The New England Revolution traded Charlie Davies to the Philadelphia Union. Photo/Kari Heistad
The New England Revolution traded Charlie Davies, one of their most beloved players both on and off the pitch, to the Philadelphia Union, the two clubs announced on Thursday morning.
In return for Davies, Philadelphia sent New England an undisclosed amount of general allocation and targeted allocation money, as well as a first round pick in the 2018 MLS Superdraft.
New England’s press release announcing the transfer came just after 9 a.m. Thursday. The structure of the release differed greatly from those in the past regarding player transactions, perhaps a sign of the unique place Davies with the Revs.
“When this was brought to us, we talked directly with Charlie. It was important to do what was right for Charlie and his family. If it wasn’t right for them, we wouldn’t have considered it,” said Revolution General Manager Mike Burns in the release. “It’s never easy parting with a player like Charlie, but we are grateful for his contributions to the club and we wish him and his family all the best and consider them a part of the Revolution family.”
“In his three years with the club, Charlie has made a significant impact with his play on the pitch and has also made a profound, personal impression on his teammates, coaches, the front office, and Revolution fans,” the release continued. “Despite all of the adversity he has faced in his life, particularly recently, Charlie has always worn his trademark smile and been a consistent source of positivity.”
Davies, who was born in Manchester, New Hampshire and attended Boston College, joined the Revolution mid-way through the 2013 season on loan from Danish club Randers.
Though he was slow to break into the starting lineup due to injuries, Davies joined the Revolution permanently the following season and eventually found his stride. He became one of the league’s top scoring threats.
He scored four times in the 2014 playoffs, en route to the Revolution’s playoff loss in the Cup final to the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Davies, who was involved in a life-threatening car accident in October 2009 in Washington, DC, made significant strides in his return to form while the Revolution.
However, he was sidelined for most of this year as he battled liposarcoma, a form of cancer that is now in remission, a hamstring injury, and spent time with his wife, Nina, who delivered his two twins boys, Dakota and Rhys, prematurely earlier this summer.
The Davies trade capped a wild end to this year’s MLS trade deadline.
The Revolution have conceded 36 goals this season, which is the third-most in MLS. They did not sign a defender.
Davies makes $113,315.63, according to the MLS Players Union website. That gives the Revolution some wiggle room with the salary cap to sign a veteran player.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Union, who lost on penalties to the Revolution in the US Open Cup quarter-finals two weeks ago, appear to be gunning up.
Davies will re-unite with his former Boston College and U.S. national teammate Alejandro Bedoya, who also joined the Union yesterday, from French side Nantes.
Philadelphia currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, four points ahead of the Revs.
Club personnel have not revealed, as of yet, if there will be a conference call with either Burns or coach Jay Heaps today regarding Davies’ trade.
Philadelphia Union
New England Revolution
