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Davies returns to Sochaux with future undetermined

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Photo by Brad Smith/ISIphotos.com

Charlie Davies' comeback in 2011 was one of the stories of the year in American soccer, as he returned to the playing field less than two years removed from a horrifying car accident that nearly took his life and did take the life of another passenger. As the calendar turns to 2012, it remains to be seen where his next stop will be as he looks to make the next step toward reclaiming his top form.

His loan with D.C. United yielded mixed results. While just stepping onto the field itself was an accomplishment in its own right, Davies managed to score 11 goals, including two in an emotional debut against the Columbus Crew. He was also at the center of a couple of diving controversies, and by the end of the season he had been relegated to mostly a reserve role.

After his season with D.C. United ended with him essentially out of favor, the club elected to pass on its option to buy his contract outright from FC Sochaux. The loan technically expires on Saturday, and the French club confirmed that Davies is returning to Sochaux to train and stay in shape while awaiting a decision on his future. He'll commence training with the club on New Year's Day.

Sochaux currently finds itself in the Ligue 1 relegation zone, but there has been no indication that Davies will be looked upon as an option for the club's lineup. A greater possibility seems to be a loan or transfer elsewhere in Europe, as various reports from both the United States and Europe speculate.

What do you think makes most sense for Davies' next move? Another loan to MLS? A transfer to another team overseas? How will you look back on his year with United?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. If Davies has proved nothing else, he has demonstrated that he can work very hard, shrug off pain and has a great desire to succeed. Those are essential attributes in a goal-scorer.

    It is hard to know if he has or ever will fully recover his speed, but many very good players are not that fast,. Skill, desire, and a good soccer brain are all more important. The only thing certainly true of fast players is they do everything faster (including making errors).

    I think it would be foolish and premature to count Davies out at only 25 years of age.

    Reply
  2. And chris you even commented and trashed the MLS Generation Adidas tour rosters defense saying it was weak when it had good MLS prospects like Valentine, Alston, and Sarkodie.

    Reply

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