Hometown Hero Davies Traded to Philly
- Updated: August 4, 2016
Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz
The New England Revolution announced Thursday morning that the team traded striker Charlie Davies to the Philadelphia Union. Davies, a fan favorite at the Revolution, revealed on Saturday that earlier this spring he was diagnosed and treated for liposarcoma (a rare form of cancer) and that he is now in remission. On Sunday, the 30-year-old made his first appearance since April and provided a spark off the bench in the Revolution’s 3-1 loss at Orlando. Davies had been with the team since a midseason loan in 2013 that later became a permanent move prior to the 2014 season.
“When this was brought to us, we talked directly with Charlie. It was important to do what was right for Charlie and his family. If it wasn’t right for them, we wouldn’t have considered it,” said Michael Burns, General Manager for the Revolution, in press release from the club. “It’s never easy parting with a player like Charlie, but we are grateful for his contributions to the club and we wish him and his family all the best and consider them a part of the Revolution family.”
In return for sending Davies and a third round pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft to Philadelphia, the Revolution received general allocation money, targeted allocation money, and the Union’s first-round pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
Davies, a New Hampshire native and Boston College product, led the team in scoring last year with 10 goals, but missed 13 games this season due to injury and while battling cancer. He and his wife Nina also had twin boys in March three months prematurely.
“I’m blown away by the support I’ve received from Revolution fans and from my teammates. It’s been an honor to be part of such a wonderful and welcoming locker room and I leave with incredible friendships. I also am grateful to the Krafts for the opportunity and for all their support,” said Charlie Davies in press release from the club. “I’m excited for the next chapter in my career and look forward to joining the Union.”
Davies was a rising star on the U.S. Men’s National Team before he suffered a lacerated bladder, fractured right tibia and femur, a fractured elbow, multiple facial fractures, and bleeding on the brain as a passenger in a serious car accident in 2009. Injuries and setbacks made it difficult for Davies to return to that form since, but 2015 was perhaps his best season since the accident and made Davies a key part of the Revolution offense.
Even when healthy, however, Davies looked likely to have a diminished role with the Revolution after a May 12 trade brought one of the top strikers in MLS, Kei Kamara, to New England from the Columbus Crew this season.
Still, the local product had hero status in New England after his incredible comeback story leading to his impressive 2015 season, followed by the difficulties he’s overcome this season. With the trade leading to many disappointed and surprised fans, the Revolution front office was quick to assure Davies wanted the trade.
Very difficult for us. Key was making sure that it was something Charlie wanted for him and his family. Would never have done it otherwise
— Brian Bilello (@RevsPrez) August 4, 2016
Also this is not something we were looking to do. It was brought to us.
— Brian Bilello (@RevsPrez) August 4, 2016
Davies joins a Philadelphia that added U.S. National Team star Alejandro Bedoya on Wednesday, a fellow Boston College alumnus. The Union (8-8-6, 30 points) currently sit in fourth place in the East, two spots ahead of the Revolutions (6-8-8, 26 points) in the standings. The Union face the Revolution at Gillette Stadium on August 13.
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