COMMERCE CITY — Jermaine Jones is eager to get back with the U.S. men’s national team and will do so after the Colorado Rapids’ May 21 match against Seattle. Jones was named this week to the 40-man provisional roster for the U.S.’s Copa America Centenario tournament squad.
“I think I have to be in Dallas May 23,” Jones said. “It’s a lot of traveling, but to represent your country in the second biggest tournament since World Cup ’94, I want to be a part of that.”
The U.S. plays tune-up games against Puerto Rico in Bayamon on May 22, takes on Ecuador in Frisco, Texas, on May 25 and faces Bolivia on May 28 in Kansas City. It appears Jones will likely miss Colorado’s May 28 home match against Philadelphia before MLS takes a break for the Copa America group stage.
The U.S. faces Colombia at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on June 3 in the opening match of the tournament.
“I’m still hungry for national team and I know there’s still a lot to go,” Jones said. “I’m always happy and I’m always proud to represent my country.”
The midfielder said he hasn’t spoken with U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann about his role with the team during the Copa America tournament, but said if he’s 100 percent he doesn’t see anyone who can take his spot.
“I’m not a guy who says I want to retire from the national team,” Jones said. “I’m 34, yes. It’s a number. But I think I proved already now in the first games (with Colorado) that I am not acting like a 34-year-old guy.”
Two goalkeepers with Colorado ties were also named to the 40-man provisional roster. The Rapids’ future goalkeeper, Tim Howard, made the list, along with Ethan Horvath of Highlands Ranch. Horvath was the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. Olympic qualifying team.
The Rapids resume MLS play on June 18 at home against Chicago.
Daniel Boniface: 303-954-1104, dboniface@denverpost.com or @danielboniface
