LA Galaxy vs. Club America: Takeaways from International Champions Cup Match
Jul 12, 2015
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 11: Steven Gerrard #8 of the Los Angeles Galaxy warms up before the match with Club America in the International Champions Cup 2015 at StubHub Center on July 11, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
After a brilliant opening goal from CF America's Darwin Quintero, playing on the edge of the Galaxy's defensive line, then scoring through Brian Rowe's legs—Los Angeles battled back.
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane leveled the scoreline, after a sublime first touch in the 45th minute; beating both his defender and the goalkeeper in one motion, the MLS MVP rolled the ball into an empty net.
After a massive wave of eight new Galaxy players at halftime, the game stalled in the second half, but Alan Gordon gave Bruce Arena's side a 79th-minute winner—using his head to great effect, lobbing Club America keeper Hugo Gonzalez.
The friendly had drama, and that would have been the main story, but the reason people came was to see ex-Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard. Making his debut for the Galaxy, the 35-year-old central midfielder looked his usual composed self in his opening half of North American football.
What Gerrard needs now is time—time to find rapport with his new team-mates, time to find fitness and time to find his scoring boots in a new environment.
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 11: Steven Gerrard #8 of the Los Angeles Galaxy takes a shot on goal against Club America in the International Champions Cup 2015 at StubHub Center on July 11, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
At Anfield, especially under Brendan Rodgers, the Merseyside product went prolonged periods without scoring from open play, so expecting him to find 20 goals with the Galaxy is wholly unrealistic; what he must do, however, is score the goals on offer.
His best chance to open his L.A. account (even if during a glorified exhibition match) came in the 22nd minute. Whilst one-on-one with Gonzalez from about 10 yards—after a bursting run into the penalty area—Gerrard smacked his shot into the Mexican keeper and looked disgusted in himself for failing to register.
Given time, opportunities such as that will find the back of American nets, but for now, match fitness should be Gerrard's No. 1 priority. Not playing a competitive game since his final Liverpool appearance on 24 May vs. Stoke City, the 35-year-old's body will need an acclimation period, and playing against arguably North America's best footballing side in Club America (who are in pre-season) was a stern and much-needed test.
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 11: Steven Gerrard #8 of the Los Angeles Galaxy tumbles over Rubens Sambueza #14 of Club America in the International Champions Cup 2015 at StubHub Center on July 11, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty I
So then, what can we take away from this 2015 International Champions Cup opener? Three things.
First: Club America are a dangerous counter-attacking outfit, who—even when not at full strength—have the technical skill and pace to cause many teams problems.
Second: Robbie Keane is probably a wizard of some sort. His first touch to score was magic. It would have beaten the planet's best defenders were they on hand.
Third: Steven Gerrard—anytime he steps on a football pitch—is a quality operator. The Liverpool legend will succeed in Los Angeles once he begins to play regularly, learn his team-mates' tendencies and find his legs.
Gyasi Zardes: American Soccer's First Super-Athlete
Jul 10, 2015
Twenty years ago, it would have been virtually impossible to imagine an American soccer player like Gyasi Zardes sprinting down the left side of a Dutch soccer field, outpacing defenders and making a difficult goal look like a simple tap-in to start the scoring for the United States men’s national team in what would become a furious 4-3 comeback win against the Netherlands.
Zardes, simply put, is an athlete. With a perfect blend of speed, agility and determination, he is a menace when racing up and down the sideline. His first touch is a revelation, blending spin moves and quick turns typically seen in the NBA Finals onto the grass soccer fields rapidly emerging across the country.
It’s not that Zardes would have lacked the ability or work ethic. When he was growing up in Hawthorne, California, that was never in question.
"I always wanna work hard, and that’s always been my motto," Zardes told Bleacher Report. "I’m from Hawthorne, and people from Hawthorne work hard."
That’s not just his opinion. You might have heard of another hardworking young baller from Hawthorne by the name of Russell Westbrook. Back in 2011, Westbrook's dad shared this story of Russ' childhood drive with Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman: "He said, 'Dad, I know it's Thanksgiving. But I want to shoot. Let's go shoot.' I looked at my wife. I looked at Ray. I said, 'Let's go shoot.' And we put it in like it was a normal day."
You can probably imagine a young Westbrook putting his head down, manically charging up court for one of his coast-to-coast dunks. Add a blonde mohawk for a bit of flair, and you’re not too far away from the presence Zardes brings to the field.
That kind of intensity, combined with gifted athleticism, usually leads to success one way or another; it’s simply inconceivable that Zardes would have turned down football offers from Penn State, Oregon State and Boise State so he could work at Jamba Juice in order to afford playing soccer at Cal State Bakersfield.
