DeJuan Jones facts for kids

DeJuan Lytelle Jones, born on June 24, 1997, is an American professional soccer player. He plays as a defender for the San Jose Earthquakes, a team in Major League Soccer. He also plays for the United States national soccer team.

Early Life and High School Soccer

DeJuan Jones started playing soccer when he was five years old. He played for East Lansing High School and also for club teams like TNT Dynamite SC and Force FC. During his junior and senior years, his high school team had an amazing record of 50 wins and only 4 losses. They won two State Championships in a row.

High School Achievements

In his senior year, DeJuan scored 9 goals and made 12 assists during the seven playoff games. In the 2014 State Championship game against Cranbrook Schools, he helped his team win. He made the assist for the tying goal and scored the winning goal in overtime. For his great performance, DeJuan was named the Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Soccer for Michigan in his senior year.

College Soccer Career

DeJuan Jones played soccer for four seasons at Michigan State University. He was the captain of the Michigan State Spartans team. In 2018, his team reached the semifinals of the College Cup, which is a big national college soccer tournament.

College Performance

In 2018, he was named to the second team in the Big Ten Conference, a group of college sports teams. He started all 23 games that season, scoring 5 goals and making 5 assists. The year before, as a junior, he scored 7 goals and had 6 assists. He was also named to the second team in the Big Ten that season.

MLS Combine Success

Before the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, DeJuan did very well at the MLS Combine. This event tests players' skills for professional teams. He was first in speed and agility tests and third in the vertical jump. After scoring a goal in a practice game there, many experts thought he would be picked very early in the draft.

Professional Soccer Journey

Playing for New England Revolution

The New England Revolution picked DeJuan Jones as the 11th overall player in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. He signed a contract with the team on February 25, 2019. His first game was on March 24 against FC Cincinnati. He came into the game as a substitute.

First Goals and Assists

On March 30, 2019, DeJuan started his first game for the Revolution. He helped his team win 2-1 against Minnesota by making the game-winning assist. He scored his first professional goal on April 27 against Sporting Kansas City. He said it was "an awesome feeling." After his first year, he signed a new contract to stay with the Revolution. He played for the team until 2024.

Time with Columbus Crew

On July 31, 2024, DeJuan Jones was traded to the Columbus Crew. This trade involved the Crew giving money and a roster spot to the Revolution. He scored his first goal for the Columbus Crew just 20 seconds after coming into his first game. This happened during a Leagues Cup match against Sporting Kansas City.

Joining San Jose Earthquakes

On April 22, 2025, DeJuan Jones was traded again. He joined the San Jose Earthquakes. The Earthquakes gave money and an International Roster Slot to the Columbus Crew for him. He is currently playing for the San Jose Earthquakes.

Playing for the United States National Team

DeJuan Jones made his first appearance for the U.S. Men's National Team on January 25, 2023. He came on as a substitute in a friendly game against Serbia. He started his first game for the national team later that same month against Colombia.

Gold Cup Performances

DeJuan was chosen for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup team. He started two games in the group stage of the tournament. He made his first assist for the national team against Trinidad and Tobago, helping Jesus Ferreira score. Later, he assisted Brandon Vazquez for the first goal in the quarter-final match against Canada. The U.S. team won that game in a penalty shootout.

Personal Life and Education

DeJuan Lytelle Jones was born on June 24, 1997, in Lansing, Michigan. He went to Dwight Rich School of the Arts for elementary school. Then he attended MacDonald Middle School and East Lansing High School. After graduating from high school, he received a scholarship to attend Michigan State University to play soccer and continue his studies.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Honors

Columbus Crew

• Leagues Cup: 2024

See also

In Spanish: DeJuan Jones para niños