Jake Davis Midfielder Sporting Kansas City #17 Profile and Performance Highlights

Alright, if you keep up with Sporting Kansas City, you’ve seen Jake Davis out there, wearing #17 and usually patrolling the midfield. Davis has turned into a key part of Sporting KC, thanks to his relentless work rate and a knack for making big plays when it matters most.

At just 23, he’s already brought energy and stability to the midfield. The club liked what they saw so much, they gave him a contract extension—fans and coaches have definitely taken notice.

Davis came to the Sporting KC Academy back in 2017, leaving Michigan to chase his soccer dream. He worked his way up through the youth system and signed on as a pro.

He debuted for Sporting Kansas City II in 2019. Since then, he’s built a reputation as the guy you can count on when the pressure’s on. His games against Toronto FC and that gritty defensive showing versus Inter Miami? Those are just a couple examples of how valuable he’s become.

Here’s a quick look at some of Jake Davis’s numbers from recent seasons:

Year	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2019	Sporting KC II	19	0	2
2021	Sporting Kansas City (MLS)	5	0	0
2024	Sporting Kansas City (MLS)	26	1	4

Player Profile and Key Facts

Jake Davis is a rising talent for Sporting Kansas City. Let’s dig into his position, what he brings to the club, and what makes him stand out on the field.

Position and Playing Number

Jake Davis rocks the number 17 for Sporting Kansas City. He’s listed as a midfielder, but you’ll see him drop into defensive roles too, especially at right-back.

That flexibility? It’s huge. Whether the team needs him in midfield or at the back, Davis steps in without missing a beat.

He kicked off his journey in the academy and became a Homegrown Player in 2021. Whenever Sporting KC needed depth, Davis answered the call and started in a bunch of different spots.

Fans appreciate Jake’s focus and positioning. Coaches love his tactical discipline.

No matter where he lines up, Davis brings consistency.

Sporting Kansas City Role

Since his debut, Davis has grown into an important piece for Sporting KC’s first team. He started out with Sporting KC II in 2019 and then made the jump to the main squad.

Davis had a breakout year in 2023, playing regular minutes and earning his first MLS start against Montreal. If you want to follow his stats, check out his official club profile.

Sporting KC trusts Davis in high-pressure matches because he stays cool and works hard. He never shies away from a big moment.

When the team shuffled the roster, Davis adapted fast. He’s made himself almost indispensable during key stretches.

Here’s a look at some recent stats:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Yellow Cards
2023	29	0	3	6
2024*	18	1	1	3

*2024 data is current as of July 2025.

Physical Attributes and Style of Play

Jake Davis was born on January 3, 2002, and stands about 5’10”. He’s got a solid, athletic frame that helps him go toe-to-toe with skilled attackers and squeeze through tight midfield spaces.

Davis reads the game well and breaks up attacks with real defensive bite.

You’ll notice his stamina and quick reactions every time he steps on the field. Davis often covers the right-back spot but handles central midfield with the same confidence.

He’s not flashy—just smart, aggressive, and always ready to track back or push forward if needed.

Davis puts in a full shift, showing both endurance and composure. His coaches praise his attention to detail and willingness to do the hard, unglamorous work.

Want to know more about how he’s become a rising figure for the squad? Check out KC Soccer Journal’s feature.

Sporting Kansas City Contributions

Jake Davis has locked down a spot in Sporting Kansas City’s lineup. He’s made a real impact across MLS matches, steadily rising since his academy days.

His journey from Homegrown Player to key squad member? It’s packed with breakthrough performances and crucial appearances against tough opponents.

MLS Performances and Highlights

You’ve seen Davis step up for Sporting Kansas City, especially when injuries hit in 2023. He jumped into the right-back role, showing off his adaptability and grit.

Davis doesn’t just fill a spot—he gets involved in both defense and attack.

His first MLS start came on April 29, 2023, at home against Montreal. From that game on, Davis made a name for himself with sharp tackles and timely interceptions.

His passing and defensive focus stood out, and he helped make the backline more secure.

In 2023, he started nearly every game and logged over 2,000 minutes on the field.

Take a look at his 2023 numbers:

Season	Appearances	Starts	Minutes Played	Assists	Yellow Cards
2023	31	28	2,423	5	7

Davis’s performances have set a new standard for younger players coming up through the club.