But as Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia can attest, times have certainly changed. The USMNT is no longer a punchline. Instead, with a growing, athletic talent pool, young American soccer players are punching back.
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 27: Gyasi Zardes #11 of the Los Angeles Galaxy and Steve Birnbaum #15 of D.C. United chase after a ball during the second half against D.C United at StubHub Center on August 27, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry H
Stop me if you’ve heard something like this before: "If the U.S. had guys like Allen Iverson playing soccer, we’d be the best in the world."
Janusz Michallik, a Polish-American soccer player who was a part of the early-'90s national teams that reinvigorated America’s passion for the beautiful game and is covering the Gold Cup for Fox Sports, certainly does.
"In my days, sort of the mantra was that [the USMNT] didn’t get the best athletes," Michallik told Bleacher Report.
Michallik doesn’t necessarily think it’s all that different today—after all, the Kyrie Irvings and Todd Gurleys of America still typically choose to play basketball and football—but the potential for that to change has never been more tangible.
When Michallik came over to the U.S., several soccer leagues had already folded, including the United Soccer Association, the North American Soccer League (which has since mounted a comeback), the United Soccer League, the Western Soccer Alliance and several others. By the time Michallik was ready to play professionally, the only option was an indoor league. The thought of a soccer-specific stadium was a fantasy.
"You could understand why someone would choose to play other sports because there was no league, no way to make a living," Michallik said.
Fast-forward to 2015, and the landscape is entirely different.
"The progress is incredible," Michallik said. "If you told me in 20 years that MLS was gonna have the kind of players like [Andrea] Pirlo and [Frank] Lampard, along with so many soccer-specific stadiums and some players were earning $5 million or $6 million per year, I don’t think I would have believed that."
Though the success of MLS can be attributed to a number of different factors, none allowed the league to develop talent more than the homegrown player rule. Established in 2008, the rule allowed teams to sign players directly from their youth clubs instead of forcing them to go through the MLS draft, where any team could sign them.
Finally, teams had a financial incentive to invest in their youth teams to develop talent instead of waiting for it to come along.
Enter Gyasi Zardes.
After leading the Los Angeles Galaxy's U-20 side to a championship in 2010 while redshirting for his college squad, Zardes erupted with 23 goals in his last 39 games for Cal State. His dominance took them to their first-ever NCAA Division I tournament appearance. Shortly after, in December 2012, the Galaxy signed Zardes as a homegrown player, and he scored his first goal in his third game.
Zardes hasn’t looked back since.
He surveyed the scene in his first season before blowing up in Year 2, scoring 16 league goals. That total was sixth-best overall and set a new scoring record for homegrown players. In what was the biggest game of his career, Zardes became the first homegrown player to score a goal in the MLS Cup when he kept his balance amid a deflection and flying defenders to find the net, helping secure the Galaxy’s third title in four seasons.
Entering 2015 with a target on his back, Zardes didn’t shy away. He debuted for the national team against Chile when he came on for Clint Dempsey in the 68th minute of a 3-2 loss. Zardes was ready a few days later against Panama, earning his first start while wreaking havoc upon defenders throughout the game.
One brilliant run completely opened up Panama’s defense, allowing Zardes to slide a beautiful pass to Dempsey, who promptly gave the U.S. an insurmountable two-goal lead.
His impact was felt once again in two June friendlies against the Netherlands and Germany. Zardes’ speed on the wing was a nightmare for the Dutch defenders, leaving players in his dust like a 2009 Chris Johnson. His composed goal opened the scoring for the USMNT and afforded the team a glimmer of hope when it went down 3-1 early in the second half.
What proceeded was an onslaught rarely, if ever, seen from a U.S. soccer team, which channeled free-flowing aggression into a magnificent 4-3 comeback victory.
While the goal contributed toward the only stat line that really matters in soccer, his pace created space for midfielders like Michael Bradley and Mix Diskerud to find angles and pass the ball upfield. Opponents have to respect his speed, and you could see Dutch defenders tracking back to make sure they didn’t get burned on counterattacks. It’s a subtle difference that creates a world of opportunity.
It was clear five days later that the boys weren’t satisfied with one magnificent win, as Zardes and company knocked off defending world champions Germany, 2-1, on their own turf.
With confidence from his national team performances, Zardes flexed all over the Philadelphia Union in one of his last MLS games before the Gold Cup began July 7. Toying with defenders, Zardes flashed up and down the wing, hit the post once, set up two goals and finished with a classic goal of his own by out-sprinting the entire Union defense despite a 20-yard head start.
The Galaxy went home with a 5-1 victory, and Zardes was named the MLS Player of the Week after he spent half the game with a defender trailing so far behind that you had to wonder if the entire defensive line had lame hamstrings.
