I mentioned in another thread that I was worried that Davis was being played too much because he played the full 90 last Wednesday. I really thought he should've sat out Saturday against the Quakes, or come in late for some offensive boost. But he looks terrible (other than the cross onto Cerritos' foot who then drilled it into the side of the net - and the cross onto T-Bone's head who slammed it over the net) right now, and I believe it's because he's playing too many minutes. I'm not sure if Jeffries is in tune with how much his players "put out" from game-to-game. Davis works hard at a two-way game, and he can't be played too many minutes. He loses his sharpness (the handball was plain stupidity) and good decision-making skills. Then again, Kreis isn't resting like he said he was going to either. Even if it's just to "gain a better perspective", the hardworking, two-way players need a rest from time-to-time.
When Jeffries starts playing him as first choice attacking central mid instead of putting him on the wing....or try him at forward and sit down Rhine. Seriously, I don't see it anytime soon. Certainly not the Gold Cup unless we experience a massive rash of injuries. Perhaps next year or 2005. He's got a long ways to go. I believe he's capable long term, but whether he can crack the lineup will be another thing altogether. The worst thing is that this might be the WC that he has the best chance at, because the newbies coming up for 2010 are even better and hungrier...
How about when he learns how to not commit hand balls in the box. He did it with the 20s in Argentina and he did it tonight with the Burn in Chicago. He's a good player but this is becoming a trend.
Both of the above were pinpoint accurate passes. The Bonseu header should definitely have been finished which would have tied the match. Davis also has several other pretty plays that went unrewarded. I agree that Brad looked a little out of gas in the second half. His work rate was high all game long. Personally I don't think he saw enough of the ball from Oscar and Deering.
Maybe his fatigue has something to do with the bizarre "system" we use where every midfielder roams all over the field instead of just playing their position. First on the right side of the field. Then on the left side of the field. Then in the middle. And this is how all our mids play. Is it any wonder no one seems to know where anyone else is on the field or be able to anticipate their teammates moves very well?
When the mentioning of the "free-wheeling midfield" came about, I worried that continuity might be a problem. But after thinking on how defenders can adjust much easier to repetitive overlaps and predictable thru-balls, I've liked the idea of the midfiield being unpredictable. The defense, including the d-mid, however, should be stalwart and solid. Defense is never a place for unpredictability.
Tom, you haven't been paying attention. Davis will never get a call up. He plays for the Burn. If he was still with New York, he might have been in France right now.
I agree about the Olympics. He needs to make the team and show well. We seem to have a lot of lefties that are up and coming. DMB, Mapp, and Convey along with older lefties like Lewis and Obrien.
I think the Olympics would be a very good platform for him. Arena did exactly the same with John O'Brien. US National and Olympic teams were in camp together. O'brien sprained an ankle (so he missed some time) and Arena switched him to the Olympic side (where he was going to get more PT and responsibility) than with the National side where he'd be behind in the pecking order. As a left mid or A-mid, there is a tremendous amount of competition at the National level. So an Olympic slot means he doesn't have to compete against Reyna, O'Brien, and a host of other quality players. With more PT and potentially more authority, he'd develop even more. That's my take anyway.
Hard for Davis to get a call up with Eddie Lewis and DeMarcus Beasley in the way. But I agree lets wait for the Olympics.
While we're on the topic of the Olympic team, does everyone realize just how bad the Burn could get nailed when it comes time for Olympic qualifiers and the actual tournament: DJ Countess Brad Davis Phil Salyer Eddie Johnson Jordan Stone Jason Thompson Talk about making up for having 0 losses to the confed cup!
The other day DJ told me that he will miss a couple games for Olympic duty... I assume Davis and others will probably miss some too. I will see what I can find out.
According to the CONCACAF site, the 1st round of Olympic qualifying has to be played by October 12th. However, the USA has a bye in the 1st round. 2nd round games have to be played by November 20th, with the first leg(these matches are home and away) played on November 15th or 16th and the return leg on the 19th. We play the winner of Dominica and St. Kitts in what should be a goal fest feel good game. I'm not sure when we're going to play the rest of the games, but hopefully it will be during the MLS season so that our players are in form. We're going to have to go through Costa Rica or Mexico to qualify......
Maybe he was talking about warm up games or something. I don't have anything to go on but what DJ told me in passing.
http://www.concacaf.com/news/article.page/1280 Sorry dude, here's the bracket. The other links about scheduling are on the right hand side of that page I think.