KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After a combined 338 starts in Major League Soccer under their belts, Jack Jewsbury and Josh Wolff are now adjusting to new responsibilities.
Having begun the season in the starting lineup, both veterans have taken on somewhat unfamiliar roles as the season has progressed, providing spark off the bench for the suddenly-surging Wizards ahead.
And, as you would expect from two seasoned professionals, both are taking the change in stride — even if they haven’t given up the fight to return to manager Peter Vermes’ starting XI.
"They've been great," Vermes said this week as Kansas City prepared for Sunday’s match against Chivas USA. "When they've been called upon, they've made a huge impact. That type of mentality absolutely needed as you come down the stretch. It's not about 11 guys. It's about everyone on the 24-man roster being able to make their contribution."
Thus far, Kansas City are getting everything they can from the two veterans, even in limited roles.
Wolff is often the first name called when the team needs an offensive spark, and Jewsbury is normally brought on to provide fresh legs in the midfield in place of Craig Rocastle or Stephane Auvray. Both are also counted on for their veteran presence and their ability to effectively close down games.
WATCH: Wolff tallies a late assist
And even though the duo is as competitive as ever, preparing and training as intensely as when they held down their customary places in the 11, both know it’s hard to argue with results.
"You've just got to come to work, and make sure you are ready,” Wolff said. “Obviously, it's not fun and exciting to not be starting, but that's part of the gig. We have a good formation that's working right now."
With more success has come a stronger definition of roles from the top to bottom of the roster, a significant aspect of the team’s recent resurgence and reentry into the playoff race. That definition makes the process of training, preparing and playing smoother and has also helped refine the pressing game Kansas City have begun perfecting in the last two months.
"My role has changed a little bit in terms of coming off the bench,” Jewsbury said, “but I think they know when I do come on, what I'm going to bring to the team. Whether it's searching for a goal going forward or closing down a game that we are winning, I can help in both those roles.
"I'm still pushing to get in the starting lineup because it's somewhere I think I can be, but you have to know your role as a sub."
Part of that is being prepared for any situation that presents itself. That’s a lesson Wolff and Jewsbury are well equipped to pass on to the team’s other bench contributors such as Graham Zusi, Jonathan Leathers and Teal Bunbury, among others.
“I've had the same mentality since I was 19 or 20 years old,” Wolff said. “If you get five minutes, you get five minutes. If you get 30 minutes, you get 30. You've got to make that time count, and you've got to make it matter.
"At the end of the day, you are fresh and you have a chance to make a print on the game. I stress that to some of our young guys to try to make the most of the opportunities you're given."
