Joevin Jones

Joevin Jones
Personal information
Full nameJoevin Martin Jones
Date of birth3 August 1991
Place of birthCarenage, Trinidad and Tobago
Height1.71 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in)
Playing positionLeft-wing back, Midfielder
Club information
Current team
Chicago Fire
Number3
Youth career
2005–2007Defence Force
2005–2009Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive
2007–2009W Connection
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2009–2014W Connection55(28)
2014→ HJK Helsinki (loan)6(0)
2015–Chicago Fire6(1)
National team‡
2011Trinidad and Tobago U204(0)
2011–2012Trinidad and Tobago U238(0)
2010–Trinidad and Tobago37(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of April 24, 2015.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 29 November 2014

Joevin Martin Jones (born 3 August 1991) is a Trinidadian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for MLS club Chicago Fire. 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 has won the TT Pro League title twice and the FA Trophy in 2013–14.

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 2011 Pan American Games and the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Early life

Jones was born in Carenage, Trinidad and Tobago, to parents Kelvin and Merlin.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3] He was also named among the top five best league players along with Mucurapo and future international teammate Kevin Molino.[4]

Club career

W Connection

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.[5] 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.[6] After a series of consecutive starts for the Soca Warriors, Jones garnered interest from several clubs in the United States.[7] In February 2011, Jones and W Connection teammate Shahdon Winchester were invited for a trial with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.[8][9] This was followed with a further two-week trial with Toronto FC.[10] However, the two trials proved unsuccessful and he was ultimately released.[11] 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.[12]

He began the 2012–13 season with the winning goal in the Digicel Charity Shield earning the man of the match award.[13] 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.[14] In February 2013, Jones had another unsuccessful trial with Toronto FC during their pre-season.[15][16] 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.[17]

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.[18] 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.[19] 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.[20] 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."[21][22] 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.[23]

Chicago Fire

On December 3, 2014 Jones has signed with the MLS club Chicago Fire.[24] Jones scored his first Fire goal in a 3-2 win against Toronto.

International career

Jones has represented Trinidad and Tobago on various levels of international competition, having been capped for the under-20,[25] under-23 Olympic team, and the Trinidad and Tobago national teams.[6]

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.[25] 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

He 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.[6] Jones went on to play in six consecutive games 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 games before a suspected calf injury kept him out against Haiti.[26] 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,[27] Joevin made his international return in a friendly match against Finland on 22 January 2012. After missing out on another friendly against Antigua and Barbuda a month later, he returned on 15 August in a 2–0 loss to Canada.

2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup

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. In the build-up to the Gold Cup, Jones started in friendlies against Belize and Peru in March 2013. He also started in 4–0 and 1–0 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.[28][29] After the Gold Cup draw, Trinidad and Tobago entered Group B along with El Salvador, Haiti, and Honduras. Based on his performance in the previous friendlies, Joevin was named in the final squad for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup on 28 July.[30]

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.[31] 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.[32] 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.[33] However, Jones did not take part in the 1–0 loss to Mexico due to a hamstring injury prior to the quarterfinal match.[34]

Post Gold Cup friendlies

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.[35] 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.[36] 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.[37]

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.[38] 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.

Career statistics

Club

As of 29 November 2014
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 2014 Veikkausliiga 600000000060
Career total 6128130257618311339
  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 November 2014[39][40]

International appearances

National team Year Friendly Competitive Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
 Trinidad and Tobago 20106050110
2011000000
201220110130
2013603090
2014202040
Total160210370

