The match, one which would prove to become an instant classic with wire to wire action, took a turn in the American's favor just minutes in when striker Charlie Davies outraced the Mexican defense and ended the move with a cool finish past the goalkeeper Ochoa. The goal seemingly came from nowhere, highlighting Davies' dynamism on the counter-attack, a role that was invaluable on a Bob Bradley coached U.S. team that prided itself on disciplined defending. Though the U.S. would go on to lose the match on a late strike from El Tri, Davies remained one of the lone bright spots on an American squad that had just dropped two straight to its fiercest rival. It was clear then that Davies had solidified his role in the U.S. attack heading into their World Cup campaign in South Africa. Unbeknownst to all of us, this would be Davies' last goal in a U.S. jersey.
Before entering into the professional ranks, Davies attended Boston College, but left after 3 years as he was set to be a high pick in the MLS Superdraft. Ultimately, Davies would turn down a Generation Adidas contract offer, and instead signed with Swedish club Hammarby IF in December 2006. It wouldn't be until 2008, however, when Davies' impact would truly be felt. That season he broke out scoring 14 goals in 27 matches, and attracted attention from some bigger clubs in Europe. Davies would return to Hammarby in 2009 where a lively start (4 goals in 9 matches) would see him purchased by French Ligue 1 side Sochaux. Such a move would provide Davies with an opportunity to get first team experience in one of Europe's top leagues, important not only for Davies' personal development, but also for deepening the talent pool of Bob Bradley's World Cup Qualifying squad. With a brace in only his second match with the French side, it seemed as though Davies was destined for even more upward mobility.
Success abroad seemed to translate well for Davies when he would return stateside to compete with the rest of the U.S. Men's National team. With 17 caps for the senior side, he had contributed 4 goals and added 3 assists. South Africa was set to be Davies' coming out party to the world of futbol.
The setback suffered in the qualifying match against Mexico was quickly corrected as the American side rebounded with 3 straight wins in the group, clinching a birth in the World Cup in the process. The pressure was certainly off heading in the the final fixture in the Hexagonal against Costa Rica, but victory was still imperative as a means to propel the team towards what would be a formidable draw in the World Cup.
Two nights ahead of the October 14th tie, Davies decided to forsake the player curfew and head out for a night on the town. Most (or all) of that night involved a K Street club in Washington D.C. named Shadow Room. After several drinks, Davies got in a car with his friend Maria Alejandra Espinoza behind the wheel, and University of Marlyand graduate Ashley Roberta - a car that would eventually veer off the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington, VA. Roberta would die at the scene while the other two occupants would be lucky enough to escape with their lives. In the wee hours of the morning Davies would undergo a surgery for what would be deemed non-life threatening injuries.
The United States would go on to tie Costa Rica 2-2 the following night, paving the way for what would be a largely disappointing showing in the 2010 World Cup save for Landon Donovan's last second heroics. Any major loss can leave one thinking about the rhetorical what if? question. What if Davies had made the right decision...what if things had been different? I would like to believe that Davies, with his propensity for creating chances against the run of play, could have been a valuable asset in South Africa, perhaps even valuable enough to propel the squad past foes Ghana.
Whatever the case, Davies faced a lengthy rehab and break from the game. I know there are those of us that were prepared to hold out for a dramatic return to glory for the promising young striker. I was certainly among those ranks even after Davies made a return stateside to play for D.C. United and now the New England Revolution. During this new Klinsmann regime, one which proposes to change the paradigm to a more attractive, attacking brand of soccer, the squad lacks quality and depth on the left wing. Like the elegant phoenix that he is (be sure to see this lovely mop of hair), Brek Shea came and went. There is still time of course, but only Fabian Johnson has played the role with any kind of consistency. I was thoroughly impressed with Johnson's poise over the last few qualifiers, but he may be more valuable to the U.S. team as a left back. Though Klinsmann may not agree, I see great promise for Davies in just such a role. As is typically the case in this game that we love, when one makes a critical error, it often leads to grave consequences. In a few years time most of us will forget Charlie Davies, but I remember.
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