DeJuan Jones: “On our day, we can take down anyone”
New England Revolution defender DeJuan Jones is no stranger to the MLS Cup Playoffs. Since joining the club in 2019, Jones has helped New England reach the postseason four times in his five seasons in a Revolution uniform. So when New England hosts the Philadelphia Union in a must-win Game 2 in the Round One best-of-three series next Wednesday night, Jones and the Revolution will be ready for a battle as they fight to keep their season alive.
Jones joined DJ Bean on “The Soccer Show” this morning to discuss the Revolution’s mindset heading into Game 2. According to the Revs defender, the key to New England’s approach in the do-or-die game starts with confidence.
“On our day, we can take down anyone in the league if we’re playing at our max potential,” Jones said.
New England fell in the opening match of the series last weekend, 3-1, at Subaru Park. Now on the brink of elimination, the Revolution will need their best 90-minute effort against a strong Philadelphia side in order to force a winner-take-all Game 3 back in Chester.
“They’re a team that’s going to fight for 90 minutes,” Jones said of the Union. “They’re a physical team, and they’re going to tackle hard. We must make sure that we match that energy, and make it a physical game, and make them uncomfortable.”
The lessons learned from the loss in Game 1?
“We made some unforced errors doing things that if you make plays like that you won’t win the game,” Jones said of the Revs’ performance in the first bout. “These things are all avoidable and things that we can work on in terms of mentality and more discipline on the field. It’s been a good week of training and we’re excited for another chance.”
Jones and the Revolution have made Gillette Stadium into their fortress in 2023, posting a 12-1-4 home record during the regular season. New England’s 40 points tallied in Foxborough are a club record, while the 12 home wins match the most in club history in a single season.
“Especially at home, we have the advantage, especially with our home crowd,” Jones said. “We definitely need to take care of business and be ready for them on the road as well.”
Watch Wednesday’s match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in English and Spanish, or nationally on FS1 and Fox Deportes. Listen on the radio via ROCK 92.9 FM, Sirius XM FC (157), and 1260 AM Nossa Radio. Tickets are available at Revolutionsoccer.net/tickets.
If the Revolution win next Wednesday’s match, Game 3 will be played on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 3:00 p.m. ET at Subaru Park.
