Superstars Collide When Jones & Donovan Take Field Sunday

Wednesday, December 03, 2014

Matt LaPan, Go Local Sports Reporter

Jermaine Jones has brought a winning culture to New England

Landon Donovan and Jermaine Jones. Both men have created memorable moments for their MLS squads and for the U.S. Men’s National teams. One is a MLS legend playing in his final game before retirement. The other looking to lead his new team to their first ever MLS Cup in his first season with the team. Both will enter Sunday’s championship match with the same mission — hoisting the cup at the end of the afternoon.

Both men have played on the U.S. Men’s National team, but neither have played in a world cup together. Their first chance came in 2010, but Jones missed the World Cup with a broken leg. Their next chance came this past summer where Donovan was famously left off the squad by Jurgen Klinsmann.

Both these men elevate their team, but both in extremely different ways. Donovan obviously brings offensive firepower to the Galaxy. The living “LegenD” has contributed 144 career goals, including 10 in 2014. He opens space for fellow forwards Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes. Although the Revolution know Donovan is just part of the terrific Galaxy attack, Jay Heaps knows that the Revs will, “Need to be be at our best to stop him.”

Stopping Donovan, however is no easy task. The emotions of this being his final game as a professional soccer player will likely play a huge factor. Members of the Galaxy will want to win for Donovan. He will have nothing to lose and leave everything on the field, but the Revs are prepared for this moment.

Last week, in the Revs Eastern Conference Finals series, it was common knowledge that the 2nd leg was likely going to be the final game for the legendary Thierry Henry. Although Henry played well, the Revolution defense put an end to the legend and will look to duplicate that result this week.

As for Jones, his legend grew during his time with the U.S. Men’s National team in the 2014 World Cup. Jones was, arguably, the best player on the field for the United States. This helped draw a huge buzz when Jones landed in New England for his first MLS season.

GoLocal will have extensive coverage of the Revs quest for the cup all week

Since his arrival, Jones has elevated the Revs to a near unstoppable level — going 12-1-1 since he joined the team. This has drawn the attention of Galaxy defender A.J. DeLaGarza. “They’re an elevated team,” DeLaGarza said. “When Jermaine Jones came in I think he rose everyone and challenged them. You see guys like Kelyn Rowe and Lee Nguyen have stepped-up their games since he’s been there.”

Jones has netted three goals in his brief time with the Revs. He has added six assists, but his impact is not something that can be measured with simple stats. Jones brought a professional, world-class attitude to a team that is made of multiple young players. His spacing and ability on the ball have created ample space for Lee Nguyen to operate. His amazing down field passing ability has sprung Teal Bunbury to be the player many Revs fans expected when he signed. Essentially, Jones took a good team and made them great.

Yet even with the high praise, Galaxy coach Bruce Arena was adamant that his team was improved and would not be doing anything different to try to slow down Jones.

With one superstar ending his MLS career and one hoping to elevate his new MLS career, one thing is certain for soccer fans. They will be seeing world-class talent face off when Jermaine Jones and Landon Donovan take the field, Sunday.