The last game of the season for the New England Revolution in 2015 is one that most MLS fans are unlikely to forget for a while. The scenes of Jermaine Jones running and screaming at referee Mark Geiger after a series of handball calls and no calls are arguably most memorable of the MLS playoffs. Since then, the offseason for the Revs has kept it’s focus on Jones. He is out of his contract with New England, and the dance of whether he will or won’t remain with Revs has played out over the past few months.
Jermaine Jones Situation
Jones has taken to social media several times to comment on the ongoing saga saying via Twitter, “I would like to return to the @nerevolution but they have offered me less than 20% of what I made last year,” on December 18th. That is the last present the Revs wanted for Christmas, but officials from the club have left the door open for Jones to return this season. It’s not hard to see why the Revolution may not want to resign Jones as he is 34 years old and only scored 2 goals in 28 appearances (via mlssoccer.com) for the Revolution. At this point, it may be plausible for Jones to move back overseas. But a six game ban imposed on him after his outburst in the playoffs could hamper that.
Moving On?
The Revolution did take a step to replace Jones, acquiring Gershon Koffie from the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Impact had more than enough midfielders, and the Revolution did not want to go into the 2016 season with Scott Caldwell as their only defensive midfielder. The 24 year-old Ghanaian should help the Revs fix some of their central midfield issues this upcoming season. Koffie had been with the Impact since 2011, their first season in MLS, scoring nine goals and seven assists in 133 appearances (via mlssoccer.com). This seems to signal the end for Jones in New England, but anything can happen with it looking like the aging U.S. international doesn’t have very many options.
Wrap Up
Jermaine Jones was always going to be the main focus in the offseason for the Revolution. But with that uncertainty still remaining, they will need to focus on the new season and regaining their 2014 form when they reached the MLS Cup Final but ultimately lost to Los Angeles Galaxy. Charlie Davies and Lee Nguyen will decide the Revolutions season, with the latter possibly being a big part in a Copa America run for the United States after good performances for the national team in January. If the Revolution can stay consistent and injury free, no doubt they can reach the MLS Playoffs once again.