Read Part 1 to start at the beginning
Read Part 2 about Manchester and Turning Pro
Read Part 3 about Germany and the MLS
You are reading Part 4

Stop To Smell The Roses
In some ways signing with the Timbers was a gamble, but it was a sacrifice Ian was prepared to make. The pay cut wasn’t a big deal, he knew money wasn’t what he played for. If he did well in Portland then it would likely lead to another chance in the MLS. The hardest part was being away from his daughter, but he talked to Madison every day on the phone and visited as often as he could, knowing that things wouldn’t be this way forever.

“I’ll always be in her life,” says Joy. “I love her and she (will always) love me just the same as the day she did when she was born.”

Ian understands the importance and support that a closely knit family can bring.

“I speak to my Dad everyday.” says Joy. “I speak to my Mom everyday and I speak to my sisters all the time as well.”

Madison Joy and her father at the rose gardens.

Ian soon moved into a small apartment in Portland that the team had found for him. His new girlfriend, Nichole, a bright and beautiful young woman that he had met before leaving Salt Lake, made the trip as well and the two of them began exploring the city together.

“Things are different in different cultures, so you just have to learn to go with the flow.” says Joy.

However, Ian was pleasantly surprised as he started walking around the city, realizing that in many ways, Portland had a very European feel. He instantly took to the people, the culture, and the style of the city. The public transit system, the architecture, the bridges, and the way the town was mapped out, all impressed him very much.

“I feel like I’m back at home sometimes,” smiles Joy. “All the cafe’s and all the pubs, it’s great.”

Things were feeling natural back on the soccer field as well. The supporters for the Timbers emulated the fanship that Ian had seen at St. Pauli and other places back at home. There were banners, flags, scarves, smoke bombs, and the crowd would sing and chant all match long, truly, earning their moniker as Soccer City USA.  He really liked all his new teammates too. They were talented, hard working players, and most importantly they shared his passion to win.

However, being the new guy and being the team captain at the same time wasn’t exactly the easiest of situations, but Ian just did what he always had done before – play with his heart, don’t hold anything back, and lead by example.

“He’s honest. He tells you how it is and then you move on.” says Ross Smith. “Him and I have butted heads a few times in training, but as soon as we walk off the field we’re pals again and you realize that you’re just trying to get the most out of each other.”

Also adds Smith, “I like that about him, he tells you exactly what he’s thinking and you never have to question his intentions.”

“We all respect him,” says Josh Cameron. “Everyday he gives everything he’s got. He’s not afraid to hit somebody and put them on the turf. He’s not the biggest guy out there, but he always plays a lot bigger than he is.”

“I take (being team captain) very seriously.” says Joy. “I want to help people with every aspect I can, whether its on the field or a problem at home, so I do my best to listen and try to help out with any problem that’s presented to me.”

Joy helping to direct traffic during a match for the Timbers.

From the experiences Ian’s had in his life, he knows that life isn’t all about soccer. It’s about making a connection with the people and the community around you. Feeling passionate about building something and doing the best that you can at whatever it is you do.

“I’m passionate in life about everything.” says Joy. “If it’s playing Scrabble or whatever, I want to be successful and win.”

In many ways, Ian represents the modern athlete in his enthusiasm and willingness to connect with fans. He has an active twitter account (JOYPAULIAN), that he makes posts with regularly, sharing his life with anyone that might care to have a peak.

“What’s wrong with having a communication with someone who pays money to come and watch the team play?” asks Joy. “They want to know what you’re thinking about something or they might want to give their opinion to you, what a great way to stay active and involved.”

It was a lesson he learned well at St. Pauli.

“At St. Pauli, (the players) were required after every single game to go have a pint with the fans at the local pub, whether you won or lost it didn’t matter.” chuckles Joy. “The (fans) would come up and tell you how well you played or how completely shit you were, or sometimes they might even buy you a pint if they liked you.”

Ian recalls an afternoon off early in the season, he saw a group of guys playing soccer in a local park around Portland and decided to ask if he could join them. They didn’t know he was a member of the Timbers, but were happy to have another player in their game, so Ian kicked the ball around with them a bit and got a chance to meet a few local soccer fans.

“To just join (a game) and have a few laughs, even if they don’t know who you are, it’s fun.” says Joy.

“Since I’ve been in Portland, I don’t miss anywhere else.” smiles Joy. He admires the passion from the fans, the connection the city has with the team, and the culture of the community overall.

“I really like Pioneer Square.” says Joy. “I like going there and just watching people sometimes.”

Ian knows that nothing in life is permanent, and that’s not a good thing or a bad thing necessarily. Just the way life is. The lesson to learn is to enjoy it while you can.

“Life is about how much you want to wake up that day or the next day with smile on your face.” says Joy.

Through the ups and downs of the Timbers long season, Ian tried to communicate this idea to his teammates. The idea that life is fast, so you need to live in the moment and not rush things. Make sure that you take the time to stop and smell the roses.

The Timbers huddled together talking pre-match strategy.

Before the Puerto Rico game this season, the last home game to be played at PGE Park before the renovation, Ian gathered the team and spoke to them as they huddled together, the sellout crowd roaring and surrounding them in the stands. He told them that moments in life like this sometimes only come around once. He looked at all the faces in the circle, Gavin’s last season as head coach, Scot Thompson moving into another role next year, and he said to his teammates, their arms around each other:

“This will only happen one time. This moment, for these same guys, will only happen once.” said Joy. “It won’t happen again, so take it in, and make the most of it.”

Although, he still has 5-6 years of playing soccer at a high level in front of him, it seems like a natural progression for Ian to move from the pitch to the sidelines after his career ends.

“Coaching is definitely something I want to do someday.” says Joy. “When I first started playing I never wanted to ever be involved with coaching whatsoever.”

However, Ian feels that he can help other players get the most out of their abilities and he wants to be apart of that passion and journey for success.

“Integrating what you’ve learned throughout your career and trying to give that to other players is what’s important” says Joy. “I’m a confident and motivated person, so I think I know how to drive people and help them be successful.”

“He’s been there, he’d done that, and he’s played at a high level and has experience in the MLS.” says Coach Wilkinson, “He’s a sounding board for other guys and he has the ability to mentor younger players as well.”

Ian’s main focus is on the here and now though. As he finishes up his first season as a Portland Timber, Ian is feeling energized with a new perspective on life. The dedicated and passionate culture of Soccer City USA and the Timber’s Army is what he loves and wants to be a part of.

“Portland is where I want to play, to have something off the field, a special connection with the fans, and a political belief that stands out too.” says Joy. “I feel very comfortable here and it’s somewhere I want to be for a long time. If I were to finish my career as a Timber, I would be very happy.”

Ian’s found his joy for the game again and ultimately, that passion is what drives him to succeed.

“I still get pleasure knowing that personally I could have played better, but the team won.” explains Joy. “I get absolutely no pleasure coming off the field knowing I’ve done well myself, but the team has lost.”

Says Joy, “ All I want is to win.”

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Read Part 1 to start at the beginning
Read Part 2 about Manchester and Turning Pro
Read Part 3 about Germany and MLS
You are reading Part 4

Related posts:

1. The Joy of Soccer: Part 3 of 4
2. The Joy of Soccer: Part 2 of 4
3. The Joy of Soccer: Part 1 of 4
4. A Day Full of Soccer
5. Match Day Fix