It's been a year and a half since the day Charlie Davies' career, and his life, almost came to a sudden halt.
The start of 2009 had turned Davies into a superstar in the United States. In the midst of a great season at Hammarby in Sweden, Davies left to join up with the National Team to compete in the FIFA Confederations Cup, where his goal against Egypt opened the scoring in the final Group Stage game.
He was vital in leading the team to a 3-0 victory, which eliminated Italy and put the Yanks in the Semifinals, where they would beat Spain before losing to Brazil in the final.
Following the outstanding Confederations Cup, Davies became a fan favorite in the US and also gained the notice of Ligue 1 club Sochaux, who bought the young forward on July 10.
In August, Davies continued his good form with a well-placed goal at the Estadio Azteca in a qualifying match with Mexico.
On Oct. 13, the Manchester, N.H., native was a passenger in an SUV that lost control and was split in half when it hit a metal pole on the George Washington Parkway in Washington, D.C., where he was hoping to help the United States in its finally World Cup Qualifying match against Costa Rica.
A woman in the car was killed and Davies injured his legs and elbow, and he had bleeding on his brain.
In January, Davies began rehabilitation. He returned to France, hoping to finish rehabbing in time to make the roster for the 2010 World Cup. Unfortunately, he was unable to make it back.
His rehab continued to progress and he finally was included in the team as a substitute for a game against Bordeaux. He struggled to make it onto the field and completed a loan move to D.C. United in MLS to get some field time.
In his first competitive match since the accident, Davies came on against Columbus Crew and scored twice. So far this year in eight matches, he has six goals, leading MLS, though three are from the penalty spot.
Now, it seems his hard work has paid off.
US manager Bob Bradley will reportedly be at today's game between United and defending champions Colorado, most likely to determine whether to bring Davies to camp as a member of the 23-man team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup as well as a pre-tournament friendly with world champions Spain.
If all goes as planned, Davies could be making his return, likely as a sub, against La Furia Roja on June 4 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.
American fans have been eager to see the 24-year-old return since his accident, and the match against the world champions provides the perfect platform for such a return.
On top of the chance to return to international soccer, the match will be played in Davies' native New England and makes it easy for his family and friends to travel to the important match.
Not to mention, the game will undoubtedly be sold out and he could make his return to an ovation from nearly 65,000 fans.
Fans and players have been itching for Davies to hit the pitch in a US jersey for some time.
The match against Spain would be a great opportunity to return, and Davies has proven he deserves a chance at the Gold Cup.
Memphis Grizzlies Miami Heat Milwaukee Bucks Minnesota Timberwolves New Jersey Nets New Orleans Hornets
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen