Darwin Jones

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Seattle (2015): In his first season of professional soccer, Jones made nine MLS appearances. The Homegrown Player and former University of Washington standout made his MLS debut in a 2-0 win at Vancouver Whitecaps FC (May 16). He earned his first professional start in a 2-1 win against CD Olimpia during the Group Stage of the 2015-2016 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (August 19). He ranked second on S2 with four goals, including a hat trick in a 4-0 win over Whitecaps FC 2 (March 29).

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

The forward began his career at Highline Community College, where he was named team MVP and led the school to the semifinals of the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges playoffs. Jones’ 15 goals ranked first on the team and fifth-highest in the NWAACC playoffs. He added 10 assists en route to being named a 2011 NWAACC Northwest Region All-Star selection. After being recruited by programs including UCLA, UCSB, Seattle University, Oregon State and Wake Forest, Jones committed to the University of Washington. As a junior, Jones saw action in 22 matches, including 16 starts. He scored seven total goals, including a game-winner in overtime to defeat SMU (September 27), and added four assists. Jones was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team in addition to being named Second Team All-America by College Sports Madness. As a senior, Jones was limited to 15 matches on 12 starts due to injury. However, Jones still scored eight goals and added five assists as he was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team for the second consecutive season. According to topdrawersoccer.com, Jones was ranked No. 22 nationally among college soccer players. Additionally, the site honored him on the Second Team Division I Best XI in 2014.

YOUTH EXPERIENCE

At Mt. Rainier High School, Jones played for three seasons, in addition to stints in club soccer with Highline Premier FC and Washington Premier. He was a standout in the inaugural season with the Sounders Academy in 2010-11 as a member of the U-18s, in which he scored a team-high 16 goals in 28 matches. Most recently, Jones played with the Seattle Sounders FC U-23 squad of the USL Premier Development League.

ACQUIRED

Signed as a Homegrown Player on January 9, 2015.