Though still just 23, ace striker Charlie Davies has been turning heads in the American soccer scene with his searing pace and fearlessness going forward. The New Hampshire native, who was a standout player in the US University system with Boston College, decided to forego Major League Soccer, opting to make an early jump over to Europe after an unremarkable career with the United States U-20 and U-23 programs.
Davies, with speed to burn and a killer instinct in front of goal, moved to Sweden's top flight in 2007, one year short of his earning his college degree, and signed for Hammarby IF. After a few problems breaking into the side and finding his shooting boots, he eventually settled down and his skills have proven well suited to the Scandinavian game. He caught fire near the end of his first season, scoring a hat trick in the final game of the campaign.
Scoring consistently for the club in 2008 and starring for the United States in their run to the final of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup brought a move for young Charlie to France’s top flight with Sochaux. Unfortunately, though, a serious car accident saw Davies suffer massive trauma while on duty with the States earlier this year, leaving his FIFA World Cup hopes in serious jeopardy.