MVP and Awards Overview

Jake Davis hasn’t snagged an MLS MVP or an All-Star nod yet. Still, his 2023 season turned plenty of heads both locally and around the league.

Inside Sporting Kansas City, coaches and fans often called him one of the most improved players. He finished as a top candidate for the club’s Defender of the Year.

He hasn’t won MLS Goal of the Year or other league-wide awards, but his impact is about steady growth and reliability—not just headlines.

Coaches and teammates see Davis’s work rate and smarts as crucial.

He even picked up an ambassador role for the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program in 2024, showing his leadership off the field too.

Key Matches Against Top Opponents

Davis has delivered strong performances against some of MLS’s top teams. When Sporting Kansas City faced Orlando City SC and Austin FC, Davis put in mature and reliable defensive performances.

He kept wingers quiet and limited scoring chances against Orlando City SC. In the matchup with Austin FC, Davis made key clearances and chipped in an assist during a big Western Conference clash.

These efforts haven’t gone unnoticed—supporters and coaches have started to view Davis as a guy who steps up when the pressure’s on.

Homegrown Contract and Development

Davis signed on as a Homegrown Player in August 2021, becoming the 19th academy product to land a first-team deal with Sporting Kansas City. He started back in 2017 in the academy, where he scored eight goals in 54 games for the U-17 and U-19 squads.

He made his pro debut with Sporting Kansas City II in 2019.

This path helped Davis learn the club’s system and build trust with the coaching staff.

In 2023, Davis locked in a contract extension through 2027, with an option for 2028. That long-term deal shows how much Sporting Kansas City values him.

Read more about his journey and contract here.

Career Milestones

Jake Davis has made steady progress since joining Sporting Kansas City. His story features standout academy seasons, a key position switch, and a strong climb into the MLS first team.

Breakout Seasons

Jake Davis’s potential showed up early. After moving from Michigan to Kansas City at 15, he joined the Sporting KC Academy in 2017 and fit in quickly.

Over two years, he scored eight goals in 54 games for the U-17 and U-19 teams, showing maturity and skill way beyond his age.

His work rate and timing in midfield stood out. Coaches often mentioned his vision.

Davis made his pro debut for Sporting Kansas City II in April 2019, and right away, he notched an assist in a wild 4-3 match.

Those strong academy years set the foundation for everything that followed.

Season	Team	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2017-19	Sporting KC Academy	54	8	—
2019	Sporting KC II	—	—	1 (debut)

Position Change and Adaptation

Davis started his career as a midfielder, but his development took a big turn with a position switch. Sporting KC coaches saw his defensive instincts and stamina and figured he’d be a natural at right-back.

Davis didn’t hesitate—he embraced the change, bringing his passing and midfield smarts with him. That move actually sped up his path to the first team.

He improved his defense, focused on one-on-one battles, and got forward to support the attack out wide.

By taking on a new role, Davis boosted his value to the team. You’ll see him tracking back and covering ground—a big reason why his shift from midfield to right-back worked so well in MLS.

First-Team Debut and Progression

After years of steady growth, Davis made his first-team debut. He signed with the senior squad in 2021 and jumped into MLS as one of Sporting KC’s promising young players.

His early appearances? Solid, disciplined, and reliable on the ball.

As he got more minutes, his confidence grew. Davis started reading the game better, making big interceptions, and joining attacks from the right side.

He’s become a regular for Sporting KC, and his role at right-back has locked in his spot in the rotation.

For more details on Jake Davis’s background and club journey, check out the Sporting Kansas City player page or his Transfermarkt profile.

Notable Achievements

Jake Davis has become a standout for Sporting Kansas City, drawing attention from fans and analysts. His performances have led to league nominations and some pretty impressive individual milestones.

MLS Goal of the Year Nomination

Jake Davis got the nod for MLS Goal of the Year, and let me tell you, that’s not something you see every day from a Sporting Kansas City player. This nomination really put a spotlight on his knack for delivering in the big moments throughout 2023.

That goal? It came in a nail-biter of a match. Davis showed up with perfect timing, sharp positioning, and the kind of composure you just can’t teach.

Fans and analysts alike took notice of his vision and his push to get involved on the attacking end from midfield. Davis didn’t just get some attention with this nomination—he cemented his status as one of the league’s up-and-comers.

