March 4, 2016 – Colorado Rapid’s acquire midfielder Jermaine Jones from New England Revolution in exchange for general allocation money and the Rapids first round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
Jermaine Jones joins the Rapids from New England Revolution.
Colorado will use targeted allocation money on Jones’ contract, meaning Jermaine will not occupy a designated player slot.
The 34 year old has made 58 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team scoring three goals and notching four assists. USMNT supporters will remember this stunning goal Jones scored against Portugal in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup.
The Frankfurt born Jones spent the first 14 seasons of his professional club career playing in Germany for Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke 04. During his very successful time playing in Gelsenkirchen, Schalke reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League on two occasions. Jones also spent time playing for Blackburn Rovers in England and Besiktas in Turkey.
Jones joined New England Revolution following the 2014 World Cup as a designated player and played in the Revolution side that reached the 2014 MLS Cup final. During his time with New England Jones played in 33 regular season games scoring three goals and assisting six times.
Jones could be joining fellow U.S. Men’s National Team player Tim Howard at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park as part of the Rapids extensive off-season reshuffle. Jones will most likely partner as a defensive midfielder next to Dillon Powers. Powers is expected to play more of a box to box midfield role in 2016, which would allow Jones to sit a little deeper in the Rapid formation, supplying defensive cover, probing passes and allowing him to make runs from the back.
Jones is ineligible for the first six matches of the 2016 as he serves a ban resulting from New England’s 2015 MLS Cup match where Jones made contact with the match official. MLS ruled that teh contact amounted to assault on a match official which carries an automatic six game suspension. The MLS Players Union did appeal the decision but MLS commissioner Don Garber upheld the six match ban. The earliest Rapids fans will be able to see Jones in action is April 16th when Colorado hosts the New York Redbulls.
Speaking about the addition of Jones, Rapids Technical Director and Vice President of Soccer Operations Paul Bravo said “Jermaine’s record for club and country speaks for itself. He has the ability, versatility, experience and leadership skills to improve our young side. We are excited to have him join us in Colorado.”
Prior to Jones coming to Colorado it looked like the defensive midfield pairing of Sam Cronin and Dillon Powers would anchor the Rapid midfield. Signing Jones changes things up for Colorado, but expect to still see plenty of both Cronin and Powers. Last season, each player started at least 24 games and they should continue to see plenty of action in the side.
Jones brings leadership and experience to Rapids team that needs it.
Given Jones’ age and the altitude in Colorado, it makes sense that Jones will start in the significant games against some of the sterner Western Conference opposition. Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni may decide to have Jones be an impact sub off the bench otherwise.
It remains unclear whether Jones figures in Jurgen Klinsmann’s plans as the USMNT goes through qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but regular starts and good performances for Colorado will help solidify Jermaine’s spot in the team, even if he may not factor into the actual Cup in Russia.
