The newest Revolution II addition, center back Jon Bell, wasted no time in proving he belongs at the professional level since arriving in Foxborough. The defender earned his pro debut in the team’s inaugural USL League One match, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a shutout performance against Union Omaha, a 0-0 draw. Combining a tenacious commitment to defending with the ability to get forward and contribute on the offensive end, Bell is certainly a player to track as the season develops.
1. Retriever Nation
Following his high school years in Maryland, Bell opted to take the college route and continued his career at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Bell immediately became a contributor on defense for the Retrievers, starting from his freshman year and amassing 56 career appearances with one goal and eight assists. Splitting time between full back, center back, and defensive midfield, Bell garnered national attention as a senior at UMBC, earning a spot on the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List.
2. Trophy Time
In 2019, Bell had a summer to remember playing in the National Premier Soccer League for his hometown FC Baltimore Christos. Bell headlined one of the most dominant teams in the East Region, helping guide the club to a Mid-Atlantic Conference Championship. It was his goal in extra time of the Conference Championship Game that made the difference, marking what Bell says is the fondest memory of his soccer career to date.
3. The Pick Is In
After finishing his collegiate career at UMBC, Bell entered the 2020 MLS SuperDraft where he was chosen in the second round, 38th overall, by the San Jose Earthquakes. Bell spent preseason with San Jose before eventually signing with New England Revolution II on July 14, a mere 11 days before the Revs II season began.
4. Artist’s Touch
Not much use to him on the field, Bell has proven adept with his hands off the pitch, frequently turning to art as a way to decompress. After studying art in school, Bell has turned it into his main hobby away from the game. The Rockville, Md. native is currently training himself on various Adobe platforms so he can apply his skills towards graphic design. When he’s not creating artwork, Bell is usually watching Anime, naming Naruto, Dragon Ball, and Attack on Titan as just a few of his favorites.
Here are some more fun facts about Jon:
Favorite Athlete: Kobe Bryant
Favorite TV Show: Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Favorite Movie: Kill Bill
Favorite Vacation Spot: Jamaica
Favorite Superhero: The Flash
