Joevin Jones

Joevin Jones
Personal information
Full name Joevin Martin Jones
Date of birth (1991-08-03) 3 August 1991
Place of birth Carenage, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
Height 1.71 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in)
Playing position Left-back
Club information
Current team
 Seattle Sounders FC
Number 33
Youth career
2005–2007 Defence Force
2005–2009 Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive
2007–2009 W Connection
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
2009–2014 W Connection 55 (28)
2014 → HJK Helsinki (loan) 6 (0)
2015 Chicago Fire 28 (1)
2016– Seattle Sounders FC 8 (0)
National team‡
2011 Trinidad and Tobago U20 4 (0)
2011–2012 Trinidad and Tobago U23 8 (0)
2010– Trinidad and Tobago 53 (4)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 1 May 2016.
† Appearances (goals)

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 29 March 2016

Joevin Martin Jones (born 3 August 1991) is a Trinidadian professional footballer who plays as a left back for MLS club Seattle Sounders FC. He also represents the Trinidad and Tobago national team primarily playing as a left-wing back.

Jones' professional career began with W Connection in his native Trinidad and Tobago, where he made his first-team debut in 2009, at the age of 17. During his time with the Savonetta Boys, Jones won the TT Pro League title twice and the FA Trophy in 2013–14. After his fourth season with W Connection, in 2014, he was loaned to Finnish club HJK Helsinki.[1] Jones later moved to the Chicago Fire and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

In international football, Jones made his Trinidad and Tobago debut in September 2010, at the age of 19. With the Soca Warriors he has participated in two major tournaments, namely the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Early life

Jones was born on 3 August 1991 in Carenage, Trinidad and Tobago, to parents Kelvin and Merlin.[2] Joevin began playing football at the age of six and attributes his early passion for the sport to his father, who is a former defender for the Trinidad and Tobago national team. During his father's playing career, Kelvin woke up his three sons, Marvin, Joevin, and Alvin, to train each morning together.[3] In fact, the three brothers consistently evaluate their siblings' performances following each match and suggest areas for improvement. Joevin began his football education when he attended coaching school from former Soca Warrior player and manager Ronald La Forest.

At the age of 14, Jones attended Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive in Port of Spain, Trinidad and also enrolled in the youth program at TT Pro League club Defence Force. However, after a couple of seasons with the Teteron Boys, Jones decided to switch to the youth program in Couva with fellow Pro League club W Connection. In 2008, playing as left-back, Jones led Mucurapo to the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) North Zone title and the national Intercol Big Five crown.[4] He was also named among the top five best league players along with Mucurapo and future international teammate Kevin Molino.[5]

Club career

W Connection

Rise to the first team (2009–2012)

After spending two seasons in the club's youth program, Jones made his full professional debut for W Connection of the TT Pro League after making two appearances during the club's runners-up finish in the 2009 FA Trophy, including a midfield start in the final.[6] In his first league season, Jones cemented a position in the starting eleven, appearing seven times and scoring on two occasions, which were motivation for his first national team call-up in September 2010.[7] After a series of consecutive starts for the Soca Warriors, Jones garnered interest from several clubs in the United States.[8] In February 2011, Jones and W Connection teammate Shahdon Winchester were invited for a trial with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.[9][10] This was followed with a further two-week trial with Toronto FC.[11] However, the two trials proved unsuccessful and he was ultimately released.[12] Upon his return to Trinidad and Tobago, Joevin was a catalyst in leading W Connection to the club's fourth Pro League championship finishing the season with ten appearances and two goals. Following the season, Jones helped the Savonetta Boys finish runners-up in the 2012 CFU Club Championship and earn a place in the 2012–13 CONCACAF Champions League.[13]

He began the 2012–13 season with the winning goal in the Digicel Charity Shield earning the man of the match award.[14] During the Champions League campaign, he appeared in three matches and scored a goal in a 3–2 defeat to Xelajú in Couva. Afterwards, he went on to enjoy a breakout season with W Connection leading the club with ten league goals and 19 goals in all competitions, including his first career hat-trick as a professional in a 5–2 win against Police.[15] In February 2013, Jones had another unsuccessful trial with Toronto FC during their pre-season.[16][17] On 26 April, Jones scored two goals against Caledonia AIA en route to the Savonetta Boys topping their 2013 CFU Club Championship group to secure consecutive trips to the CONCACAF Champions League.[18]

