Je-Vaughn Watson (left) executes a tackle. Photo/Gia Quilap with Keeper Notes
One gets the sense from both seeing New England Revolution defender Je-Vaughn Watson play and speaking with him personally that there isn’t much that can take him off his game.
Especially since the Jamaican right back, who the Revolution acquired last week by trading a third-round 2017 draft pick to FC Dallas, looked perfectly comfortable in his first appearance for his new club, which came in Sunday’s season opening 3-3 draw at the Houston Dynamo.
Just 20 seconds into the match—and his career with the Revs—Watson was called into action when he was forced to defend the far post from an incoming Andrew Wenger, who was targeted with a pacey cross from the right flank by Will Bruin.
“You can be called upon at any time,” Watson said in a phone interview after Revolution practice on Tuesday. “I can make my mind up quick, even if all I have is a couple of seconds.”
Decisiveness has been a trademark of the 32-year-old throughout his career, which began with Clarendon, Jamaica’s Sporting Central Academy and continued in stints at Houston (2011-12) and later, Dallas (2013-15).
Watson is versatile, too: he’s quick to note that he’s also able to play anywhere on the back line as well as in a more advanced, midfield position.
But for Watson, who has represented his country 52 times since earning his first cap on July 26, 2008 against El Salvador, where he plays is irrelevant and says Revs coach Jay Heaps has asked him to an overall leader on the team.
“No matter where I play, what I bring my speed and my strength,” Watson said. “I want us to be a force to be reckoned with in this league and help this team win matches.
“I think there’s really something special with this team and I want to help bring that first championship to the club.”
The next step in the Revolution’s path to the title is coming on Saturday when they host DC United (0-1-0) at Gillette Stadium for the home opener.
“I’m excited for this weekend,” Watson added. “I just want to put my best foot forward for the fans.”
If you want to reach Julian, email him at julianccardillo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @juliancardillo
