Sounders FC U-23 Feature -- www.soundersu23.com
Thursday, April 4, 2013
TACOMA, Wash. – Coming off a fantastic 2011 fall season at Highline Community College, Darwin tallied 15 goals and 10 assists for the Thunderbirds and was set to transfer the University of Washington for the fall of 2012. He was looking to prepare for the Huskies' season by playing with the Sounders FC U-23 in the spring and summer. Unfortunately, a lingering injury limited Jones' performance for the Sounders U-23 and transfer complications prevented him from joining the University of Washington in the fall, as planned.
Last season with the Sounders U-23, Jones finished the regular season with four goals, two assists in nine appearances and was instrumental in helping the team advance to the PDL's National Semifinals.
By Jones' standards and expectations, last season was a disappointment and he feels that he has something to prove to himself and the coaching staffs of the Sounders and Huskies.
“The team we had last year was really good and of course we felt we could have won it all,” said Jones. “It has given me a feeling that I can't wait to play this year, because we have a lot to prove. Even though last year was a first year and we made it pretty far, I think we have a lot in us this season."
Throughout the fall of 2012, Jones regularly trained with the Seattle Sounders FC first team, helped out the staff around the Sounders organization and has worked to get his transfer to the University of Washington in order.
The Sounders FC staff has been extremely supportive, explains Jones, “They basically tell me that if I ever need anything that they're always there for me. They tell me to stay focused. They know my ability and they want to see me in action."
Jones is enrolled at the University of Washington for spring classes and will be playing spring soccer for the Huskies.
"I'm looking at playing with the U-23s as an additional preseason. I'm going to work hard with them so I can go into the fall flying," said Jones.
The expectations are high when the Sounders U-23 take the field this spring. Darwin Jones will be an important player for the team and a crucial component for the success they hope to achieve for the 2013 season.
“Darwin is a fast and powerful striker with a great demeanor and personality. The summer PDL season should get him ready for a tough PAC 12 fall season and see where he is in terms of developing more and more for the next level,” said Sounders U-23 manager, Darren Sawatzky.
The Sounders U-23 begin their quest to repeat as PDL Northwest Division champs on Thursday, May 16th. They will take on their Cascadia rival Portland Timbers U-23 at JELD-WEN Field at 11:00 a.m. The Sounders U-23s’ first home match takes place May 24th, against the Kitsap Pumas.
For more information on roster, schedules, and the U.S. Open Cup draw, see SoundersU23.com, follow @SoundersU23 on twitter, or like us on Facebook.