Perhaps the most incredible aspect of Zardes’ ascension is that he’s not even playing his natural position. Preferring to play a central role, Zardes is often forced to play on the wing because of his sheer speed and athletic ability. Michallik says this will only improve his game.
"He’s an athlete, he’s physical, and I think he’s grown technically, but he’s still improving there," Michallik said. "But he’s got all the attributes a soccer player needs, and he will become even better tactically by learning to play on both sides of the ball."
Though his performances and blonde mohawk command the spotlight, Zardes isn’t the only young American putting the world on notice. Lined up next to DeAndre Yedlin, Bobby Wood and Jordan Morris—not to mention stalwarts like Jozy Altidore and Bradley and European imports like Julian Green, Diskerud and Fabian Johnson—the young crop of athletic Americans signifies a new era for the USMNT.
"It’s definitely a sign of youth soccer and how it’s been beneficial for the American game and the MLS, so we kinda wanna be poster boys for the future of the game moving forward," said 18-year-old Galaxy teammate and fellow homegrown player Bradford Jamieson, who scored his first professional goal in his second start against the New York Red Bulls this season.
"There’s a lot of momentum, and I think there’s a lot of guys besides Gyasi and I that are young talents."
Even scarier for the rest of the world? Zardes is just getting started, according to his Galaxy and USMNT teammate, Omar Gonzalez.
"It’s hard going up against him at practice because sometimes I’m tired, and he never lets up," Gonzalez, a central defender, told Bleacher Report. "He always wants to go more, always wants to get more reps shooting with the coaches, always wants to improve his game, and it’s great to see in a young guy. …If he keeps working like that, he’s going to be great for years to come."
That work will continue at this year’s Gold Cup, which is perhaps primed to be the most competitive that it’s ever been, according to Michallik. It's typically seen as a tournament between Mexico and the USMNT; Costa Rica, Honduras and Jamaica will all throw up their hands in objection, given recent results—particularly following Costa Rica’s spectacular run to the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup.
If it’s any indication, both the USMNT and Mexico are taking jacked squads into the tourney. Despite the dazzling performances of the young guns in recent friendlies, USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann opted for a veteran-heavy lineup for the Gold Cup, though he inevitably found room for Zardes.
At this point, despite his youth, Zardes appears to be a mainstay on the USMNT. Like with Reggie Bush’s freshman year at USC, it would be irresponsible to leave such a talent off the field, despite the growing pains. A player like Zardes gets better every time he plays the game, always increasing his technique, timing and first touch. He provides a consistent game-changing threat.
He is the kind of player American soccer fans have been waiting for.
LA Galaxy vs. Club America: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream & TV Info
Jul 10, 2015
CARSON, CA - JULY 7: New Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard #8 poses with his jersey after a news conference on July 7, 2015 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. The former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is scheduled to play his first MLS match on Friday, July 17 at StubHub Center against San Jose Earthquakes. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
If any competition signals the beginning of a new season, the International Champions Cup (ICC) has surely taken that particular mantle.
Hailing from the World Football Challenge (2009-2012), the past two pre-seasons have witnessed true European giants take their campaign's first steps on North American soil. Real Madrid were the inaugural winners of the ICC in 2013, followed by Manchester United last summer.
This year, the tournament has expanded further; more heavyweights are planning to indulge spectators in four continents and seven countries over the next 25 days.
It begins with the MLS' Los Angeles Galaxy hosting Liga MX's Club America on July 11.
Date: Saturday, July 11 (USA) / Sunday, July 12 (UK)
Time: 11:30 p.m. EST/4:30 a.m. BST
Venue: StubHub Center, Carson, California
TV Info: Fox Sports 1 / ESPN Deportes / Sky Sports 1
CARSON, CA - JULY 7: New Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard #8 poses with his jersey after a news conference on July 7, 2015 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. The former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is scheduled to play his first MLS
Steven Gerrard is scheduled to make his debut for LA Galaxy in the International Champions Cup, according to the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle, and more than a few around the planet will be tuning in just to see the Liverpool legend.
He is set to appear in a sizable cameo, reported to be around one half. The 35-year-old Englishman has only been seen in a Liverpool shirt at club level; getting used to Gerrard in a colour other than Anfield's red should take longer than 45 minutes—if the feat is even possible.
Figuring out new team-mates, finding fitness and acclimating to southern Californian weather, Gerrard's first LA Galaxy outing should be one to remember.
Key Battle
CARSON, CA - JULY 7: New Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard #8 and Robbie Keane #7 during a training session on July 7, 2015 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. The former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is scheduled to play his first MLS
In Gerrard's first match for the Galaxy, the rekindled partnership with former Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic forward Robbie Keane pitted against Club America's back four is the primary matchup to watch.
