30.06.2015 19:19 h

Injured Davis ruled out of US Gold Cup squad

Brad Davis, a midfielder who helped the United States capture the 2005 Gold Cup, will miss this year's tournament with a knee injury, the US Soccer Federation said Tuesday.

The 33-year-old Houston Dynamo player is a six-time Major League Soccer All-Star and was part of the USA squad at last year's World Cup.

He also helped Houston take the MLS crown in 2006 and 2007.

Greg Garza, a 23-year-old defender for Mexican side Atlas, has been drafted in to replace Davis for Friday's friendly against Guatemala in Nashville, the final warm-up for both sides before the CONCACAF Gold Cup starts next week.

US Soccer is in the process of submitting paperwork to CONCACAF to allow for a squad replacement for the Gold Cup.

With the approval of the regional governing body, the Americans can add an injury replacement from a 35-man preliminary squad up until 24 hours before the team's opening match.

Jurgen Klinsmann's side, who are the holders, kick off their bid to retain the trophy against Honduras in suburban Dallas on July 7.

If the Americans successfully defend the trophy they will qualify for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.