When the LA Galaxy announced Landon Donovan's return from retirement, many wondered if Donovan could even still play. Had he been out of soccer for too long to be able to make an impact on the field? Could he actually help the Galaxy or is this just a publicity stunt to sell more shirts?
Those questions are all valid. And Landon has an answer.
For manager Bruce Arena and the LA Galaxy, they couldn’t have scripted Sunday night any better themselves. The Galaxy jumped out to a 4-1 lead over Orlando City by the game’s 70th minute, allowing Arena to substitute the night’s main attraction, Landon Donovan, into the match in the 83rd minute.
Permitting Donovan a few minutes, ending the media frenzy surrounding his comeback and giving the announced crowd of 27,167 a glimpse of what they came for were all positives for the Galaxy.
2016, you scoundrel! First, we had the trauma and ecstasy of Lionel Messi’s short-lived retirement. Now, we have this: Landon Donovan is set to end his retirement to return to the LA Galaxy for the remainder of the MLS season.
The LA Galaxy have mercifully gotten rid of Nigel de Jong, shipping the Dutch midfielder to Turkish club Galatasaray at the transfer deadline.
For the first half hour or so, it looked like San Jose was going to spoil the party for Steven Gerrard and the LA Galaxy.
But, led by Gerrard and Robbie Keane, the Galaxy rallied behind the former Liverpool teammates to erase a 2-0 defecit and eventually win 5-2.
Gerrard scored his first MLS goal, added an assist and drew a penalty. Robbie Keane scored a hat trick, including two penalties.
This was one of the more exciting designated player league debuts we've seen. Now, the question is ifl Gerrard's good form will continue.
HIghlights below:
According to the Los Angeles Times, LA Galaxy have a new addition to their forward line.
Giovani dos Santos, a 26-year-old Mexican international, has reportedly signed with the club, which has been interested in him since 2011.