The Mexican outfit have not played a competitive match since May 17, whereas Los Angeles are in the midst of the 2015 MLS season. To make matters worse, some of America's key footballers—primarily centre-forward Oribe Peralta and right-back Paul Aguilar—are with Mexico at the 2015 Gold Cup.
As CF America are without a key individual up top, but more importantly in their defence, the British Isle connection between Gerrard and Keane (which had less than one season at Anfield) could receive a timely jump-start.
How LA Galaxy Can Transition from Landon Donovan to Steven Gerrard in MLS
Mar 11, 2015
Mar 6, 2015; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Jose Villarreal (5) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the second half against the Chicago Fire at StubHub Center. The Galaxy won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
It's hard to imagine a club like the LA Galaxy as a team in transition, but that is the exact label being placed on the five-time MLS Cup champion at the start of the 2015 Major League Soccer season.
The Galaxy are currently in a holding pattern in advance of Steven Gerrard's arrival from Liverpool this summer. Gerrard is set to replace Landon Donovan, who retired after the 2014 season, as the club's third designated player.
While Gerrard does not play the same position as Donovan did, he will fill the playmaking void left open by the United States legend's departure.
Jun 19, 2014; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; England midfielder Steven Gerrard (4) against Uruguay during the 2014 World Cup at Arena Corinthians. Uruguay defeated England 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In the club's 2-0 win over the Chicago Fire on Friday night, we saw a glimpse of the tactical setup manager Bruce Arena will use before Gerrard enters the fray.
The decision that caught the most attention was the one to start Kenney Walker next to Juninho in the middle of the park. The pair were flanked by the duo of Stefan Ishizaki and Jose Villarreal.
The spot next to Juninho on the pitch will be under a massive microscope before Gerrard's arrival because the Galaxy were forced to trade Marcelo Sarvas to Colorado to make room for their new No. 8.
Walker did a decent job next to Juninho, but his replacement showed just how dangerous the Galaxy can be if Arena makes the right lineup decisions.
When Baggio Husidic entered the match in the 63rd minute for Walker, he changed the complexion of the Galaxy midfield in a positive fashion. Within two minutes of him being on the pitch, the Galaxy struck the back of the net for the first time this season.
Husidic's influence was also felt on the second goal of the night, as he headed a ball down to Robbie Keane in the penalty area. The 2014 MLS Most Valuable Player then proceeded to send a rocket of a shot past Chicago goalkeeper Sean Johnson to secure three points at the StubHub Center.
If you look past the two goals scored by the Galaxy, you are able to get a true understanding of how the club will attack opposing defenses before the summer.
Villarreal, a dangerous prospect on the left wing when healthy, provided a decent amount of pace in front of left-back Robbie Rogers. But he was not at his best in the first half, which led Rogers to make overlapping runs on countless occasions.
Rogers was able to move forward into the final third with ease because of the lack of punch delivered by the Chicago attack. Against higher quality opponents, Rogers will be forced to stay back and defend more. When that becomes the case, the left winger in the 4-4-2 formation will face more pressure.
Villarreal should keep his starting position for now, but it wouldn't come as a shock to see Husidic make the starting 11 in the near future. One of the best qualities about Husidic's game is that he is flexible enough to play in the center of the park, or on the wing.
Mar 6, 2015; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Jose Villarreal (5) and Chicago Fire defender Jeff Larentowicz (20) battle for the ball at StubHub Center. The Galaxy defeated the Fire 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
If Villarreal continues to thrive on the left wing, Husidic could be slotted next to Juninho to provide more of an attacking bite to the central midfield combination. In that scenario, Juninho would most likely drop back to a defensive role in a formation that could turn be shaped something like a 4-4-2 diamond.
One of the things that eased the concerns of some regarding the Galaxy attack on Friday night was the play of Ishizaki. The 32-year-old Swede tore apart Chicago's Joevin Jones, who had one of the worst performances of any MLS player in Week 1.
Thanks to Ishizaki's showing on the right flank, Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes received decent service at the forward position. There were times during the match where Keane dropped back into midfield in search of possession, but that mainly had to do with the play of Walker.
Mar 6, 2015; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) celebrates with teammates Stefan Ishizaki (24), Baggio Husidic (6) and Alan Gordon (9) after scoring a goal in the second half against the Chicago Fire at StubHub Center. The Galaxy
One other option the Galaxy have is to start A.J. DeLaGarza on the right wing and push Ishizaki to the left. DeLaGarza, who started the 2015 season on the bench, played a vital role in an advanced position against Real Salt Lake in the second leg of the Western Conference semifinals.
