Yes, he'll be available the next time the US plays following tomorrow's match.Embarrassed to ask, but google not my friend. What is Jones' status? He can't play internationally until the clears the suspension? And how is that working -- he gets a game credit whenever the Rapids play or is it more complicated?
I don't think people are hitting the panic button yet because even a hobbled US is likely to beat Guatemala at home, but anything less than three points and the klaxons will start blaring loudly.I'm a bit surprised -- whether it be sirius' soccer channel or the usual Internet stuff -- that while people are bummed about losing to Guatemala and the team's poor play, that nobody is really all that concerned about getting out of this round. Maybe I'm just looking for things to worry about, but I'm pretty worried about it. Has there been a bigger game for US Soccer in recent times? In the last decade? Sure, the world cup games were huge, but nothing comes close to how devastating a loss tomorrow night would be for US Soccer. This is like Manchester United playing a game on the last premier league match day with relegation on the line. Jones may not be in the best shape right now, and may not have more than another few games left in him for the USMNT, but he has grit and physicality that would have been welcome on Friday.
I'm not panicking but panic is definitely possible by halftime.
The closest analogue is the semifinal round of qualification for the 2002 World Cup. The US needed a win on the road at Barbados in the final matchday and although the US ended up winning 4-0, Clint Mathis didn't score the opener until the 63rd minute. The US would have been off the hook with a draw if Costa Rica had beaten Guatemala on the road, but the Chapines won thanks to a brace from....a 21 year old Carlos Ruiz (who scored against the US on Friday).