Two sides battling to better their lot will likely lean on the players prepared to get their hands dirty for the cause, and both the Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy - meeting this Saturday at StubHub Center (Altitude 9:00 p.m. MT) - have such individuals in Micheal Azira and Jermaine Jones.
Azira has played more minutes this season than any other on the Rapids roster, while Jones has again had a campaign interrupted far too often. In his fourth season in MLS, the talented Jones has appeared in just 50 of a possible 127 games (starting 44), mainly due to injuries and suspension. The match in Portland (August 23) was Azira's 50th start for the Rapids in only his second season.
When on the field, Jones likes to boss and will look to impress against his former club. Expect Azira to again go about his business in a more discreet manner. The Uganda international breaks up play, and brings others in. Jones, on the other hand, is often keen to be involved at the beginning, the middle, and the end.
Each, though, possess an approach and a spirit which will be vital to their respective teams, as the two struggling sides go in search of a much-needed win.
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Azira.jpg" style="height: 201px; width: 200px;"> |
<p align="center"><br><br><br><br><br><strong>vs.</strong></p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Jermaine Jones.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 201px;"> |
<p align="center">Micheal Azira</p> |
<strong>Name</strong> |
<p align="center">Jermaine Jones</p> |
<p align="center">22</p> |
<strong>No.</strong> |
<p align="center">13</p> |
<p align="center">Midfielder</p> |
<strong>Position</strong> |
<p align="center">Midfielder</p> |
<p align="center">30</p> |
<strong>Age</strong> |
<p align="center">35</p> |
<p align="center">5'10"</p> |
<strong>Height</strong> |
<p align="center">6'0"</p> |
<p align="center">160lbs</p> |
<strong>Weight</strong> |
<p align="center">170lbs</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Ugandaflag.png" style="opacity: 0.9; text-align: -webkit-center; width: 75px; height: 50px;"> |
<strong>Nationality</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/USA flag.jpg" style="opacity: 0.9; text-align: -webkit-center; width: 75px; height: 50px;"> |
<p align="center">2014</p> |
<strong>First joined MLS</strong> |
<p align="center">2014</p> |
<p align="center">4th season</p> |
<strong>MLS Experience</strong> |
<p align="center">4th season</p> |
<p align="center">80</p> |
<strong>Appearances</strong> |
<p align="center">50</p> |
<p align="center">Seattle Sounders FC, Charleston Battery</p> |
<strong>Previous clubs</strong> |
<p align="center">Colorado Rapids, New England Revolution, Beşiktaş, Blackburn Rovers (loan), Schalke 04, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen</p> |
<p align="center">A holding midfielder who has professional experience at MLS and USL levels. Tasked with shielding the defense, the midfielder's work is often overlooked but important in freeing up teammates on the attack.</p> |
<strong>What they say …</strong> |
<p align="center">Powerful box-to-box midfielder who is strong in the tackle. Though appearances have been limited, his dynamism was key at New England (MLS Cup finalists 2014) and the Rapids (Supporters' Shield runners-up 2016).</p> |