If Arena needs to switch up his game plan, he could call on the league veteran to start. DeLaGarza would also bring a defensive-minded approach to the pitch, which could help against some of the league's top attacks.
Keane should be able to easily hit the back of the net on at least 10 occasions in 2015, and if Zardes continues his progression, he should be able to work well off the Republic of Ireland international.
If the midfielders can hold down the fort behind them, Zardes and Keane will only have to worry about searching for chances in the final third. If they remain in the vicinity of the opposing center-backs for the duration of the match, Zardes and Keane should be able to make crafty runs off each other to create scoring opportunities.
May 21, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) celebrates with forward Gyasi Zardes (28) after scoring a goal in the first half against FC Dallas at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
When certain matches do not go their way, the Galaxy will also be able to bring a physical presence off the bench in the form of Alan Gordon. A fresh body and strong hold-up play could hand LA an extra edge during the waning moments of certain matches.
When Gerrard arrives for his Galaxy debut, the service will obviously improve since the current Liverpool player has proven time and time again that he is a genius when it comes to setting up his teammates.
The teams facing LA over the final few months of the season will also have to worry about defending Gerrard while finding a way to deal with Keane and Zardes. If the forward pair can get their chemistry down before the Englishman moves to California, the trio could wreak a ton of havoc in the stretch run of the season.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool in action during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Liverpool and FC Basel on December 9, 2014 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
If everything goes as planned, the Galaxy might form a cerebral connection similar to the one formed by the players in the Seattle Sounders attack. If Gerrard does make that big of an impact on the Galaxy, we could be set for a legendary Western Conference Final between two of the top clubs in the league.
While we may be a few months away from starting the Galaxy-Sounders comparison, there is plenty of potential for LA to match the terrific attack built by Seattle when Gerrard pulls on a Galaxy shirt for the first time.
Until then, the Galaxy will continue to use a few different looks in midfield to adjust to the tactical setup of their opponents.
Based off what we saw in Week 1, Arena should be able to use his assets in the right manner in order to remain near the top of the West.
Steven Gerrard to Los Angeles Galaxy: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction
Jan 7, 2015
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard celebrates after scoring against Leicester during the English Premier League soccer match between Leicester City and Liverpool at King Power Stadium, in Leicester, England, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Steven Gerrard will join the Los Angeles Galaxy in July, the team announced on Wednesday. The 34-year-old Liverpool captain will be brought on as a Designated Player during Major League Soccer's summer transfer window.
Terms of the deal were not made public, as is league and club policy.
Per the Galaxy's announcement, Gerrard said:
I’m very excited to begin the next chapter of my career in the United States with LA Galaxy. The Galaxy are the most successful club in Major League Soccer history and I am looking forward to competing for more championships in the years to come. My discussions with Bruce Arena and Chris Klein were extremely positive and the future of the team is very bright. I am committed to helping the LA Galaxy compete for trophies and to having an impact in Los Angeles and I will give my all for the club. In the meantime, I will continue to give everything for Liverpool for the remainder of this season before joining up with the Galaxy.
Bruce Arena, manager of the MLS side, first announced the deal in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, where he confirmed Gerrard's arrival will coincide with the expiration of his Liverpool contract:
We have a club now with a proven history of success. All those things go hand in hand in making LA Galaxy a very attractive team for players such as Steven Gerrard. ... Steven Gerrard arrives in July and by then we will certainly have a plan available. He's a player of quality. I'm not concerned about how he's going to fit in with our team.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant welcomed Gerrard to town in a video on the Galaxy website:
Gerrard recently suggested he would have remained at Liverpool if the club offered him a new deal during the summer of 2014, as reported by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo (h/t BBC Sport). He is quoted as saying a switch to the Galaxy is a "match made in heaven," per the L.A. Times report.
Football commentator Ian Darke believes Gerrard will be a huge success at the StubHub Center:
Think Galaxy will love Gerrard. His committment will be total. Only knows one way.
Gerrard spent 17 years with Liverpool, where he has won eight trophies, including the 2005 UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, three League Cups and the 2001 UEFA Cup. He retired from international play with England after the 2014 World Cup. He had represented his country 114 times, the third-highest total in England history, per the Guardian.
No longer a one-club man, it will be interesting to see how Gerrard develops after life at Anfield. The slower pace of the MLS will suit his ageing legs and should allow his tremendous passing range to shine through.
He remains a regular goalscorer, netting four in his last two appearances for the Reds, and he looks set to follow in the footsteps of former England team-mate David Beckham as the Galaxy go in search of further success.
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is set to join the L.A. Galaxy after signing an 18-month contract, per Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC. The deal will reportedly be worth a pro-rated $6 million per year...