Assuming the captaincy and loan to HJK (2013–2014)

Jones was named team captain prior to the 2013–14 season and changed from the number 36 jersey in favour of number 10. In the 2013–14 CONCACAF Champions League, Joevin made appearances during the Savonetta Boys' first three group stage matches. However, on 22 September, Jones and W Connection teammate Daneil Cyrus competed in a minor league match featuring for Jones' hometown team of Carenage. As a result, Jones and Cyrus were suspended by the club and did not travel with the team to Houston for the club's final match against the Houston Dynamo.[19] A week later, the club's disciplinary committee stripped Jones as team captain, assessed a fine of one month's salary, and serve a retroactive two match suspension.[20] Joevin returned to help the Savonetta Boys win the TOYOTA Classic and FA Trophy crowns and was later named Pro League Player of the Month for November/December 2013.[21] Joevin later had a two-week trial in Italy with Udinese shortened due to a "lack of dynamism required to compete at the Serie A level."[22][23] Afterwards, Jones returned to lead W Connection to the club's fifth Pro League title and finish the season as runner-up to the Golden Boot with 14 goals – his most Pro League goals in a season.[24]

On 1 September 2014, prior to his next season with W Connection, Jones agreed to join HJK Helsinki of the Veikkausliiga on a short-term loan for the remainder of the 2014 season.[1] Three weeks later, Joevin made his league debut for HJK against IFK Mariehamn after coming on for Mika Väyrynen in the 69th minute.[25] He made a further five starting appearances for the club in the final six matches of the season in route to the club winning the 2014 Veikkausliiga title and qualification for the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League.

Chicago Fire

On 3 December 2014, Jones signed with Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire on a one-year contract.[26] Joevin made his league debut in the season's opening match, on 6 March 2015, starting in the back-line for the Fire in a 2–0 loss to the LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center.[27] In his third consecutive start at left-back, Jones recorded his first assist of the season after setting up Harry Shipp in the 29th minute, which proved to be the lone goal for the Fire in a 2–1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes.[28] On 4 April, Joevin scored his first goal for the Chicago Fire after making a run into the Toronto FC penalty area and sliding a Shaun Maloney pass into the lower right corner for the match's opening goal.[29]

In his first match after leading the Soca Warriors to the quarterfinals of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Jones recorded his second assist of the season, on 22 July, during a 3–1 win over Orlando City SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.[30] In his first season in Major League Soccer, Jones made 28 league appearances and 31 in all competitions for the Fire having scored one goal and recording two assists.

Seattle Sounders FC

On 14 January 2016, Jones was traded from the Chicago Fire to Seattle Sounders FC in exchange for the 15th overall draft pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft and general allocation money.[31] A month later, Jones made his debut for the Sounders in a 2–2 draw against Club América during its quarterfinals first leg of the 2015–16 CONCACAF Champions League.

International career

Jones has represented Trinidad and Tobago on various levels of international competition, having been capped for the under-20,[32] under-23 Olympic team, and the Trinidad and Tobago national teams.[7]

Youth teams

In November 2010, Joevin made his debut for the under-20 team starting two matches in defence with Sheldon Bateau and Akeem Adams during their qualification for the 2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championship.[32] During the continental tournament, he made two starts in a goalless draw to Cuba and in a 5–0 loss to Mexico. Although Trinidad and Tobago did not qualify for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the Soca Warriors participated in the Pan American Games in October 2011, where Jones started in every match for the under-23 team. He made five additional starts during the under-23 team's unsuccessful qualification attempt in November 2011 and March 2012 for the Summer Olympics in London.

