HOUSTON – Brad Davis finally got his moment.
After years of producing elite seasons in MLS only to watch others get called to the US national team, the midfielder had a chance to show Jurgen Klinsmann in front of his home crowd that he belongs in the plans for World Cup qualifying.
While the 0-0 draw with Canada wasn't the performance or result he wanted, the Dynamo talisman is comfortable with the case he made.
“I hope so, that’s up for the coaching staff to decide,” Davis said of hid USMNT prospects going forward. “I know I’m a piece of that puzzle, but where I fit, I’m not quite sure yet.
“I think it’s going to take a little bit more time to get integrated with everybody and get a few more opportunities to see how that goes. I think that other opportunity will be there down the road.”
READ: How did Davis rank in Seltzer's US Player Ratings?
Davis split his 64 minutes between the wing and center of the pitch, getting on the ball and trying to drive the attack. While there were signs of missed cohesion between new teammates, he acquitted himself well by sending in several balls that only lacked the final touch.
But through the first 53 minutes, Davis was still hunting for his chance to put his imprint on the game. That's when Eddie Johnson opened things up as the forward put the service in less than 10 yards from goal.
Finally with a chance in front of goal, the circumstance seemed to go against Davis as his settled ball fell to his less favored right foot that he said postgame “never works for me right” and the shot went wide for a corner.
In the end, the Dynamo midfielder showed that he can be a cog in the US attack and help create chances. After three-and-a-half weeks of hard work in January camp, that was Davis’ goal.
Was it enough to earn him a plane ticket to Honduras next week? According to Klinsmann, he didn't hurt his chances.
“I think he did well," the US boss said in the postgame press conference. "He tried to take the game upon him and, obviously, when you’re playing in your home stadium, you want to do especially well. So in the beginning, it was a little bit hectic because he wanted to do everything right, but then he got into his flow.
"I think overall, he fit fine and, with a little bit of luck, he scores that goal.”
