While it’s not quite the return of the Prodigal Son, the return of former Seattle Sounder left back Joevin Jones back on the training ground at Starfire Sports on Thursday morning was definitely a reunion that felt good for club and player.
Jones returned to the Sounders organization after an 18-month spell with SV Darmstadt of the Bundesliga’s second’s division. Jones appeared in 44 games with the club and scored six goals. A coaching change prompted Jones to wonder if one can ever go home again. Jones left the Sounders on good terms and was able to return to a team that both wanted and needed him.
While the Sounders have able defenders in Brad Smith and Nohou who are fast and versatile, Jones experience playing in right midfield with his national side Trinidad and Tobago will give head coach Brian Schemtzer plenty of options on how to attack from the back or middle of the field given Jones technical ability on and off the ball.
For Jones, the move represents growth and maturity as a player and a man.
Jones will be an available option for Schmetzer on Saturday when the Sounders visit FC Dallas and four days later when the team finishes the two-game road trip on June 5th at Montreal when they face the Montreal Impact.
