To further their effort to become more competitive domestically and internationally, Major League Soccer (MLS) has added another American star to their association. Former midfielder on the US Men's National Team, Jermaine Jones, will join the New England Revolution.
Ever since Jones' contract with the Turkish team Beşiktaş expired in June, his services have been sought out by the New England Revolution and the Chicago Fire. Jones finally made a decision on Sunday and reportedly signed with the Revolution for a $4.5 million deal in 2014 and 2015 with a player option for 2016. Jones will provide a big boost for New England, who remain one point out of the playoffs.
"When we learned that he was interested in signing with MLS, we immediately informed the league of our interest," said Robert Kraft, the team's owner, in this MLS article. "He is a dynamic player and is certain to have a tremendous impact on our team and in our community. We look forward to his many contributions."
The 32-year-old midfielder perhaps gained the most recognition of his career after scoring a goal against Portugal in the World Cup to tie the game at 1-1. The US ended up taking a late 2-1 lead after a Clint Dempsey goal, but Portugal scored a last-minute goal to solidify the draw. Jones finished the World Cup after starting all four of the team's games (playing every minute), compiling one goal, one assist and ten shots with six on target. He'll be 36 by the next World Cup, and based on Jurgen Klinsmann's decision to leave the 32-year-old Landon Donovan off of the roster, it looks like this was Jones' last tournament.
"I'm very excited to come to MLS and join the Revolution," said Jones, in this New England Revolution article. "New England is an exciting team on the rise, and I believe I can come in and help the team make a push toward MLS Cup. Playing with the U.S. National Team has given me a great connection with the American fans and I'm looking forward to playing in front of them every weekend. I'm ready to get started with the Revs."
Jones previously played in Europe for 14 years with German teams Eintract Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen, and FC Schalke 04; England's Blackburn Rovers; and Turkish team Beşiktaş. He will now join the US along with fellow former and current US MNT stars Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Graham Zusi (Sporting KC), and others.
Excited to be joining my new team in Boston. Thanks @MLS & @RichardMotzkin for making it happen. #Revs
— Jermaine Jones (@Jermainejunior) August 24, 2014
