Michigan State Soccer: DeJuan Jones’ path to the USMNT

Michigan State soccer alum DeJuan Jones has been seizing opportunities and now he’s been called up to the US Men’s National Team.

Michigan State soccer alum DeJuan Jones has been breaking down the door of opportunity throughout his soccer career, and now, he gets a chance to play at the national team level. This is technically the second time the former Michigan State forward has gotten the call-up, but in his previous camp, last January, the USMNT didn’t play games.

DeJuan got the opportunity to play for his hometown team after graduating from East Lansing High School. Playing in 19 games as a college freshman in 2015 Jones was able to make an impact right away.

I got the opportunity to see DeJuan play as a kid, and as he went through his High School career a combination of size, speed, technical ability, and a knack for finding the goal made him a household name in the Lansing area soccer landscape. The former Michigan Mr. Soccer tallied 16 goals and 14 assists during his Spartan career. His senior year he helped lead MSU to the College Cup and was named All-Big Ten second-team honors for the second straight year. 

DeJuan registered some of the best measurables at the MLS Combine in 2019, which bumped his draft stock up significantly. Eventually, the former Spartan forward was drafted by the New England Revolution, in which the transition to an outside back started. Albeit, a quick transition as he finished top five in MLS defender of the year voting in 2021. Coming off a 2022 season where Jones tallied seven assists; tying the Revolution record by a defender, it’s clear he’s more than earned a spot in this USMNT January camp. 

This call-up is an exciting opportunity for DeJuan, as stated by himself earlier Wednesday on Twitter.

Grateful for this opportunity! Let’s get it. ??? https://t.co/6qb9Ik8G1I

— DeJuan Jones (@dejuanjones24) January 18, 2023

Not only does DeJuan have an opportunity to make his first cap for the USMNT, but in a camp where many young players make up the roster, he could put his name in the hat for future call-ups, and tournaments.

The national team is scheduled to play two friendlies on Jan. 25 against Serbia and on Jan. 28 against Colombia. I believe his form from the MLS will carry over to the international level as one of the best outside backs on the roster.

Keep an eye out for his name to pop up in USMNT news and on social media throughout the month of January, and for his name to be called when the friendlies roll around.