Senior team

Debut and making the starting eleven (2010–2012)

Jones made his full international debut for the national team on 7 September 2010, at the age of 19, in a match against Panama coming on as a second-half substitute for Aklie Edwards at left-back.[7] Jones went on to play in six consecutive matches for the national team before selection in the squad's qualification attempt for the 2010 Caribbean Cup. His appearance streak continued for an additional two matches before a suspected calf injury kept him out against Haiti.[33] Jones made his return in the Soca Warriors' first match of the 2010 Caribbean Cup against Cuba. After appearing for the national team in September 2010, Jones enjoyed an active role in the team finishing the year with eleven appearances.

After not featuring during the national team's disappointing qualification campaign for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil,[34] Joevin made his international return in a friendly match against Finland on 22 January 2012. However, after missing out on another friendly against Antigua and Barbuda a month later, he again returned on 15 August in a loss to Canada. In November and December 2012, Jones helped lead the national team through qualification and a runners-up finish in the 2012 Caribbean Cup to qualify for the country's first CONCACAF Gold Cup in six years.

Impressive Gold Cup performance (2013–2014)

In the build-up to the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Jones started in friendlies against Belize and Peru in March 2013. He also started in consecutive losses to Romania and Estonia in June and July, respectively, during the national team's first visit to European soil since the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.[35][36] After the Gold Cup draw, Trinidad and Tobago entered Group B along with El Salvador, Haiti, and Honduras. Based on his performances in the previous friendlies, Joevin was named in the final squad for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup on 28 July.[37]

Jones started at left-back in the Soca Warriors' first group match against El Salvador. He struggled to provide accurate passing throughout the match. However, with Trinidad and Tobago needing a goal, Joevin provided the long ball in the 73rd minute that set-up Kenwyne Jones' goal to secure a vital draw for the Warriors.[38] He also started in the match between Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago. Jones showed a definite improvement compared to his group match against El Salvador providing numerous overlapping runs and several crosses into the penalty area. However, in the 60th minute, Jones suffered from a late sliding tackle resulting in an ankle injury and an early second-half substitution.[39] In the final group match between the Warriors and Honduras, Jones returned from injury and made his third consecutive start in the backline. Trinidad and Tobago went on to win the match 2–0 and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2000.[40] However, Jones did not take part in the 1–0 loss to Mexico due to a hamstring injury prior to the quarterfinal match.[41]

Following a successful performance during the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Jones did not travel with the team to Saudi Arabia for the 2013 OSN Cup as he received a break from international duties to recover from fatigue.[42] However, after being stripped as W Connection's captain and subsequent club suspension for competing in a minor league match on 22 September 2013, Jones was dropped from the national team for the Soca Warriors friendly match against New Zealand the following month.[43] Jones was reinstated to the national team for a pair of matches against Caribbean rivals Jamaica and made a start in the return match in Port of Spain on 19 November 2013.[44]

On 4 June 2014, Jones started in midfield in a 3–0 loss during a send-off series match for Argentina at Estadio Monumental prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[45] Four days later, he was a second-half substitute replacing Ataullah Guerra for the Soca Warriors in a 2–0 loss to Iran in Arena Corinthians.

Transition to attacking wing-back (2015–present)

On 9 July 2015 Jones scored his first international goal in a group match of the tournament versus Guatemala.[46] On 15 July on the last play of the last group match against Mexico, he delivered a well-placed corner kick, despite being pelted with garbage by Mexican fans. Yohance Marshall headed the pass into goal, tying the score at 4-4 and securing first place in group for the Soca Warriors.[47][48][49]

Career statistics

Club

As of 1 May 2016[50]
Club Season League Cup League Cup[lower-alpha 1] Continental[lower-alpha 2] Other[lower-alpha 3] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Trinidad and Tobago W Connection 2009 TT Pro League 002000000020
2010–11 7210300000112
2011–12 10240500050242
2012–13 1510109531333119
2013–14 2314508230003916
Total 5528130257618310739
Finland HJK Helsinki (loan) 2014 Veikkausliiga 600000000060
Total 600000000060
United States Chicago Fire 2015 Major League Soccer 281300000311
Total 281300000311
United States Seattle Sounders FC 2016 Major League Soccer 80002000100
Total 80002000100
Career total 9729160257818315440
  1. ↑ Includes appearances in the Trinidad and Tobago's Classic, Goal Shield, and Pro Bowl
  2. ↑ Includes appearances in the CONCACAF Champions League
  3. ↑ Includes appearances in the Trinidad and Tobago Charity Shield and CFU Club Championship

