Final Exams: Kenwyne Jones

Kenwyne Jones

Position: Forward

Games Played: 17

Goals: 2

Assists: 0

Atlanta United signed Jones on July 15, 2016. Before coming to Atlanta, Jones last played for Cardiff City and appeared in 19 matches and was also loaned out to Al Jazira, a club in the United Arab Emirates. At the time of the signing, many expected Jones to become the starting forward, but days after signing with Atlanta, Tito Villalba and Josef Martinez signed with the Five Stripes and that’s when Jones lost the starting position. With Martinez out due to a thigh injury while playing for Venezuela, Jones made his first start on April 15 against Montreal. Against the Impact, he also scored his first goal of the season. After starting in the next three games, he found himself in the bench once again and saw minimal playing for the rest of the season. Jones made his last start for Atlanta against Minnesota on Oct. 3, but failed to create a threat in the offensive attack and was subbed out after 62 minutes.

What went right this season: The two best games for Jones would be the matchups against Montreal and DC United early in the season. In both games, Jones gave Atlanta an early lead but the team came up short of a victory both times.

What does he need to improve on: He never really seemed to fit Tata Martino’s style of play, which is why he saw minimal playing time throughout the season. At 33 years old, Jones enjoyed a successful career in England and with the Trinidad & Tobago National Team. It’s unfortunate that his situation in Atlanta was nothing like anyone expected.

What role will he play in 2018: Jones announced on his official Twitter account earlier this week that this will be his last year as a professional soccer player.

Grade: C-