Jones Proves His Worth to League
Becoming Major League Soccer’s player of the week for the eighth time was an even sweeter experience for Cobi Jones considering his off-season of uncertainty.
The Galaxy forward, who has been with the team and the league since its inception in 1996, signed a three-year deal with MLS on March 16. Financial terms were not disclosed. The agreement, though, is thought to make him the highest-paid American player in MLS.
“Obviously, it was a trying situation,” he said of the contract talks. “All negotiations are trying on both parties, but, in the end, I think everyone was happy with how things turned out.
“The two goals [against Colorado] are an example of what I can do and what I can bring to the league. It’s a good situation both ways because the league can say it was justified to keep me here.”
MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis agreed.
“We’re absolutely delighted about the new contract with Cobi,” he said. “I know Cobi is going to return the faith we’ve placed in him. He’s done that for the past five years through loyal service to this league and I’m real happy that he’s committed his future to MLS.”
Jones, 30, was honored Monday after his two-goal performance in the Galaxy’s 3-2 victory against the Colorado Rapids in Denver on April 28.
Both goals were milestones; the first marked the 300th all-time goal in Galaxy history and the second was the 50th of Jones’ MLS career, gaining him entry into the league’s seven-member 50-goal club. With 10 more assists, he will join the Miami Fusion’s Preki and the Dallas Burn’s Jason Kreis in MLS’ 50-goal, 50-assist club.
Jones, whose original five-year contract expired Jan. 1, explored the possibility of playing abroad, visiting Ipswich Town of the English Premier League before recommitting to MLS. One of three original members of the Galaxy along with Mauricio Cienfuegos and Greg Vanney, Jones reportedly has a no-trade clause in his latest contract.
“[Jones] is a great example of someone who has made a career for himself in American soccer,” Gazidis said. “He is a big part of our league history and future.”
TONIGHT
vs. Kansas City, 7
Fox Sports Net 2
* Site--Rose Bowl
* Radio--KRLA (870), KTNQ (1020, Spanish)
* Records--Galaxy 2-2-0, Wizards 3-2-1
* Update--While the Galaxy is coming off a high in winning a 2-1 international friendly at Mexico City against Chivas on Tuesday, the defending MLS Cup champion Wizards are coming off a 4-1 loss to the New York-New Jersey MetroStars on Wednesday. . . . The Wizards have not defeated the Galaxy at the Rose Bowl since May 31, 1997. . . . The Galaxy leads the all-time series with the Wizards, 10-9-2. . . . The Wizards defeated the Galaxy, 2-1, in the teams’ first meeting this season April 14 at Arrowhead Stadium in a match delayed 57 minutes because of weather.