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 07: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Landon Donovan #10 of the Los Angeles Galaxy reacts after the Galaxy defeated the New England Revolution 2-1 in the 2014 MLS Cup at StubHub Center on December 7, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
Playing as if he was the second coming of Bert Patenaude, Donovan had tangible upside to American superstar basketball player Kobe Bryant, according to then-United States U17 manager John Ellinger.
Kobe ambitiously bypassed college to play in the National Basketball Association, drafted in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets and traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Three years later, Donovan's elite speed and elusive dribbling enabled him to generate separation at will from opposing markers, which entranced then-Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Michael Reschke.
Leverkusen—the second-best team in the German Bundesliga—prised Donovan away from the United States on a contract valued at around $400,000.
"We seldom offer a young foreign player such a contract [like the one Donovan received]," Reschke said, per Marc Spiegler at Sports Illustrated. "But in 21 years working with young players, I have rarely seen such strong potential."
A cogent feeling of vindication must have flowed through Reschke while he watched Donovan run rings around his peers at the 1999 FIFA U17 World Cup.
"Landon Donovan (Leverkusen) was one of many talented players already playing as professionals with top overseas clubs," per FIFA.com. "He is a very good athlete, quick, strong and mobile."
Despite a six-figure contract, Donovan felt the strain of the cold and desolate rat-race in attempting to break into the Leverkusen starting XI via the reserves.
"When I got to Leverkusen, calling for the ball, guys would look at me and purposely not pass the ball [to me]... I had been the star player on my high school team. I had been the guy that everyone counted on [back home]," Donovan said, per Grantland.com.
"There is this allure of quote, 'playing in Europe' that is so exciting for people, but if you are not in a situation that is good for you, it can be absolutely miserable."
The grinding, obscure and unglamorous environment of low-level reserve football embedded resentment in Donovan's mind, which is what compatriot Taylor Twellman related to.
Twellman, the Bronze Shoe recipient at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championships, who made "his mark as a dangerous striker," per FIFA.com, hit a brick wall.
"I did the exact same thing at 1860 Munich," Twellman said, per MLSsoccer.com. "It's not easy."
Donovan wanted to feel like he was a valued member of Leverkusen and demanded playing time with the first team, but management viewed him as a disappointment.
"I went back to Germany and said, 'Look, I was the best player at the [U17 World Cup] tournament; I should definitely get a chance'," Donovan said, per Joe Posnanski at Sports Illustrated. "[Leverkusen] said—not unreasonably, I should add—'Well, you haven't done anything here'."
Landon Donovan standing in front of Bayer pharmaceutical plant, He had a brief stint with Bayer Leverkusen. pic.twitter.com/TsJfn1ILSo
— The Antique Football (@AntiqueFootball) May 26, 2014
Mounting a defence for Donovan's struggles abroad, Ellinger referenced Kobe.
"Kobe didn't leave family and friends," Ellinger said, per Jeff Piasky at Boys' Life. "Landon left for a place [Germany] where he didn't speak the language ... it was, 'See ya later. You're on your own'."
Ellinger was presumably speaking off the cuff, thinking about the Kobe from Lower Merion, a McDonald's All-American, who transitioned into the future of the NBA.
Unbeknownst to Ellinger, Kobe had an abnormal childhood, living in Europe (father, Joe, played pro basketball in Italy) and then being forced to re-adjust culturally and linguistically once his family settled in Philadelphia.
"I barely spoke English ... [and] combine that with blacks having their own way of talking, I really had to learn two languages," Kobe said, per Allison Samuels at Newsweek. "Kids are cruel. It's always been hard."
The alienation Donovan experienced at Leverkusen was a feeling Kobe felt at the Lakers, according to then-teammate Shaquille O'Neal.
"Every time Kobe started with his one-on-one nonsense, we were tired of hearing 'He's just a kid, let it go'," Shaq said, per his autobiography. "One guy after another stood up and said they were tired of the golden child."
Kobe's coping mechanisms of having lived in Europe and then surviving the emotional ordeal of being a foreigner in his own country braced him for the politicking he faced trying to make it at the Lakers.
Fight or flight: Kobe fought while Donovan fled.
Even after four seasons on loan at San Jose Earthquakes where he rebuilt his confidence, once Donovan returned to Leverkusen, he flopped, most notably in a 3-1 UEFA Champions League defeat to Liverpool.
"Donovan gets teed up in the Liverpool box, only to take an unmerciful swipe at the ball and hit a comical fresh-air shot," per Barry Glendenning at the Guardian. "His confidence is so shot to pieces."
One being world class and six being "son, you are out of your depth," Donovan was tied with Franca as Leverkusen's worst-rated player of the match (5.5), per Kicker.
Showing maturity, Donovan accepted culpability on the biggest stage in club football.