International

As of 29 March 2016[51][52]

International appearances

National team Year Friendly Competitive Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
 Trinidad and Tobago 20106050110
2011000000
201220110130
2013603090
2014205070
20154161102
2016003232
Total201333534

International goals

Scores and results list Trinidad and Tobago's goal tally first.
Goal Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1
9 July 2015 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois, United States
42
  Guatemala
3–0
3–1
2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup
2
4 September 2015 Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah, United States
46
  Mexico
3–2
3–3
International Match
3
 24 March 2016 Arnos Vale Stadium, Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
52
  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
2–1
3–2
 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
4
 29 March 2016 Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, Trinidad and Tobago
53
2–0
6–0

Honours

Club

Trinidad and Tobago W Connection
Finland HJK Helsinki

Individual

Awards

References

  1. 1 2 "Joevin Jones heads to Finland". Trinidad Express Newspaper. 2 September 2014. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
  2. ↑ Lasana Liburd (11 May 2014). "W for Winners: How Jones and Connection became Pro League champions". Wired868.com. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  3. ↑ Victoria Walcott (19 August 2013). "Spotlight on W Connection starlet Joevin Jones". Wired868.com. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  4. ↑ Inshan "Flex" Mohammed (20 January 2014). "Intercol Champions". Soca Warriors Online. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  5. ↑ Inshan "Flex" Mohammed (23 April 2009). "SSFL top girls & boys all-star teams". Soca Warriors Online. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  6. ↑ "Joe Public lifts 2009 FA Trophy in dramatic style". Randy Bando (TTProLeague.com). 10 December 2009. Retrieved 10 December 2009.
  7. 1 2 3 Inshan Mohammad (15 June 2013). "Player Profile – Joevin Martin Jones". Soca Warriors Online. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  8. ↑ "Foreign clubs eye Hector, Jones". T&T Guardian Staff. 19 November 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  9. ↑ "W Connection trio for MLS trials". Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian). 1 February 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  10. ↑ "Jones gets his VISA...off to Colorado for trial". Shaun Fuentes (TTFF Media). 31 January 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  11. ↑ "Four New Trialists in Orlando". Toronto FC Press Release. 23 February 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  12. ↑ "Bateau, Winchester, Jones released by US teams from trial". Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian). 24 February 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  13. ↑ Randy Bando (22 June 2012). "Caledonia pips Connection for CFU Club Championship title". TTProLeague.com. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  14. ↑ "Connection snatches inaugural Digicel Charity Shield". Randy Bando (TTProLeague.com). 9 September 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
  15. ↑ "Jones hat-trick heats up League chase". Randy Bando (TTProLeague.com). 23 February 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  16. ↑ "Joevin Jones on trial with Toronto FC". Dave Rowaan (WakingtheRed.com). 3 February 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  17. ↑ "Joevin Jones cut from Toronto FC pre-season". Duncan Fletcher (WakingtheRed.com). 11 February 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  18. ↑ "Jones doubles up as Connection sinks Caledonia to lead Group I of the Caribbean qualifying to the Champions League". Randy Bando (TTProLeague.com). 27 April 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  19. ↑ Lasana Liburd (26 September 2013). "Minor sweat, major consequences: Joevin and Cyrus face Connection axe". Wired868.com. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
  20. ↑ Lasana Liburd (8 October 2013). "Sorry coach: Joevin and Cyrus return to P/League action after apologies". Wired868.com. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
