A day after the initial roster was announced, the US men's national team has added Houston Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis to the squad that will face Costa Rica and Mexico.
Davis, 31, was originally on the preliminary roster but was omitted from the final selection. With Tuesday’s news, Davis will go from preparing for the Vancouver Whitecaps to heading into Colorado Tuesday night to begin preparations for the second World Cup qualifier Friday against Costa Rica (9 pm CT, ESPN).
“It’s been a whirlwind few days but this comes with the territory,” Davis told MLSsoccer.com by phone. “The easy part’s getting called in. It’s going there and staking a claim to go back each time that’s the hard part. Now I have a chance to go and there’s a job to be done.”
This will be Davis’s second foray into World Cup qualifying. His first call came in February when he was selected to the squad that ultimately dropped a 2-1 to Honduras in San Pedro Sula, though Davis failed to feature that day.
READ: "Too many mistakes in too many areas," reflects Klinsmann after Honduras loss
A factor in that selection was Davis’s play in the January camp where the midfielder reportedly made a good impression on head coach Jurgen Klinsmann by showing his skill on the ball and working to debunk the thought he does not put in the work on the defensive side of the ball.
WATCH: Davis strikes in the Texas Derby
Since then he has started the season with two goals in four games, including one in CONCACAF Champions League action against Santos Laguna.
“From what we understand he had a good camp in January and he’s gotten off to a good start to the season here,” head coach Dominic Kinnear told MLSsoccer.com.
It seems that impression has paid off as the veteran MLS man is being called back into action, and this time the goal is not just to fit into the team, but to make a difference on the field.
“Getting those calls at first was a great experience, but now I’m wanting more,” said Davis. “I know my name's in the mix. Now I have to go and prove what I can do and that I can do it on a consistent basis and ask more of myself, which I know they’re asking for too.”
READ: Bocanegra takes high road after USMNT omission
Davis will join Eddie Johnson, who featured on the left side in the February’s match against Honduras, and Brek Shea, who is battling an injured foot, as likely options on the left side for Klinsmann. If Klinsmann wants more width and service from the flank Davis would be an ideal fit.
Davis could also slot into the central midfield where he started for the US against Canada in January.
Regardless of where he lines up, the Dynamo midfielder has seemingly made his way into Klinsmann’s plans.
“I’m going there to help try and get that job done,” Davis said. “When you’re at home you want to get maximum points. I know what’s at stake, we know what’s at stake, and now I have to go put the best foot forward.”
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com.