"I am very disappointed. Nothing seemed to go right for me today," Donovan said, per Mark Bennett at UEFA.com.
"I didn't play the passes I can play, I missed a good chance to give us the lead and I can only hope that the coach [Klaus Augenthaler] won't judge me on today's performance."
Augenthaler, who won the Bundesliga seven times as a player for Bayern Munich, opted not to lambast Donovan in front of the media.
"We still believe in Landon," Augenthaler said, per Mark Bennett at UEFA.com. "When the time comes he will be given another chance."
"Don't bring me off five minutes in [...] At that point, I just said, 'I don't want to deal with this'."
Donovan had a salient point because the fastest hat-trick in the Champions League at the time was nine minutes from then-Blackburn Rovers centre-forward Mike Newell during a 4-1 win over Rosenborg in 1995.
"If you make him [Donovan] unhappy, he will not play well," Reschke said, per Jill Lieber at USA Today. "We opened the door and said, 'OK, the time has come for you to go home'."
Four seasons, 52 goals and 40 assists later for the Los Angeles Galaxy, Donovan attempted another comeback in Germany, this time for Bayern Munich.
Initially seen as a handy short-term loan option, Donovan's unconvincing stint contributed to then-Bayern Munich manager Jurgen Klinsmann losing face, per Raphael Honigstein at Sports Illustrated:
"[Vice-president Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge and [president Uli] Hoeness couldn't understand why Klinsmann had desperately wanted to sign Donovan back in the summer in the first place," a club insider said.
[...]
He was advertised as 'world class' by the manager but obviously couldn't quite cut it at this level. Both the club and the players lost faith in Klinsmann's judgement."
[...]
After the club dismissed the 45-year-old Klinsmann in April 2009, Donovan, without much fault of his own, quickly became a byword for the Swabian's perceived incompetence.
Given Donovan's flashes of brilliance on loan at Everton (he is a professed Evertonian), what if he lowered his standards and played for smaller European teams than Leverkusen and Bayern Munich?
The career of Tim Howard comes to mind.
Howard recalled being victimised by then-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for not including an extra man in a wall, per the goalkeeper's memoir (h/t ESPN FC):
You've got to think—he [Ferguson] jabbed both index fingers at his forehead—when you play this game.
If you cannot handle the [expletive] stage—his Scottish accent was coming through loud and clear—I'll send you right back to the MLS.
The disdain in his voice when he said MLS was palpable.
Howard's grave error in the Champions League against Porto was a pivotal turning point in Jose Mourinho's life.
Rather than return to MLS, Howard soldiered on and has gone on to play 368 games for Everton.
Donovan's inability to assert himself in Germany or seek an alternative European career path was a big win for MLS.
"People know the game because of what Landon has done," National Soccer Hall of Fame member and ESPN analyst Julie Foudy said, per FOX Sports. "He has helped transform the sport in this country to what it is today."
If Donovan has compartmentalised his incomplete Bundesliga career, it is to be expected because his achievements in MLS are comparable to Kobe's impact on the NBA.
But in reality, Donovan is more alike to Juan Carlos Navarro—a Spanish shooting guard who prematurely quit the NBA to dominate at a lower level—than Kobe, who willed himself to success at the highest level.
"If I lived my life based on what others wanted, I'd probably have a pretty miserable life," Donovan said, per Andrew Wiebe at MLSsoccer.com. "I'm happy with the decisions I've made."
Donovan Can Go Out on High with MLS Cup Following Turbulent Final Season
Dec 4, 2014
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Landon Donovan #10 of the Los Angeles Galaxy celebrates after scoring his second goal of the match, in the second half against Real Salt Lake in Leg 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals at StubHub Center on November 9, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The Galaxy won 5-0 to advance to the conference finals. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Stumped on 134 career goals, which had him level with all-time leading goalscorer Jeff Cunningham, he failed to find the net in each of his first seven matches for Los Angeles Galaxy.
Landon Donovan is surprised and disappointed by U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann's decision to drop him from the World Cup roster.
It was a dry spell that no doubt contributed to his omission from his country's World Cup squad and, given Jurgen Klinsmann's displeasure with his 2012 sabbatical, likely served to reinforce a decision the United States manager had long wanted to make.
Donovan was understandably devastated.
"I was looking forward to playing in Brazil," he remarked in a Facebook post. "I am very disappointed with today's decision."
"Based on the way I worked & trained in camp...I thought I was in contention to be starting." Disappointed Landon Donovan #USAsoccer
The following Sunday—with a point to prove—the 32-year-old delivered one of the more memorable performances of an unforgettable career.
