Davies: Next Season Is Going To Be Revolution's Year
BOSTON (CBS) -- For the fifth time in franchise history, the New England Revolution finished their season as the runner-up in the MLS Cup.
New England fell to the L.A. Galaxy 2-1 in extra time on Sunday, a heartbreaking loss after an impressive season that saw the Revs turn things around following an eight-game winless streak over the months of June and July. The team came together down the stretch, going 9-2-2 to close the regular season, and then easily bested their Eastern Conference foes en route to Sunday's title match.
But Los Angeles proved to be too much for the Revolution, as they captured their fifth MLS Cup in franchise history at StubHub Center in California.
For New England striker Charlie Davies, a New Hampshire native and Boston College alum who grew up watching the Revolution, it was a hard way to end the season, but he is very proud to be part of the franchise.
"I'm so happy to be a part of this team. This team is like my second family, which is why it's really tough to end the season this way," Davies told WBZ-TV's Levan Reid following Sunday's loss.
Davies made his return to MLS this season after spending the 2012-13 season in the Danish league. He battled a hamstring injury to start the season, but became a force on the team as the season went on. He finished the regular season with three goals and four assists, adding four more goals in the postseason.
For Davies, who nearly died in a car accident five years ago, the 2014 season was extremely special.
"The season was unbelievable. It's hard to put it in words, for me especially; Battling through injuries throughout the preseason and having to wait to get my chance," he said. "The guys have really helped me throughout the whole season, pushing me to get better and giving the confidence I needed when I started playing. They built me back up."
Just as they built him up, Davies did his best to do the same during Sunday's championship match. The Galaxy took a 1-0 lead on a Gyasi Zardes tally in the 52nd minute, only to have Chris Tierney net the equalizer 17 minutes later.
"Once we got down a goal I said 'we've been a comeback team all season. Everybody keep your head up and we'll come back,'" recalls Davies. "Sure enough we got the goal to tie it up and I really thought this was the moment we were going to break through and finish the game with a win before extra time. Unfortunately it didn't happen, and we just have to move on."
Game MVP Robbie Keane put in the go-ahead goal from a long pass by Marcelo Sarvas in the 111th minute, and the Galaxy held on to claim yet another MLS crown.
While New England came up short once again for their ultimate goal, Davies is confident that next year's squad will finally get over the championship hump that has been blocking the Revolution.
"I really do feel that next season is really going to be our year. We have a good group of guys here and a good core," said Davies. "I think we have what it takes to use this experience to help propel us to a championship next year."
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