The New England Revolution will have their back end bookends in place for Saturday night’s clash (7:30) with D.C. United at Gillette Stadium.
Left back DeJuan Jones has completed his international duties with the U.S. National Team and is expected to resume his place opposite right back Brandon Bye in the Revolution’s starting XI. Ryan Spaulding adequately replaced Jones in the three games he was away.
Jones and Bye have been the most compatible and competitive tandem in MLS since the pandemic shortened 2020 season and their collaborations extend to all three sections of the pitch.
In terms of finding the scoresheet in combined goals and assists by defenders, Jones is second in that time frame with 21, while Bye is tied for third with 19. In chances created, Bye is tied for third with 109 and Jones is fifth with 107.
On the home end, Bye is fifth among MLS defenders with 274 aerials won. Bye is fourth in duels won with 551, while Jones is eighth with 422.
“It was good to see him and talk to him throughout the time a little bit,” said Bye. “He enjoyed it and obviously he would have enjoyed it more if they had moved on to the finals but I am glad to have him back.”
Bye has been a reliable contributor to the Revolution’s attack on a team that features prolific goal scorers like Carles Gil, Bobby Wood, Gustavo Bou and Giacomo Vrioni. Bye has played in 18 games and logged 1,575 minutes with two goals and two assists on 11 shots. Bye made the crossing pass that set up Matt Polster for the opening goal in Wednesday night’s 2-1 victory over Atlanta United FC at Gillette.
“He is a very athletic right back,” said Revolution head coach Bruce Arena. “He gets forward in the attack and he has improved greatly with his service.
“He knows how to run a play and he’s gotten some goals over the last couple of years. He is dangerous on the attack and in set pieces as well.”
The Revolution have been busy beyond playing two home games in four days. On Thursday, the club completed a trade with Toronto FC that brought in midfielder Marc-Anthony Kaye in exchange for Latif Blessing.
The practice pitch got busier with the return of thee injured players, Tommy McNamara, Nacho Gil and homegrown Noel Buck of Arlington. Arena said Kaye will not be available for the D.C. United game.
DCU has a dangerous attack that has produced 32 goals in 23 games. Arena described DCU’s Christian Benteke, who has eight goals and three assists, as one of the best at his position in the league.
“They have a good team and their form of late has been good,” said Arena. “They have arguably the best striker on the league in Benteke and his partner (Taxiarchis) Fountas has been good. They have 14 goals between them.”
Following the match with D.C. United, the Revolution will break from MLS play for the upcoming Leagues Cup tournament. The Leagues Cup incorporates a World Cup format set in stages with teams from MLS and Mexico’s LIGA MX.
The Revolution open stage play against the New York Red Bulls in Harrison, N.J., on July 22. They host LIGA MX opponent Club Atletico de San Luis at Gillette on July 26. The MLS season resumes at Nashville on Aug. 20.