HOUSTON – After a midweek start with the US national team, Brad Davis is ready to jump back in the fray for the Houston Dynamo.
Davis, who logged 58 minutes in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Mexico, was back in training Friday for the orange outfit as the Dynamo prepare to renew their annual battle for El Capitán, the reward in the Texas Derby against FC Dallas, on Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium (8 pm ET; MLS Live).
After the session, Davis said he is ready to answer the bell if called upon by head coach Dominic Kinnear.
“The body feels good,” Davis told reporters on Friday. “Am I a little tired, a little leggy right now? Yeah, but I’m going to go in here and take care of myself. Once game time comes, that’s not something you really think about. You go out there and you play.
“If I end up hitting a wall, I end up hitting a wall. But I’m going to go out there intent on playing 90 minutes and give it my all until that happens,” Davis continued. “If Dom makes a change, he makes a change, but I do, I feel good and feel ready to go.”
Part of what plays a role in Davis’ decision is the travel. Heading from Vancouver last weekend, to Phoenix for national team duty and back to Houston, the travel log has been full for the midfielder. Per usual, Kinnear did not tip his lineup but was confident his captain will be ready.
“I talked to him this morning and asked him how he feels and he said he feels good,” Kinnear said. “He’s fit and healthy and came out of the game without any problems. He’ll be available for selection tomorrow.”
While Davis’ focus is on Saturday’s clash, he is confident about his performance on Wednesday.
As the World Cup draws closer, the Mexico friendly was the latest opportunity to for Davis to show he belongs on the plane to Brazil. He started the match, as part of a US squad that dominated El Tri in the first half just a month-and-a-half before the final camp ahead of the World Cup.
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“The first 45 minutes, we went out and did a very good job and made them uncomfortable,” Davis said. “It was a solid 60 minutes, and I think I went in there and did a good job. Felt good coming away from the game and took a lot of positive things away from it.
“We’ve got six weeks left and [US head coach Jurgen Klinsmann] wants us to push ourselves and add some training sessions on our own and get a really good fitness base,” Davis continued. “Whenever you get into the World Cup camp fitness is key. Over the next six weeks he really wants us to work on our fitness level and continue to push ourselves.”
That work will start in a rivalry match Saturday against FC Dallas.
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com.
