Jones Scores in Rapids Debut
- Updated: April 16, 2016
Former Revolution designated player Jermaine Jones scored and assisted in his first game with the Colorado Rapids in their 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Jones, who was traded to the Rapids in March for a first-round pick and allocation money after contract negotiations with the Revolution reached an impasse, tallied in the 21st minute on a centering pass from Mekeil Williams. In the 82nd minute, he put a through ball to former Real Boston Ram Dominique Badji, who then punched through the game-winner.
The 34-year-old U.S. International went the full 90 as Colorado’s central attacking midfielder. He collected a team-high 68 touches, and fired a total of two shots on goal.
“Everybody knows I’m a player,” Jones told the media after the match. “I love the freedom to go box-to-box and in my age of 34 and people say I maybe can’t do it anymore, it’s nice to prove people wrong.”
Saturday’s match was the first opportunity for Jones to return to play after he was hit with six-game ban due to his late-game confrontation with Mark Geiger in last year’s Knockout round match at DC United.
The 21st minute goal marked the first time Jones found the back of the net in MLS play since Leg 1 of the 2014 Eastern Conference final against – who else? – the Red Bulls.
“At the end of the day, I’m really thankful,” Jones said. “This club, they got me here even with a six-game suspension. They gave me an opportunity here to prove people wrong and I think you saw today on the field that I’m earning people’s trust back.”
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