Jewish Midfielder Taylor Davila's Near Miss with Israeli Soccer

Taylor Davila, described as the best Jewish midfielder many Israelis don't know, has a past connection to Israeli soccer that never materialized. Davila, currently playing for Louisville City in the American USL Championship, is a versatile midfielder who has contributed significantly to his team's success. He has scored goals and provided numerous assists, and his defensive contributions have also been noted, earning him league MVP honors.

Davila's journey began in the youth academies of Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy, and he represented the United States at the U-14 level. After playing collegiately for UC Berkeley, he moved to the Galaxy's reserve team. However, he never made a senior appearance for the MLS club.

In December 2022, Davila came to Israel for tryouts with Hapoel Tel Aviv, a team struggling at the bottom of the league. During his trial period, the club underwent significant turmoil, with its professional director and coach resigning after a heavy defeat. Davila then trained briefly with Hapoel Petah Tikva in the second division but ultimately decided to pursue an opportunity in Norway, though he eventually signed with Rio Grande Valley FC in the USL.

After a successful stint there, he joined Louisville City, where he has become a key player. His coach has praised his tactical awareness and ball skills. Davila has expressed openness to returning to Israel in the future, suggesting he could be a valuable addition to the Israeli Premier League, especially given his speed, vision, and defensive commitment.