Jake Davis finding his way for Sporting KC in surprise role: ‘He competes for everything’
Jake Davis made his third straight start (in all competitions) in Sporting KC’s 2-1 win over Seattle Sounders last Sunday. It was his first extended run of first-team appearances in his career.
The 21-year-old native player, originally from Rochester, Michigan, attended Sporting’s Academy Residency Program in 2017. He was mainly a midfielder and was even part of the U-17 national team.
But it’s not in midfield where Davis enjoyed his first team minutes at Sporting KC (1-7-3). It was at right-back.
“He was brilliant. He deserves to keep his place,” said captain Johnny Russell. “There were a lot of great performances (in Seattle) and I think he’s probably our best player in the park for me.”
It’s high praise from the captain. And he’s not wrong.
The Sounders started the game with Leo Chu on their left wing and lined up on Davis’ side. In Sporting’s game against Seattle in March, Chu had four assists, three of which came directly from serve against Sporting’s right flank. On Sunday those chances vanished.
Seattle changed the situation and fielded two or three attackers against Davis. Nobody could get through. Eventually, they traded USA men’s national team forward Jordan Morris to this side. Morris had a tremendous chance at the back post but, thanks to decisive intervention, was saved by who?
Yes, you probably guessed it. Jake Davis.
Davis knew the Sounders were trying to pick on him. After all, he had just over 100 minutes in MLS ahead of Sunday’s game. It made sense to target the young and inexperienced player who was playing out of position.
Davis said he was so fixated that he didn’t focus on who exactly the Sounders pulled to his side during the game.
“I had exactly the same mentality,” Davis said. “No matter who it is, I will just stop them from any danger in our penalty area. Obviously Jordan Morris is an international, a great player. I just wanted to make sure he wasn’t doing anything in our box.”
Manager Peter Vermes said Davis’ game was eye-opening for Sporting – largely because he played so well from his natural position.
Davis has primarily played for Sporting KC II since signing in 2021, as a defensive midfielder. And when Sporting struggled at left-back earlier this year, it wasn’t Davis they tried there; it was Cam Duke.
But with the left-back position returning to health and with both Graham Zusi and Kayden Pierre on the injury list for a few weeks, Davis stepped up immediately and capitalized on his chance at right-back, starting with Sporting’s Open Cup third-round win against Tulsa Athletic.
What struck Vermes at the time became clearer as the season progressed: competitiveness and focus.
“He competes for everything,” Vermes said. “He doesn’t shy away from physical challenges and is also alert. He focuses on the game and learns from the small situations that happen. He learns very quickly in the game. (It) does not last a week after that.”
Given Zusi’s 90 minutes on Wednesday, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Davis stayed in the Sporting starting line-up against Minnesota United on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park at 7:30 p.m
But with Zusi’s return and the eventual return of Pierre, the competition for minutes is only getting tighter for Davis. But he describes himself as a guy who “lives in the moment” and is willing to make the most of any opportunities that come his way.
“When I came out of Sporting Academy and onto the big stage, I was in the moment,” Davis said. “Every chance I got at the academy? same thing. I was focused with my teammates on winning the game. second team? Same attitude. And now we are with the first team. No matter what team I’m on and who I’m playing with, I just go out there and make sure I give my all to help the team win.”