The raw numbers suggest that Houston Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis certainly did not land on his best year.
But that doesn’t mean the longtime Dynamo left-sided fixture had a bad year. Four goals isn’t bad for a midfielder, but nine assists represented Davis’ lowest total since 2008.
The problem wasn’t really Davis, who was helpful as always in possession around BBVA Compass Stadium, tracked back as faithfully as anyone who plays for Dominic Kinnear must, and still has plenty of spring in his leg (especially that signature left one) at 31 years old. In fact, Davis even made a move up the national team order through 2013 and remains in consideration for Jurgen Klinsmann’s World Cup roster.
The real problem for Davis wasn’t that he couldn’t provide the usual snappy service. Rather, it was about the men on the receiving end.
Houston’s struggles to score goals this year – the Orange is 10th among 10 playoff teams in goals scored this year with just 41 in 34 matches – was all about forwards just not getting the job done.
Remember that long and painful stretch through the summer where no Houston forward could find goal? At all! Giles Barnes (9 goals) and Will Bruin (8) had their moments in 2013 – just not enough of them.
Houston begins its quest to reach a third consecutive MLS Cup final on Thursday, hosting Montreal at BBVA Compass Stadium on the north side of Houston’s downtown.
By the way, Davis says he has more to give … and it sounds like he knows how to get there:
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