SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today acquired defender Joevin Jones from the Chicago Fire in exchange for the 15th selection in today’s MLS SuperDraft and general allocation money. Jones, a 24-year-old Trinidad & Tobago international, made 28 appearances in his first MLS campaign last season, logging 2,257 minutes for the Fire. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, additional terms of the trade are not being disclosed.
“We are excited to add a player of Joevin’s caliber to our roster,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “Making our roster younger and faster has been a priority for the club this offseason, and acquiring a player like Joevin fits that bill.”
Jones signed with Chicago prior to the 2015 season following a five-year career in Trinidad & Tobago and Finland. He started 26 of 28 appearances for the Fire last season, recording one goal and one assist, including the opening strike in a 3-2 win over Toronto FC on April 4. Jones made his professional debut at age 17 with W Connection of Trinidad & Tobago’s TT League after spending two seasons with the club’s youth program. He went on to play in 55 league matches for the Savonetta Boys from 2009-2014, leading his club to Pro League titles in 2011 and 2013 and scoring 26 goals. His 14 tallies in 2013 ranked second in the TT League. He was loaned to HJK Helsinki of the Finnish top division in 2014, making six appearances.
“Joevin is a player with speed and versatility that can come in and help our team,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Sigi Schmid. “He played well for Chicago this past season and we look forward to seeing what he brings to our roster.”
Since making his international debut with Trinidad & Tobago on September 7, 2010, Jones has been a consistent presence for the Soca Warriors, logging 37 career appearances. In 2012, Jones helped his country earn qualification to its first CONCACAF Gold Cup in six years after finishing second in the Caribbean Cup. He recorded his first career international goal in the Group Stage of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup against Guatemala.
“We’re excited to bring him into our group for the upcoming season,” said Sounders FC Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “As a young, athletic and versatile player, we expect Joevin to make a strong impact on our team throughout 2016.”
Aside from the Jones deal, Sounders FC acquired two additional players in Thursday’s 2016 MLS SuperDraft: Tony Alfaro from Cal State Dominguez Hills with the 27th overall selection and Zach Mathers from Duke University with the 35th pick.
TRANSACTION: Seattle Sounders FC acquires defender Joevin Jones via trade from Chicago Fire in exchange for first round pick in 2016 MLS SuperDraft and allocation money.
Name: Joevin Jones
Position: Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 160
Born: August 3, 1991 in Carenage, Trinidad & Tobago
Hometown: August 3, 1991 in Carenage, Trinidad & Tobago
Citizenship: Trinidad & Tobago
Pronunciation: JOE-vin
Acquired: Acquired via trade from Chicago Fire in exchange for Sounders FC’s First Round pick (15th overall) in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft and allocation money
Previous Experience: Chicago Fire (2015); HJK Helsinki (2014); W Connection (2009-2014)
