Filed under: MLS, U.S. Men’s National Team, D.C. United, Los Angeles Galaxy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Landon Donovan was sporting some choice scrapes and welts on his right leg Sunday night, courtesy of some extra attention from D.C. United. “It’s gonna happen,” Donovan said of the damage.
The Los Angeles Galaxy’s best player returned from World Cup duty this weekend and, appropriately, scored the winning goal (a penalty kick) in his side’s 2-1 triumph in the nation’s capital. It was Donovan’s first game since the June 26 loss to Ghana in the second round of the World Cup, and at times he showed a bit of rust. He also was the primary target for D.C. defenders Carey Talley, Clyde Simms and Devon McTavish, who took turns following and fouling Donovan throughout the humid evening.
That on-field welcome contrasted with a banner hanging at RFK Stadium that read “Landon Donovan — An American Hero”. United fans normally have delighted in harassing him. On Sunday he was applauded during pregame introductions. “It’s definitely nicer than getting booed,” he told FanHouse.
Share Donovan now is in the spotlight. His World Cup performance, highlighted by three goals and the dramatic winner against Algeria, combined with his candid comments regarding his personal growth and personal life, have vaulted him to a level of fame unprecedented for an American soccer player. Upon his return from South Africa he went on a New York media tour that included Regis and Kelly and David Letterman, and then he flew home to L.A. to pick up a few ESPY awards.
His status as the country’s best player and increasing notoriety prompted MLS Commissioner Don Garber to say last week that the league won’t be entertaining any transfer offers for Donovan, who signed a long-term contract with the Galaxy over the winter.
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Tue, Jul 20, 2010
World Cup Headlines