Honours

Club

Trinidad and Tobago W Connection

Individual

References

  1. ↑ Lasana Liburd (11 May 2014). "W for Winners: How Jones and Connection became Pro League champions". Wired868.com. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  2. ↑ Victoria Walcott (19 August 2013). "Spotlight on W Connection starlet Joevin Jones". Wired868.com. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  3. ↑ Inshan "Flex" Mohammed (20 January 2014). "Intercol Champions". Soca Warriors Online. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  4. ↑ Inshan "Flex" Mohammed (23 April 2009). "SSFL top girls & boys all-star teams". Soca Warriors Online. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  5. ↑ "Joe Public lifts 2009 FA Trophy in dramatic style". Randy Bando (TTProLeague.com). 10 December 2009. Retrieved 10 December 2009.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Inshan Muhammad (15 June 2013). "Player Profile – Joevin Martin Jones". Soca Warriors Online. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  7. ↑ "Foreign clubs eye Hector, Jones". T&T Guardian Staff. 19 November 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  8. ↑ "W Connection trio for MLS trials". Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian). 1 February 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  9. ↑ "Jones gets his VISA...off to Colorado for trial". Shaun Fuentes (TTFF Media). 31 January 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  10. ↑ "Four New Trialists in Orlando". Toronto FC Press Release. 23 February 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  11. ↑ "Bateau, Winchester, Jones released by US teams from trial". Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian). 24 February 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  12. ↑ Randy Bando (22 June 2012). "Caledonia pips Connection for CFU Club Championship title". TTProLeague.com. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  13. ↑ "Connection snatches inaugural Digicel Charity Shield". Randy Bando (TTProLeague.com). 9 September 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
  14. ↑ "Jones hat-trick heats up League chase". Randy Bando (TTProLeague.com). 23 February 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  15. ↑ "Joevin Jones on trial with Toronto FC". Dave Rowaan (WakingtheRed.com). 3 February 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  16. ↑ "Joevin Jones cut from Toronto FC pre-season". Duncan Fletcher (WakingtheRed.com). 11 February 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  17. ↑ "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.
  18. ↑ Lasana Liburd (26 September 2013). "Minor sweat, major consequences: Joevin and Cyrus face Connection axe". Wired868.com. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
  19. ↑ Lasana Liburd (8 October 2013). "Sorry coach: Joevin and Cyrus return to P/League action after apologies". Wired868.com. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
  20. ↑ "Wendy’s Players and Blue Waters Coaches of the Months revealed". Randy Bando (TTProLeague.com). 14 February 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  21. ↑ Lasana Liburd (1 December 2013). "Buona fortuna, Joevin: Connection starlet off for Udinese trials". Wired868.com. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  22. ↑ Lasana Liburd (15 December 2013). "Addio Serie A: Joevin fails to seduce Udinese". Wired868.com. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  23. ↑ Lasana Liburd (11 May 2014). "W for Winners: How Jones and Connection became Pro League champions". Wired868.com. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
  24. ↑ "Chicago Fire Sign Trinidad & Tobago Defender Joevin Jones". chicago-fire.com. December 3, 2014.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Bateau winner gives U-20s 2-1 win over Suriname". Shaun Fuentes (Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation). 11 December 2010. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  26. ↑ Inshan Muhammad (7 November 2010). "SWO T&T team of the month". Soca Warriors Online. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  27. ↑ T&T Newsday Staff (5 January 2012). "Kelvin Jones slams 'Warriors' preparation". T&T Newsday. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  28. ↑ "Romania vs. Trinidad and Tobago 4 – 0". Soccerway. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  29. ↑ "Estonia vs. Trinidad and Tobago 1 – 0". Soccerway. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  30. ↑ Ian Prescott (28 June 2013). "T&T's 2013 Gold Cup squad named". T&T Express. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  31. ↑ Shaun Fuentes (TTFA) (8 July 2013). "First point on the board". SocaWarriors.net. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  32. ↑ Shaun Fuentes (TTFA) (13 July 2013). "T&T struggles at Sun Life...Haiti come away 2–0 winners". SocaWarriors.net. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  33. ↑ CONCACAF Press Release (16 July 2013). "T&T downs Honduras to seal Gold Cup quarterfinal place". SocaWarriors.net. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  34. ↑ CONCACAF Press Release (21 July 2013). "Fighting 'Warriors' exit Gold Cup after slim loss to Mexico". SocaWarriors.net. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  35. ↑ Lasana Liburd (3 October 2013). "Hart slams Joevin and Cyrus; but sees Pro League positives". Wired868.com. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
  36. ↑ Lasana Liburd (7 October 2013). "Steely Hart: Daniel, Joevin and Cyrus out as Warriors reward commitment". Wired868.com. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
  37. ↑ "Guerra strikes again as T&T double up on Reggae Boyz". Inshan Muhammad (Soca Warriors Online). 19 November 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  38. ↑ T&T Guardian Reports (5 June 2014). "Brave Warriors fall to Argentina". Soca Warriors Online. Retrieved 5 June 2014.
  39. ↑ "Trinidad and Tobago – Record International Players". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 24 January 2011.
  40. ↑ "Jones, Joevin". National Football Teams. Retrieved 15 June 2013.

External links