Kenwyne Jones used to compete against Carlos Bocanegra. Now, he will be playing for him.
Atlanta United announced on Friday that it has signed Jones, the 31-year-old striker who serves as captain for Trinidad & Tobago. Jones will officially join the expansion club on Aug. 1, but will go out on loan until January ahead of its debut season in MLS next year.
“Kenwyne is a player we have known about and watched for a long time,” said Atlanta United technical director Bocanegra in a statement released by the club. “He is a big physical forward who can punish you in the air or behind the defense. We’re very happy that the timing worked out and we were able to acquire him during this transfer window.”
Jones was most recently on the books of United Arab Emirates side Al Jazira via a loan from Cardiff City, but has spent the bulk of his career in England’s top two divisions. He has scored over 100 goals since beginning his career in 2002, including 40 in the English Premier League.
At the international level, the veteran forward has scored 23 goals in 81 caps.
“Kenwyne is a well-known player in the region, with top-level production and experience in England and for the Trinidad and Tobago national team,” said Bocanegra. “He is an absolute handful for defenders.”
Stern John is still the best goal scorer in MLS history, averaged a goal every 101 minutes. Only Drogba has come close with a goal every 102 minutes.
Mamadou Diallo one every 124 minutes
Robbie Keane one every 128 minutes
Bradley Wright Phillips every 136 minutes
Obafemi Martins one every 147 minutes
Taylor Twellman one every 149 minutes
Clint every 217
Landon every 199
Jozy every 168
Kenwyne Jones is no Stern John though.
Funny because I’m half Trini and from Lithonia was thinking about how all the trinis on memorial drive and cknvongton hwy will love this. My dad too. Good to see other SBI people from my neck of the woods. ATLUTD
All my Trinis off Memorial and Covington Highway are gonna be loving this!!
My trini friend has been a snob towards MLS but now he has no choice but to join the dark side!!! lol (we live in Atlanta)