Jones fits in with U.S. team

Associated Press

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill.

Jermaine Jones blended right in, chatting with Steve Cherundolo and Michael Bradley during a warmup jog and finding his new American teammates with smooth, effortless passes.

It was as if he’s been part of the U.S. midfield for years.

A year after switching countries, the German-born Jones has finally joined his new national team at training camp this week. His long-awaited debut could come Saturday night, when the Americans play Poland in an exhibition at Soldier Field.

“It’s like changing clubs in Germany,” Jones said after training Tuesday, with Cherundolo translating for him. “The team has done a good job of welcoming me and integrating me into the squad. It’s been easy to feel comfortable.”

Born in Frankfurt to an American father and German mother, Jones lived in the United States until he was 7.