Galaxy Add Kovalenko, Magee

If and when David Beckham returns to the United States, he will see quite a few new faces on the training ground, as the Los Angeles Galaxy continue to be the most active team in the player market leading up to the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Bruce Arena’s squad officially grew by two on Wednesday night, as Mike Magee and Dema Kovalenko have been sent to the Galaxy on the eve of the draft, reports Steven Goff. In exchange for Magee, the New York Red Bulls will receive a conditional second-round pick in the 2010 SuperDraft, while Real Salt Lake gets an unspecified pick and allocation money in return for Kovalenko.

Magee, 24, has played in 130 games for the Red Bulls since being drafted by New York with the fourth-overall pick in the 2003 draft. He missed most of the ’07 season with a pair of knee injuries that limited him to just seven games and 144 minutes of action. A former US international at the youth level, Magee rebounded from his injuries this past season, making 26 appearances and scoring five goals to help the Red Bulls make the playoffs.

For Kovalenko, 31, Los Angeles will be the fifth stop in his 11-year MLS career, following stints with the Chicago Fire, D.C. United, the Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake. His best year came in 2000, when the Ukranian-born midfielder recorded ten goals and five assists; in contrast, he scored just once with two assists in 22 appearances last season.

2008 guaranteed compensation:
Magee - $65,637.19
Kovalenko - $207,618.75

Magee (left) and Kovalenko are the Galaxy's two latest additions.

* photos courtesy ISI Photos