Jonathan Kraft's State Of The Revolution On Felger & Mazz
BOSTON (CBS) -- The New England Revolution will make their fifth MLS Cup appearance on Sunday, hoping to finally bring home the top prize of American soccer when they square off against the L.A. Galaxy.
The Revs have been a force in the MLS playoffs, first outscoring the Columbus Crew 7-3 in their aggregate series and then edging the New York Red Bulls 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Championship.
Everything changed for the Revolution after the team signed World Cup star Jermaine Jones in late August. Team investor/operator Jonathan Kraft joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Felger & Massarotti on Thursday, and said Jones has been everything the Revolution could have asked for -- both on and off the field.
"We have lost one game since he joined the team, and he didn't start that game. On the pitch, he has made a significant difference, and off the pitch, absolutely as well," Kraft said of Jones, who has led New England to an 11-1-2 record (including playoffs) since his arrival. "The one thing we heard from everyone in U.S. soccer was he a great locker room guy. He absolutely brings it every day in the locker room and has elevated it in there. In terms from a commercial sense, he has elevated it there as well. We saw that with ticket sales, sponsorship and just general interest in the Revs."
Read: 9 Things To Know Ahead Of Revs-Galaxy MLS Cup
The Revolution face a tough test in the Galaxy on Sunday, who have allowed just two goals throughout the postseason. But Kraft argues that the Revolution, led by Jones and team MVP Lee Nguyen (who Kraft said should have been the league's MVP), have a more well-rounded and balanced team.
"I would argue that we have one of the deeper roster in the league. What's great about our team this year is we come to the pitch each week with an 18 that is extremely deep. All 11 guys contribute every game," said Kraft. "It's like being 10 deep in basketball and having that type of bench."
As for a soccer-specific stadium for the Revolution, there have been a number of rumblings about one in Boston in the recent months, but Kraft said it's something he and the city are still working on.
"As soon as it can happen, and it can happen in a way that is good for everyone that is involved. We would love to be in Boston and I think Mayor Walsh has said he is open to a soccer-specific stadium in the city," he said. "We'll talk about it when we have something, but it is something we are working on. We have spent millions of dollars pursuing things that never came to fruition, but hopefully it will in the near future."
Listen to the full interview below, and tune in to Sunday's Revolution-Galaxy MLS Cup on WZLX 100.7FM!
MORE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM CBS BOSTON