Davies: I Dreamed of Playing with Donovan

Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Charlie Davies was a 15-year-old growing up in Manchester, N.H. when Landon Donovan burst onto the American soccer scene. And at that moment in time, Davies could only imagine what it would be like to share the pitch with such a talented player.

With Donovan calling it an international career on Friday, Davies recently reflected on his memories of one of the best players to ever don a U.S. kit.

“I’ve been a fan of Landon since I was a kid,” Davies said. “I dreamed of playing with him ever since the 2002 World Cup, where he kind of made his name for himself on the world’s stage.”

That dream came to fruition in a Jun. 15, 2009 Confederations Cup contest against Italy when he came on for Jozy Altidore in the second half. Although the U.S. lost 3-1, Donovan scored the line American goal, and unlike the 2002 World Cup, Davies was there to witness it in person.

All told, Davies shared the pitch with Donovan six times in 2009. Recently, Davies recalled a pair of his most memorable moments playing with the National Team’s all-time goalcoring leader.

“The (2009) Confederations Cup goal (vs. Brazil) was probably one of the best goals I’ve ever seen, live,” Davies said, “and one of the best goals I’ve ever seen him score.”

No doubt the Revolution striker had a good vantage point. After all, it was Davies who corralled an initial pass from Donovan, then ran along the left before sending back centrally. There, Donovan juked his defender, and sent it through to the U.S. a 2-1 lead.

Donovan would return the favor later that summer at the Azteca. In the ninth minute of a scoreless match, Donovan played it through to Davies, who raced toward goal and scored, becoming only the fourth American to score in the storied Mexican stadium.

Davies, who still watches U.S. matches with rooting interest, likely watched Friday’s game with those memories in mind. In fact, the Revolution midfielder viewed Donovan’s finale as a fitting goodbye.

“It’s been great to see him develop as a player over the years,” Davies said. “I think he deserves this game to be like, ‘Thanks for what you’ve done for U.S. Soccer.’”