You could see it as a message: his engine and technical skill can get it done at the highest level.

The highlight-reel goal took off on social media, and MLS supporters definitely buzzed about it. As one of the top goal scorers of the season, Davis showed just how far he’s come since his days at the Sporting Kansas City Academy.

If you want more on his journey, check out his Sporting Kansas City profile.

Individual Honors and Recognition

On top of the Goal of the Year nod, Davis has already racked up a few individual honors early in his pro career. Sporting Kansas City named him a Homegrown Player in August 2021, a real testament to his development through the academy.

By 2023, Davis had earned his first MLS start and quickly made himself a regular in the lineup. Coaches and fans praised his defensive grit and his ability to contribute going forward.

He’s become a key piece for Sporting KC, no doubt about it.

Jake Davis Career Stats:

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	Sporting Kansas City	28	2	3
2022	Sporting Kansas City	8	0	1

You’ll find him in plenty of team highlights, and he’s made some big appearances in the U.S. Open Cup and MLS matches. For a deeper dive, head over to Jake Davis on MLSsoccer.com.

Team Impact and Partnerships

Jake Davis has become a key figure for Sporting Kansas City, and not just because of his on-field play. His teamwork and growing presence in the community really set him apart.

Collaboration with Erik Thommy

When Davis and Erik Thommy share the pitch, you can feel the chemistry. Davis, wearing #17, often links up with Thommy in the midfield, opening up passing lanes and creating chances.

This partnership has led to some real goal-scoring opportunities and better ball control when it matters most.

Davis reads the game well, and you’ll notice how he drops back to cover defensively when Thommy surges forward. When Thommy goes on the attack, Davis slides in behind to protect the backline, making it tough for opponents to break through.

Their understanding on the field keeps things tight, with Davis providing crisp passes and timely challenges. In those tough, grind-it-out games, this duo’s ability to shift the play and support each other gives Sporting KC a real edge.

A quick look at their combined stats:

Player	Key Passes per Game	Tackles per Game	Combined Goals (2024)
Jake Davis	1.2	2.7	2
Erik Thommy	2.6	1.1	6

Influence on Sporting KC’s Success

Davis’s impact goes well beyond just making plays. His defensive work rate and ability to adjust on the fly set the tone for his teammates.

You’ll see him take charge during close matches, breaking up attacks and sparking quick transitions.

He’s been a constant presence in the starting eleven throughout 2023 and into 2024. Davis’s consistency has put him among the top minute-earners for U.S. youth internationals, which says a lot about his value to Sporting KC.

He’s stepped up as a leader, guiding younger players and coming through in high-pressure spots.

Davis has also taken on more responsibility off the field, representing the club as an ambassador and shaping the team’s culture. You can see it in his work with Blue KC.

Key Match Performances

Jake Davis keeps showing his growth as a midfielder for Sporting KC, especially when the pressure’s on. His drive has changed the outcome of some tight matches, with game-changing plays in the moments that matter most.

Versus Orlando City SC

When Sporting KC faced Orlando City SC, Davis left his mark all over the midfield. His passing was sharp and he helped set the pace right from the start.

Davis completed more than 85% of his passes and made three key tackles in that match. Every time he intercepted a ball or chased down a loose pass, you could feel the energy pick up for Sporting KC.

You saw how Davis’s defensive hustle slowed down Orlando’s main threats, giving Kansas City the chance to push forward. He played the full 90 minutes and kept up the intensity the whole way.

Stat	Value
Minutes Played	90
Passing Accuracy	85%
Tackles	3
Clearances	4
Interceptions	2

Memorable Goal Against Austin FC

Davis’s goal against Austin FC—wow, what a highlight moment in his career. You don’t just remember the finish; the build-up play sticks with you too.

After a midfield turnover, Davis took off up field, joining the attack at exactly the right time. The ball whipped across the box, and Davis timed his run perfectly, slipping the ball past the Austin goalkeeper.

That goal put Sporting KC ahead and sent Children’s Mercy Park into a frenzy. The crowd just exploded.

But hey, it wasn’t just the goal. Davis also made some big plays controlling the midfield. His attacking support really opened up space for his teammates.

Honestly, you could see his impact all over the pitch that night against a tough Austin FC side.