New England Revolution left back DeJuan Jones has been binging on international opposition both in and out of MLS since the start of the year.
Jones will face his third straight LIGA MX opponent from Mexico when the Revolution host Queretaro Futbol Club in the Leagues Cup tournament Round of 16 on Monday night (8) at Gillette Stadium.
Jones got tossed into the international arena when he was selected to the U.S. National Team’s 23-man roaster for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Jones, 26, made four appearances for the U.S. team during the Gold Cup Group Stage that included 90-minute starts in the second and third matches.
Jones had two previous call-ups to compete in a pair of friendlies in California and made his international debut with a 26-minute effort against Serbia on Jan. 26. Jones made his first international start four days later and played 90 minutes in a scoreless tie against Columbia.
Revolution interim head coach Richie Williams participated in international competition with the U.S. National Team as a player and will make his second straight appearance as the team’s field manager against Queretaro.
Revolution head coach and sporting director Bruce Arena is currently on indefinite administrative leave pending an investigation my MLS for making “insensitive and inappropriate remarks.”
“I played in international soccer myself and you can just see the difference from your first time playing with the National Team and going to the camps,” said Williams. “After getting cap after cap you see your development and improvement in the game and obviously at that level the game is so much faster.
“I think it has really helped DeJuan move forward and mature more as a player and continue to develop as a player. He did really well when he went in with the Gold Cup and hopefully, he will continue to grow with the National Team. It will make him a better player.”
Jones was a fixture in the Revolution’s home wins over LIGA MX powers Atletico San Luis and Atlas FC to advance to the Round of 16. The Revs pummeled Atletico 5-1 but needed an eighth overtime penalty kick from center back Andrew Farrell to complete their come from behind 2-2 match with Atlas on Thursday night.
“It is pretty cool playing against teams from another league and it is an exciting tournament to watch as a fan and for the sport,” said Jones. “Playing against these Mexican teams has been fun and a big challenge for us.
“To go down two goals and come back like that and win it in dramatic fashion in penalty kicks was awesome. For Farrell to score a penalty kick made it all the more special.”
The Revolution suffered a huge setback in the 49th minute against Atlas when right back Brandon Bye went down with a season-ending torn ACL. Bye and Jones have been the most productive bookend backs in MLS since 2020 on both sides of the pitch.
Jones is second in MLS among backs with a combined 21 goals and assists while Bye in tied for third with 19. Bye is third in chances created with 110 while Jones is fifth with 107. Bye is fourth in duels won with 555.
“Brandon means a lot and he’s been holding down that right spot for five years,” said Jones. “It is going to be a big miss for us and we will be praying for him that he recovers soon.
“It should be no problem going over to the right side and I feel comfortable playing both.”
Williams said goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is back training with the club and is available for Queretaro.