  21. ↑ "Wendy’s Players and Blue Waters Coaches of the Months revealed". Randy Bando (TTProLeague.com). 14 February 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  22. ↑ Lasana Liburd (1 December 2013). "Buona fortuna, Joevin: Connection starlet off for Udinese trials". Wired868.com. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  23. ↑ Lasana Liburd (15 December 2013). "Addio Serie A: Joevin fails to seduce Udinese". Wired868.com. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  24. ↑ Lasana Liburd (11 May 2014). "W for Winners: How Jones and Connection became Pro League champions". Wired868.com. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
  25. ↑ "HJK vs. Mariehamn 5 - 1". Soccerway.com. 21 September 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  26. ↑ "Chicago Fire Sign Trinidad & Tobago Defender Joevin Jones". chicago-fire.com. December 3, 2014.
  27. ↑ "LA Galaxy (2) vs. Chicago Fire (0): MatchCenter". MLSsoccer.com MatchCenter. March 6, 2015.
  28. ↑ "San Jose Earthquakes (2) vs. Chicago Fire (1): MatchCenter". MLSsoccer.com MatchCenter. March 22, 2015.
  29. ↑ "Chicago Fire (3) vs. Toronto FC (2): MatchCenter". MLSsoccer.com MatchCenter. April 4, 2015.
  30. ↑ "Chicago Fire (3) vs. Orlando City SC (1): MatchCenter". MLSsoccer.com MatchCenter. July 22, 2015.
  31. ↑ "Official: Seattle Sounders acquire Trinidad and Tobago international Joevin Jones in exchange for MLS SuperDraft pick". January 14, 2016.
  32. 1 2 "Bateau winner gives U-20s 2-1 win over Suriname". Shaun Fuentes (Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation). 11 December 2010. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  33. ↑ Inshan "Flex" Mohammad (7 November 2010). "SWO T&T team of the month". Soca Warriors Online. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  34. ↑ T&T Newsday Staff (5 January 2012). "Kelvin Jones slams 'Warriors' preparation". T&T Newsday. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  35. ↑ "Romania vs. Trinidad and Tobago 4 – 0". Soccerway. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  36. ↑ "Estonia vs. Trinidad and Tobago 1 – 0". Soccerway. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  37. ↑ Ian Prescott (28 June 2013). "T&T's 2013 Gold Cup squad named". T&T Express. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  38. ↑ Shaun Fuentes (TTFA) (8 July 2013). "First point on the board". SocaWarriors.net. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  39. ↑ Shaun Fuentes (TTFA) (13 July 2013). "T&T struggles at Sun Life...Haiti come away 2–0 winners". SocaWarriors.net. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  40. ↑ CONCACAF Press Release (16 July 2013). "T&T downs Honduras to seal Gold Cup quarterfinal place". SocaWarriors.net. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  41. ↑ CONCACAF Press Release (21 July 2013). "Fighting 'Warriors' exit Gold Cup after slim loss to Mexico". SocaWarriors.net. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  42. ↑ Lasana Liburd (3 October 2013). "Hart slams Joevin and Cyrus; but sees Pro League positives". Wired868.com. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
  43. ↑ Lasana Liburd (7 October 2013). "Steely Hart: Daniel, Joevin and Cyrus out as Warriors reward commitment". Wired868.com. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
  44. ↑ "Guerra strikes again as T&T double up on Reggae Boyz". Inshan Mohammad (Soca Warriors Online). 19 November 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  45. ↑ T&T Guardian Reports (5 June 2014). "Brave Warriors fall to Argentina". Soca Warriors Online. Retrieved 5 June 2014.
  46. ↑ Trinidad 3-1 Guatemala
  47. ↑ Soccer Player Delivers Game Tying Assist, Mark Sandritter, SB Nation 15 July 2015
  48. ↑ Trinidad Tops Group After Thrilling Draw With Mexico, NY Times (Reuters) 15 July 2015
  49. ↑ T&T deny Mexico in wild affair, FIFA website, 16 July 2015
  50. ↑ "Player Profile: Joevin Jones". MLSsoccer.com. 28 February 2016. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  51. ↑ "Trinidad and Tobago – Record International Players". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 24 January 2011.
  52. ↑ "Jones, Joevin". National Football Teams. Retrieved 15 June 2013.

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