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Nearly two years ago, when they were set to make their respective World Cup debuts against Ghana in Brazil, Jermaine Jones was asked to describe the presence of the man planted firmly behind him in the U.S. men's national team midfield.

The German-American midfielder, often known for his candidness, explained that Kyle Beckerman, "loves to make s—- work for the team." It was a colorful assessment, but familiar to anyone who has played alongside or watched the Real Salt Lake captain over the past two decades. It's just that for Jones, back in the early summer months of 2014, playing with Beckerman was still new.

In the tense weeks and months leading up to the unveiling of Jurgen Klinsmann's final World Cup roster, Jones was a lock. Beckerman's emergence under Klinsmann made him a near-guarantee. Pundits and fans alike plunged into squabbles over which of the two defensive midfielders was better suited for the world's stage.

As everyone would soon find out, the duo was a fine fit together in the same midfield. Two years later, and with each a couple years older, they could theoretically be placed in the same spots once again as the U.S. plays host to North and South America's best in the Copa America Centenario this summer.

But first things first.

The American midfielders, who received high praise for their work in Brazil two years ago, are now on opposing sides of the Rockies. Following a tumultuous exit from the New England Revolution, Jones landed in Colorado with the Rapids, Beckerman's former team and RSL's regional rival.

Saturday in Commerce City, Colo., Beckerman and Jones will be pitted against each other for just the second time in MLS play, with each leading their upstart clubs in a battle at the top of the Western Conference table.

"Before the game starts, I have so much respect for Kyle, but when we go into the game, I think he'd say he wants to win with his team and I want to win for my team, and we do everything that we [can to] win," Jones said this week. "Then, when I see him at the national team, he's my boy, and after my game already he's my boy."

Those who know the midfielders well say the competitiveness they exude is heightened when they're with one another at the national team level.

"Feisty. Leaders. They've got a lot of qualities," RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando said. "It's going to be a good game, a good matchup for them … every time I've gone in with them to [U.S.] camp, they respect each other, but they get the most out of each other."

When Beckerman heard Jones was on the move to Colorado, he was happy to see him land in a new environment under a coach like Pablo Mastroeni, who was Beckerman's primary mentor in MLS for several years.

Then came a late reveal.

"I think we were trying to get [Jones] here, and then it didn't work out," Beckerman said.

Imagine.

Instead, Jones is part of the Rapids' renaissance. In his first three games in Colorado this season, Jones has two goals and two assists. Colorado's rebound from a rough 2015 is surprising to some, but the Rapids made several changes during the offseason to fortify a roster lacking talent. The Jones acquisition has been a difference-maker.

Jones, said RSL coach Jeff Cassar, "just brings another level of experience and winning mentality that they really didn't have before,"

Beckerman and Jones have grown closer since their World Cup experience together. Both were late bloomers on the national-team level under Klinsmann, but have made their marks and continue to keep themselves in the conversation. Beckerman remains the sturdy, task-oriented stopper in the midfield. If he isn't anticipating the opposition's attack, he's the primary target to receive the ball and recycle a possession when needed.

"I think us playing together in the World Cup … [Jones] got to know me a little bit more, [we] got to play with each other a little bit more," Beckerman said. "Once you start playing on the field, you become better friends off the field."

Jones, as Beckerman explains it, "likes to roam." It's evidenced in his positional move in Colorado where he's playing more of an attacking midfield role with the Rapids rather than the typical box-to-box player he's been in recent years. Jones circles back to the positives of playing alongside Beckerman.

This week, just like two years ago in Brazil, Jones said Beckerman does the "dirty work," that allows players like he and Michael Bradley the freedom to turn on the jets and go while with the U.S., without worrying what might happen if the ball turns over.

"Kyle's always a team player, a teammate, always focused on the game and always trying to push the team and help the team to get success," Jones said. "I have really nothing bad to say about Kyle."

The deadline for Klinsmann's 23-man Copa America roster is May 20. Once again, both midfielders remain shoo-ins as the U.S. — like in Brazil two years ago — faces a daunting group of Colombia, Paraguay and Costa Rica. Does Klinsmann, once again, turn to the old guard for its blend of steadiness and bite?

Check back in a month.

In the meantime, Beckerman and Jones have business to attend to Saturday in suburban Denver, where Round II of the Rocky Mountain Cup kicks off between the two of the league's surprising top teams.

"I really don't care about rivals or stuff like that," Jones said. "You don't have to bring emotion into the game."

There will be enough already.

Twitter: @chriskamrani —

About Jermaine Jones

Position • Midfielder Age • 34

Hometown • Frankfurt, Germany

Career • Eintracht Frankfurt (1999-2004), Bayer Leverkusen (2004-2005), Eintracht Frankfurt (2005-2007), Schalke 04 (2007-2014), Besiktas (2014), New England Revolution (2014-2015), Colorado Rapids (2016-present)

International career • Has made 58 appearances with the U.S. since 2010, scoring three goals. … Started all four matches in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and scored in the 2-2 draw against Portugal.

Statistics • Had two goals and four assists in 28 games with the Revolution from 2014-15 … Has two goals and two assists in three games with the Rapids.

About Kyle Beckerman

Position • Midfielder Age • 34

Hometown • Crofton, Md.

Pro career • Miami Fusion (2000-2001), Colorado Rapids (2002-2007), Real Salt Lake (2007-present)

International career • Has made 51 career appearances with the U.S. men's team, notching one goal since his senior debut in 2007. Started all three group matches in the 2014 World Cup.

Games played • League's all-time leader in appearances by a field player with 386 (240 coming at RSL) in 17 MLS seasons. —

Real Salt Lake at Colorado Rapids

P At Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Commerce City, Colo.

Kickoff • Saturday, 7 p.m.

TV • KMYU

Radio • 700 AM

Records • RSL 5-1-2, Colorado 5-2-2

Last meeting • RSL 1, Colorado (April 9 at Rio Tinto Stadium)

About RSL • Center back Aaron Maund will miss 2 to 3 weeks after suffering a second-degree hamstring strain in RSL's 2-1 win over Houston last weekend. … Maund had started 24 of the club's last 25 matches dating back to 2015. … Striker Joao Plata (hip flexor strain) remains on track to return after missing RSL's last two games due to injury. … Rookie Omar Holness was cleared to return to training fully and will not undergo shoulder surgery after suffering a shoulder separation during his on-field seizure on March 26.

About Colorado • Jermaine Jones has scored two goals and notched two assists in his first three games with the Rapids. … Since their 1-0 loss in Sandy on April 9, Colorado is 3-0-1 in its last four matches. … During its four-game unbeaten streak, the Rapids have scored nine goals. … Midfielder Marco Pappa (MCL sprain) is expected to miss the match against RSL Saturday night … The Rapids and RSL are each 4-0-0 at home this season. Colorado has lost two of its last three home matches against RSL.