Young Philly midfielder makes solid MLS debut with the Union
Derrick Jones, a 19-year-old Ghana-born midfielder, made an impressive MLS debut Wednesday with the Union in an international friendly against Crystal Palace of the English Premier League.
Derrick Jones, a 19-year-old Ghana-born midfielder, made an impressive MLS debut Wednesday with the Union in an international friendly against Crystal Palace of the English Premier League.
Jones, a dual citizen who moved to Philadelphia four years ago, proved he could play on the first team with his exceptional passing and confidence on the pitch. He said his nerves evaporated as soon as he was subbed in at the beginning of the second half.
"I think Derrick is trending in the right direction," Union coach Jim Curtin said.
"I think I did OK," Jones said.
Jones became Bethlehem Steel's first signee back in December. He has played most of the minutes in 15 Steel games this season, logging two goals and an assist.
The Steel are the Union's affiliate in the United Soccer League.
Jones also attended the Union Academy, where he spent three developmental seasons. He joined the academy from Junior Lone Star, a Southwest Philadelphia-based soccer club in which many West African immigrants play.
Jones signed a deal with the Union just for Wednesday's friendly, which ended in a scoreless draw.
Jones' success came as no surprise to Union defender Raymon Gaddis, who called Jones "a little brother." Gaddis watched Jones when he played for the Union Academy.
Before Wednesday's game, "the advice I gave him was, 'I've seen you play. You're good enough to play. Just have fun and play simple. When you play simple, everything comes easy,' " Gaddis said. "And he played simple. He completed a lot of passes. He turned well in the midfield. I'm very proud of Derrick."
Curtin said Jones left a memorable first impression but stopped at calling a long-term promotion imminent for the teenager.
"Could he be better? Absolutely," Curtin said. "That is up to us as a coaching staff to develop him, work with him each and every day."
Curtin wants to see Jones follow the play better and win the ball back after mistakes.
Jones will have time to work on those areas. After the game, he was set to return to Bethlehem, where he has become one of the team's most promising players.
"Is he there yet? Is he the complete package?" Curtain said. "He is not. And I'll tell that to him, and we have discussions all the time.
"But he is a good young player. . . . I don't want to concede he has made it by any stretch."
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