Making the Case for Charlie Davies to Make the USMNT Gold Cup Roster

With the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup less than two months away, the fight for positions on the United States men's national team roster is starting to heat up. 

The position with the most competition at the moment is forward. Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey are expected to start up top, but who their backups will be is unknown as of right now. 

One player who has separated himself from the pack over the last few weeks is Charlie Davies of the New England Revolution.

Davies' story is one that is very familiar with followers of the USMNT. In 2009, Davies was one of the breakout stars of the USMNT thanks to his showings at the Gold Cup and FIFA Confederations Cup. 

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The forward, who then played at Sochaux in Ligue 1, was on track to make the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad before he was involved in a horrific car accident in October 2009. Following the accident, Davies was never able to regain full fitness, and he was left off the preliminary roster for the tournament in South Africa. 

Davies enjoyed a successful loan spell at D.C. United in 2011, but then he moved back to Europe for a few years and dropped off the USMNT radar. 

The 28-year-old, who helped the Revolution qualify for the 2014 MLS Cup Final, is finally hitting his stride in front of goal again. And it couldn't have come at a better time for both player and national team. 

Davies has scored in four consecutive matches since netting his first of the season on April 19 against Philadelphia. On all four of his recent strikes, Davies has exhibited plenty of skill in front of the net. 

His best bit of skill came on his headed goal against the New York Red Bulls on May 2, as he made a strong run into the right side of the box to connect with a cross at the near post. 

Davies played the role of opportunist on his latest goal in Week 10, as he capitalized on an Orlando City defensive mistake to put the Revs ahead by a goal on Friday night. 

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Over the last four contests, Davies has shown USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann that he can score in a variety of ways, and his work rate is second to none. In his potential role at the Gold Cup, Davies would come off the bench to provide a spark in the latter part of the second half. 

If Klinsmann brings him on to partner Altidore, Davies could benefit greatly from the Toronto FC man's hold-up play. Davies would be able to make runs off the ball to open up the defense and create chances in the final third. If he does that, he will reignite the chemistry he and Altidore displayed during his first stint with the Yanks. 

While Davies' form and playing style are important in regard to his selection for the roster, another thing we must factor in is the form of the other forwards in the talent pool. 

Aron Johannsson is seen as the clear backup to Altidore in many people's eyes, but he hasn't delivered on the big stage for the USMNT recently. The MLS pair of Gyasi Zardes and Chris Wondolowski are in the mix, but there are flaws to each player's respective games. 

Zardes is still young, and because of his pace, he may be better suited out on the wing during the Gold Cup. Wondolowski isn't known for making strong runs in attack, but he is a poacher in front of goal. However, his international scoring record suggests it may be time for someone else to receive a call-up.

Klinsmann could also call on Stanford's Jordan Morris, who scored his first international goal against Mexico on April 15. Morris impressed during his time on the pitch at the Alamodome, and it wouldn't come as a major surprise to see him on the Gold Cup roster. 

One bit of good news for Davies is he will have one fewer competitor for the final two or three forward positions since Rubio Rubin will be playing with the USMNT U20 team this summer. 

If Davies keeps scoring for New England in the buildup to the Gold Cup, Klinsmann's hand will be forced. In 2013, Klinsmann brought in Jack McInerney after he went on a scoring tear during the first half of the MLS season. 

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With that as a precedent, and Klinsmann's willingness to bring in new players always at the forefront of the USMNT roster discussion, Davies has a decent chance of putting his name on the 23-man roster. 

While we wouldn't call him a lock right now, Davies can turn himself into that with a few more goals and strong performances for the Revolution.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.