Six years ago, all eyes were fixed on the United States’ Brad Davis as he stepped up to take the decisive penalty kick against Panama in the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup final. This week, all eyes – including Davis’ – are focused upon Houston’s Reliant Stadium, which will host the 2011 Gold Cup semifinals on Wednesday night.
“Scoring the game-winning penalty kick for us to win the Gold Cup is probably my best memory with the national team,” said Davis, who moved to Houston with the Dynamo less than one year after that tournament. “This year, I’m looking forward to watching the U.S. and hopefully watching them win it all.”
The United States will take on Panama in the first game of the doubleheader, with Mexico and Honduras to follow, meaning each game will feature an iconic powerhouse against an upstart challenger. With Reliant Stadium sold out for the event just one year after hosting a soccer-record crowd of 70,728 for last year’s MLS All-Star Game, Houston’s reputation as a hotbed for soccer continues to grow.
“I think soccer in this country is taking a new role,” Dynamo defender Mike Chabala said. “The fact that Houston gets to host the semifinals of a big tournament here with a lot of big teams is pretty special.”
Houston provides a dynamic cross-section of fans from the diversely populated city. The passion of Houston fans – for the Dynamo, international club soccer, and various national teams – provides a special atmosphere.
“It brings a buzz into the city,” Davis said. “With our Hispanic community here and their passion for the game, it brings a ton of passion and people that want to go out and watch games.”
As a host city, Houston provides a unique experience with an original atmosphere. While the hosting United States and neighboring Mexico are sure to have the most support, Honduran fans turned out in force for a May 29 friendly at Robertson Stadium, and Panamanian fans can also be expected to make themselves heard.
“[Fans] are excited to see the games, and of course the lively environment that comes with it,” Chabala said. “I think Houston gets a good taste of soccer on the international stage that filters down to the club level.”
Both Chabala and Davis said they will watch Wednesday’s matches with interest from their respective homes while preparing for Saturday’s match against D.C. United. Not surprisingly, both tabbed the United States as their favorite for the tournament, but no matter the outcome, they expect to be proud of their club’s city.
“Houston is authentic,” Chabala said. “It has originality and is a melting pot of people from all over the world. These people know the game and are looking to see good opponents, so an event like this here is going to be big.”
