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MSU grad DeJuan Jones on cusp of first USMNT appearance after January call-up

phil friend, lansing state journal
·3 min read
New England Revolution defender DeJuan Jones, a graduate of East Lansing High School and Michigan State, has been called into the United States men's national team's January camp. The U.S. will play two friendlies this month, giving Jones a chance to earn his first USMNT cap.
New England Revolution defender DeJuan Jones, a graduate of East Lansing High School and Michigan State, has been called into the United States men's national team's January camp. The U.S. will play two friendlies this month, giving Jones a chance to earn his first USMNT cap.

After another standout season with the New England Revolution, DeJuan Jones is getting another look from the United State men's national soccer team.

The former East Lansing High School and Michigan State star has been called up to the USMNT's January camp for the second straight year. His selection comes on the heels of a 2022 season in which Jones tallied one goal and seven assists in 31 matches, tying a club record for most assists by a defender.

This is Jones' second call-up to the national team. The left back was brought in by coach Gregg Berhalter for a two-week camp last January during which the US didn't play any friendlies. But this one is much different. The U.S. will play two friendlies this month — Jan. 25 against Serbia in Los Angeles and Jan. 28 against Colombia in Carson, California.

Because of the nature of the friendlies — where there's usually more rotation of players — and the January camp setup of mostly MLS players, it's more than possible that Jones receives his first USMNT cap this month. An impressive January could also lead to future call-ups for Jones for World Cup qualifying and perhaps beyond, including the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. is hosting with Mexico and Canada.

"Grateful for this opportunity! Let's get it," Jones tweeted Wednesday.

Jones is one of eight defenders called in by assistant coach Anthony Hudson, and one of four fullbacks. Jones is joined by Julian Gressel (Vancouver), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls) and Jonathan Gomez (Real Sociedad). Jones, Tolkin and Gomez primarily play left back and Gressel plays mostly right back.

Jones has been a full-time starter for New England the past two seasons and started a large number games the two seasons before that. He's made 100 MLS appearances, with 87 starts, over the past four seasons, tallying five goals and 13 assists.

Jun 26, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; New England Revolution forward DeJuan Jones (24) challenges Vancouver Whitecaps defender Marcus Godinho (2) during the first half at BC Place.
Jun 26, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; New England Revolution forward DeJuan Jones (24) challenges Vancouver Whitecaps defender Marcus Godinho (2) during the first half at BC Place.

USMNT Roster - January Camp

GOALKEEPERS (3): Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati; 0/0), Sean Johnson (Unattached; 10/0), Gaga Slonina (Chelsea/ENG; 0/0)

DEFENDERS (8): Jonathan Gómez (Real Sociedad/ESP; 1/0), Julian Gressel (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 0/0), DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution; 0/0), Aaron Long (LAFC; 29/3), Jalen Neal (LA Galaxy; 0/0), Sam Rogers (Rosenborg/NOR; 0/0), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls; 0/0), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 37/3)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; 0/0), Kellyn Acosta (LAFC; 55/2), Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew; 0/0), Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas; 1/0), Alan Soñora (Unattached; 0/0), Eryk Williamson (Portland Timbers; 4/0)

FORWARDS (7): Paul Arriola (FC Dallas; 48/10), Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes; 1/0), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas; 16/7), Matthew Hoppe (Middlesbrough/ENG; 6/1), Emmanuel Sabbi (Odense/DEN; 0/0), Brandon Vazquez (FC Cincinnati; 0/0), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America/MEX; 0/0)

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: New England Revolution's DeJuan Jones receives USMNT call-up