Jermaine Jones' wife likes Boston

In the 76th minute of Saturday’s game, the crowd at Gillette Stadium erupted as Jermaine Jones prepared to replace Daigo Kobayashi. It was a reaction that highlighted the value of Jones and one that the Designated Player truly appreciated.

"To be out with injury is always bad. You have to watch the games from the TV, from the outside. It’s not nice," Jones explained to media on Tuesday. "To come back at a home game—the first time after injury—it’s amazing."

Jones was away from the field for approximately two months after suffering a groin injury against the LA Galaxy on May 31. While Jones hasn’t been far from Foxborough while recuperating, it was special to be back in front of the hometown fans.

Among the 21,362 in attendance that night were members of Jones’ family. This was the first time that the entire Jones clan, including his wife and kids, have been in Boston together. So far the city has gotten positive reviews, which is something that could be important as 33-year-old midfielder considers the next step in his career.

"My contract is finished after that season," Jones noted. "I don’t know what happens, so I want to show them the city and see if they like it. My wife like Boston. So she like the city and she like everything. Now we have to sit down to see what we can do from there after the season."

For now, the US international is focused on returning to full fitness. After 16 minutes against Toronto FC, Jones is hoping to contribute more when the New England Revolution welcome the Houston Dynamo on Aug. 15.

"I feel good," Jones said. "If you be like a long time out and you start to come back, I would say the whole hype carries you and you don’t feel so much tired. I think I can normally train two sessions a day and I feel good."