EFC NYC Profile: Chris Jones
Where are you from? Long Island, NY
Where do you live? New Jersey
I've been a soccer fan as long as I could remember. Playing as a kid and all the way through high school turned fandom into a passion. Living where we did on Long Island, I followed the NY Cosmos from the late 1970s into the 80s. Also followed indoor soccer, NY Arrows, as well as other local semi-pro teams. I could never get enough. In 1994 I was able to go to my 1st international match when the World Cup was in USA. After that year the MLS was born in 1995. I followed the NY/NJ MetroStars (now Red Bull New York), as I had just moved to NJ and started working near the stadium. In 1998 Tim Howard became the Metros ‘keeper. I followed his development until 2003 when he moved on to Manchester United. Now trying to follow a team in England back then was next to impossible. I tried to follow Tim at MU but being a fan of the Mets, Jets, and Islanders I never felt a connection to a team where winning seemed to come so easy. Then in 2006/7 Howard was sent on loan to Everton. I read up on their history and immediately felt this draw, a draw like no other. From there I was hooked. I couldn't get enough following Tim Cahill, Leighton Baines, and Seamus Coleman on the pitch. ‘I was a blue, and I never knew it’ was what I always said. Then in 2009 US hero Landon Donovan joined the Toffees. It was the final move that cemented my destiny. Since then, from July to May, Everton has been a weekly obsession. Whether traveling for work or just around town, an Everton kit or hat is usually nearby.
Favorite Everton Moment: How could there be just one? Nov 27 - UEFA Europa League Group stage away to Wolfsburg. It was a Thursday of course, but the best Thursday in America - Thanksgiving. My brother had a house full of family and we did, too. We made our families watch the Everton match and we won 2 - Nil. Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas sent Everton into the round of 32 as Group H winners. Also who can forget in 2013 when Bryan Oviedo's 86th Minute goal beat Manchester United 1-Nil? Twenty one years since an away win at Old Trafford! Another great memory for me were the many times I got to see Timmy Cahill play for the New York Red Bulls. He's my wife's favorite player, too.
Favorite NYC Moment: My favorite moments in NYC usually revolve around sightseeing. I know that sounds strange to some, but I love researching old spots and seek them out whether it be a place to eat lunch or a tourist attraction. Perhaps it’s because I have my BA in History.
Favorite EFC NYC Moment: Up until a few years ago, I tried to get into NYC to watch matches with fellow NYC Evertonians at Mr. Dennehy’s. One great memory was meeting up with a few guys from Wales who were big Evertonians. They took me to a Red Bulls match later that day to see Tim Cahill! It was a Top 10 day for sure. I've met so many Blues from all around the world, too thanks to visits to Dennehy’s, using Twitter, or the NYC Evertonians Facebook page (which I help monitor). The highlight of my times at Mr D's was when the NYC Evertonians helped them win Best Soccer Bar in NYC.
We know you love watching Everton. How do you enjoy spending your time otherwise? Being a dad to two teens and a husband to the best wife ever, life has limited my NYC visits for the past two seasons. I spend most of my weekend with the family, involved with their activities. However, they know that I have my earbuds and phone with me at all times to listen or watch Everton matches. I have priorities after all!