On Tuesday morning Brad Davis took part in Dynamo practice, focused on a weekend matchup with the Vancouver Whitecaps.  

Six hours later, the Houston captain was off to join the U.S. national team for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica (March 22) and Mexico (March 26) after receiving a surprise last-minute call-up from Jurgen Klinsmann.

For Davis, the call-up signals a key opportunity. With the 31-year-old on the gameday roster, the U.S. fell to Honduras last month in the opening match of CONCACAF’s final round of World Cup qualifying.  

The Americans struggled to create chances in San Pedro Sula, and a left-sided playmaker like Davis - who also specializes in set piece delivery - would presumably help bolster the U.S. attack.

As far as the Dynamo are concerned, the timing of Davis’ call-up further complicates what already figured to be a challenging weekend. Davis joins Boniek Garcia and Jermaine Taylor on international duty while injuries to Will Bruin and Cam Weaver threaten to decimate Houston’s forward line.

For all the likely turnover, Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear won’t be without options.  Andrew Driver scored in his MLS debut against Dallas, and is certainly a candidate to earn his first start since joining Houston early this month. Omar Cummings, recovering from preseason knee surgery, has trained fully since last week and would be a welcome addition to the roster should he be ready come Saturday.

Saturday’s game will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet. Join us for Dynamo Pregame Live at 7:00 p.m. ahead of a 7:30 p.m. kickoff from BBVA Compass Stadium.