Justin Davis is excited to transition to MLS with Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC is one of two new teams to Major League Soccer in 2017.

However, they are not a new franchise as a whole. The club is moving from the NASL, and will have a familiar big piece coming with them.

Justin Davis signed as one of the first MLS players for MNUFC, after spending the last six seasons with the club in NASL. He was named to the league’s Best XI the past three seasons, as well as two nominations for NASL MVP in his career. The defender shared some insight into the Minnesota fans, his famous cider drinking celebration, and how pumped he is to join MLS.

Playing For 90: First off, how does it feel to be making the move from NASL to MLS with Minnesota United FC?

Justin Davis: The word I keep coming back to is exciting. There is a lot of momentum with the club right now, and it’s an opportunity for us to continue to build something special here in the Twin Cities. The NASL was very good to this state, and we were able to accomplish a lot during our time there, but to now move up to the highest level in the US, I think it pushes us to reach even higher with our goals and expectations. It’s something myself, and I’m sure everyone involved with the club, is looking forward to.

PF90: You’ve been an all league player in NASL three straight seasons. What’s been the key to your sustained success?

Davis: I’ve been really focused on just playing consistent during the season. Outside backs don’t really steal the headlines, but I have had a lot of experience with my time in the NASL and I have a good idea of how to be successful in my role. Staying healthy and fit has contributed to that a lot and having great players around me also doesn’t hurt, but I think that level of success is now the new norm that I want to hold myself to, and even go beyond that.

PF90: What is the most exciting part about having the opportunity to play under longtime Orlando City coach Adrian Heath?

Davis: I think Adrian brings a ton of experience and knowledge to our club, and will bring a brand of soccer that the players and fans will enjoy. I’ve spoken with people who have played under him and coached alongside him, and they all have wonderful things to say about him. I think my style of play will fit well in the system he wants to implement here in Minnesota.

PF90: You were a forward in college, but have since played on the backline. What about that previous experience up front helps you as a defender?

Davis: I wouldn’t say I was a great forward, but having been in certain situations up there I can put myself inside the strikers mind if you will. You can get a sense of where they want to be on and off the ball, and figure out ways to prevent that.

PF90: Who are a few players you are looking forward to testing yourself against in MLS?

Davis: To be honest, I’m most looking forward to just seeing how I do at the next level. I’ve been in camps with other clubs before and haven’t succeeded. So I feel like this has come full circle to be making the jump now, with a club I have established myself with, and seeing where I can go from here.

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PF90: What should MLS know about Minnesota United fans?

Davis: The fan base has grown tremendously since my first days with the club, and I’m sure it will continue to do so as our brand continues to grow here in the Twin Cities. Clever, quirky, passionate would be some good words to describe our fans and they are always up for chugging a cider after a win!

PF90: Speaking of chugging cider, you got some buzz, no pun intended, for celebrating a goal by jumping on a wall by the supporters and taking a swig of cider. Should there be a potential sponsorship somewhere?

Davis: I’ll just say my agent and I have had a few discussions about that. It sort of took off on a life of its own and was just one of those things that everyone liked. I’m sure it’s expected now every time I score.

PF90: You spent time in Arizona growing up, and played at New Mexico. How hard was the adjustment to freezing cold Minnesota?

Davis: I lived there for 10 years, but grew up in Michigan. I would say I’m more from Michigan than Arizona. I think that’s why I’ve taken to Minnesota so well. It’s because it reminds of where I grew up, but also has its own fun characteristics. I think my blood is pretty thick now, so I’m pretty much full Minnesotan.