Sean Davis was ready for his return to Red Bull Arena

photo by Matt Kremkau

by Daniel Feuerstein

No matter how much you hate to see certain players leave that was developed by the Red Bulls from the fruitful of riches that is the New York City, New Jersey area, you know very well that the cream will always rise to the top no matter who is next in line to take over a roster spot on the club.

We currently have Sean Nealis, Omir Fernandez, John Tolkin, and Daniel Edelman on the roster, but the players who came before them are currently playing elsewhere in Major League Soccer or abroad. One destination in free agency has been Nashville, Tennessee where Dax McCarty led the charge and following him, there was Alex Muyl, and last season Sean Davis who became a free agent made the move to Music City himself.

MLS moved the club back to the Eastern Conference this season and that meant he would finally make his return to the home he only knew before making that decision to join another club when he turned into a free agent. He informed his teammates what the atmosphere was going to be like when they came over to Red Bull Arena. He also informed them about how difficult the Red Bulls were going to be with their stingy defense. 

"It's amazing (being back) I have such great memories here, it's a special place for me. Trying not to get too sentimental but I wouldn't be anywhere close to where I am today without this organization and I want to thank them for everything." said Sean Davis, "Playing in Nashville has made me step back and really appreciate my time in New York more, and really feeling great for the reception, but it's amazing being back."

He was right and at the end of the full 90 minutes, both teams ended the night with a scoreless draw. While Davis was happy for the point, he wasn't happy about not getting enough tickets for all his family and friends to come to Red Bull Arena and see him perform in front of them. Sadly that's how these things happen sometimes. 

But overall it was great to see him return, unfortunately in a different kit, as Nashville SC Wore their Johnny Cash Man in Black kits for this one. On a personal note after his media scrum, Sean Davis was very happy to see a familiar face within the New York Media in me and was excited to share some thoughts as I chatted with him during those days at training and at after the matches when he was a member of the Red Bulls.

Even though it's tough to see a strong hard-nosed player and a local leaving the club to try his hand at another place within the league, you will always remember the wonderful memories he gave in the goal-scoring department as well as the defending department. He will always be remembered for the two-goal game against Chelsea in the International Champions Cup defeating then-manager Jose Mourinho. Or when  he was a part of the club on that run in the 2017 US Open Cup Final,

But of course, we can't forget the thrill it must've been for him when he was a part of the Red Bulls academy and having a scrimmage against Argentina back in March of 2011 as a member of the U-18 squad as they faced Lionel Messi at the New York Giants indoor practice facility. That was during the international window as the US Men's National Team faced the Albiceleste at Met Life Stadium.

Of course, we hope for the best for Sean Davis with Nashville, and they will see him again toward the final regular season match in October. It should be a wild one then, but for now, the Red Bulls move on toward their next opponent on the road against Minnesota United FC.