New England Revolution II qualified for the playoffs for the first ever time as they drew with Toronto in their last outing. A key part of this success in Massachusetts has been forward Jordan Adebayo-Smith and we spoke with him yesterday about a wide range of topics.
Talking to Jordan Adebayo-Smith
Success on the Field
A number of these Revs II players have played a key part in the success enjoyed to date but maybe none more so than striker Jordan Adebayo-Smith. On his form in front of goal, netting 12 times, he had this to say: “I feel like it’s just getting the confidence from the coaches to get chances and putting them in the back of net. I love scoring, so it’s just about recreating that feeling all the time.”
When discussing the whole team and how they have got to this point, the 22-year-old gave this answer. “I feel like it showed from our celebrations after the game, especially from with the players. I’ve been here from the start of the Revs 2 journey, so it means a lot for the team to be in the playoffs for the first time. The whole journey that we’ve been on through preseason to now, it shows that the hard work has paid off as a group.”
Adebayo-Smith then went on to add, “I feel like every team that plays against us would be ready for it because they know we’re a good team, but I also feel that they’ll fear us because they know how good we can be. So I believe that we can win the whole thing.”
A playoff bound bunch 🤩 pic.twitter.com/hDIjzb6RHZ
— New England Revolution II (@NERevolution2) August 19, 2023
Wearing the number 99 isn’t something you see every day in this sport and the Revs forward claimed that part of the reason for this choice was a nod to former coach and MLS legend Bradley Wright-Phillips. As well as BWP, he cited “[Jamie] Vardy, Thierry [Henry] and [Didier] Drogba” as inspirations, whilst “nowadays, it is more like [Marcus] Rashford and [Kylian] Mbappe because of their pace, I watch their games the most.”
Next, when comparing his experiences in England in the U.S., this is what was said. “I feel like it’s similar, but the slight differences I’ll say is that in England it’s more technical, a lot more technical players, and here’s more physical. So I feel like that’ll be more of a difference.”
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Life Away from the Sport
As a Londoner now leaving in the States, one thing which Jordan Adebayo-Smith is missing out on is Nando’s. He named Nando’s as his favourite place to go for a cheat meal with his order being a “sunset burger, peri-peri chips and garlic bread.” He was then quick to take a jab by saying that “Nando’s is clear of Chick-fil-A.”
Beyond his love for football, the Revs II top-scorer pinpointed films as another passion of his as he regularly goes to the cinema.
“The last one we went to watch was Insidious. I’m a big horror fan. This year’s Insidious wasn’t as good but the older ones are great.” He did miss out on both Barbie and Oppenheimer though: “I mean, my roommate said we should go watch it, but we just ended up not watching it.”
BRACE AND A DOZEN 💪
Adebayo-Smith scored his twelfth goal this season at the target. @NERevolution2 pic.twitter.com/NVE53BKLRy
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) August 14, 2023
Going back once again to a more serious note and Jordan Adebayo-Smith has ambitions to work his way into the first team at Gillette, as mentioned when asked who he looks up to within the organization. “I feel like the success of [Gustavo] Bou the Revs. He’s been a good striker for the club. Just trying to implement that in my game. Trying to have success with Revs II so if I make the step up then I can be comfortable enough to play with the first team.”
It will be fascinating to see if the proud Manchester United fan can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Damian Rivera and Noel Buck.
Featured image credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports, taken Aug 18, 2021.
