while playing for the Chicago Fire, he broke Burn defender Brandon Pollard’s leg.
“He has passion and heart, but he doesn’t think,” Nowak said. “He can kill for the team and kill for his teammates. … He gives everything he can — his mind, his heart, his legs — to make this team better. Sometimes he forgets to think about himself, so it’s a good lesson for him.”
The Polish coach knows Kovalenko well. They played alongside each other for four seasons in Chicago, where Kovalenko had 22 goals and 20 assists in 90 games. Last season Kovalenko was named United’s MVP.
Kovalenko, who will earn a reported $176,000 this season, is United’s third highest-paid player after Freddy Adu ($500,000) and Stewart ($285,000). He refused to be interviewed by a reporter Thursday, saying, “I don’t want to talk — I just want to think about the game.”
The speedy midfielder, who brings a physical presence to United’s midfield, has too much talent to be left on the bench. If he doesn’t start today, Nowak, a strict disciplinarian who demands and enforces team unity, could be teaching Kovalenko an important lesson.
Game notes — As of yesterday the MetroStars, who play before a downsized MLS capacity of 25,576 at Giants Stadium, had sold 24,945 tickets. The expected good weather and the appearance of Freddy Adu is likely to draw a big walkup crowd. The club will open additional overflow seating in the end zone for $24 a seat. … Adu was named this week to the U.S. under-20 team that will face Haiti on Wednesday at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Corner kicks — In the latest FIFA rankings, the U.S. team (1-1-2) is tied for 11th place with Italy, up a slot after its 1-0 win over Poland. Mexico reached a record-high fourth place. The fastest climber is Iran (17th), which is scheduled to play the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Rose Bowl on April28. Brazil leads the top 10, ahead of France, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Holland, Germany, Turkey, Czech Republic and England. …
The U.S. team will play Mexico at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on April 28 and Honduras at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., on June2. The Americans begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against Grenada at Columbus Crew Stadium on June13. …
American World Cup star John O’Brien has had his contract extended with Ajax Amsterdam through July 2005. O’Brien has been with the top Dutch team since 1998, and his contract was to expire in June. The 26-year-old defender/midfielder has been sidelined with a tendon injury much of this season. …
Forbes magazine reports MLS has hemorrhaged $350million in its eight seasons of existence.
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