In the second minute against Philadelphia Union, his free-kick from distance was headed into goal by teammate Leonardo. Then, shortly after the restart, he stabbed Robbie Keane's cutback past goalkeeper Zac MacMath to finally surpass Cunningham.
With his hands in the air as he let out an almighty yell, he ran a few yards in celebration before collapsing to the pitch in relief.
It was, indeed, more relief than joy—and in the 81st minute, he bagged a second goal for good measure.
With Donovan producing, Robbie Keane putting in an MVP-calibre campaign and the defense posting the stingiest record in MLS, Galaxy lost just three matches between the end of May and the start of the play-offs.
And now, with just a single victory separating the California side from another MLS Cup, the most iconic American footballer in history is poised to go out on a high.
Not surprisingly, he has been absolutely vital to the Galaxy's run to Sunday's Final, which will be played at his home ground against the New England Revolution.
Following a nervy, scoreless draw with Real Salt Lake in the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinals, Donovan scored a hat-trick and assisted on a Robbie Keane goal as Los Angeles romped to a 5-0 victory at StubHub Center in the return match.
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 23: Landon Donovan of the United States celebrates with teammate Edson Buddle after scoring the winning goal that sends the USA through to the second round during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between US
A player with a renowned flair for the dramatic, the forward—who scored against Mexico in the last 16 of the 2002 World Cup and put the United States into the knockout stages of the 2010 tournament with a last-gasp goal against Algeria—then buckled down with a prudent, gutsy showing over two legs against Seattle Sounders.
He created nine goalscoring chances in the Western Conference Final, according to Squawka. And in the decisive match at CenturyLink Field, his pair of interceptions and dispossessions of Osvaldo Alonso and Marco Pappa helped the four-time Major League Soccer champions overcome an opponent that pushed them to the limit.
"Nobody's had to do it harder than we have," he commented after the match, per Goal.com's Keith Hickey. "To beat the best team during the regular season in a series like this, it's very difficult."
He added: "We're a team full of champions, and that's what separates us. We're very proud of that fact."
From the Meaningless Stat Dept: Landon Donovan made MLS Best XI just once in first 7 seasons, but was chosen 6 times in last 7.
And Donovan, who will be playing his final professional match on Sunday, is a champion among champions.
Not only has he already won five domestic titles and four CONCACAF championships, but he has also, in a person, defined an entire generation of football in the United States.
Landon Donovan poised for storybook last game in final. Jermaine Jones making his case as the best MLS mid-season addition ever. Can't wait.
He deserves the send-off he'll get at the 2014 MLS Cup, whether or not he lifts the trophy at the end of it.
Considering how the season began for him, the fact that he's in this position at all speaks to his natural ability, determination and will to overcome—qualities that will go some way in defining his legacy.
Landon Donovan's Career Runs Parallel with Increasing Success of MLS
Aug 8, 2014
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 25: Landon Donovan #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy reacts to his supporters after a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Union at StubHub Center on May 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
It was 2005, and just seven games into his second stint of European football, Landon Donovan wanted to come back home. Naturally, Major League Soccer clubs tripped over themselves jockeying for position to land the prized U.S. star—ultimately with the Los Angeles Galaxy obtaining his rights.
Few could have fathomed back then what impact Donovan's return to the MLS has had nearly a decade later.
Donovan announced his retirement at the end of the 2014 season on his Facebook page Thursday. The MLS has turned from a struggling project to a must-watch product for any American soccer fan in his time playing, and that's no coincidence.
When the greatest American player to step on a pitch made his MLS debut, it was a high-flying three-year loan spell with the San Jose Earthquakes. Donovan racked up domestic player of the year awards each season. As he returned from his loan back to Bayer Leverkusen, he figured to be an impact player as a 23-year-old budding star.
And for MLS fans, he was as good as gone. Owned by a German club, courted by English clubs and coming off being named the best young player at the 2002 World Cup, Donovan's skill simply surpassed the domestic league.
But that didn't matter to him. He just wanted to play in the States, and his quick return to America resulted in a period of MLS prosperity that laid the foundation for today.
His return was somewhat stalemated thereafter by the departure of two other U.S. soccer standouts—goalkeeper Tim Howard to Manchester United and Clint Dempsey to Fulham. But as Donovan stayed put while winning MLS Cups with the Galaxy, the league continued to grow.
In 2007, the designated player rule was passed—allowing clubs to sign players for as much as they wanted without it impacting the league's tiny salary cap.
That's when things took off, allowing for lucrative deals for David Beckham, Thierry Henry and eventually Robbie Keane and Tim Cahill.
Of course, we've seen this summer how much the designated player rule can change things as New York City FC have signed Frank Lampard and David Villa without playing a match. Orlando City did the same, acquiring former world standout Kaka for their 2015 debut season.
Players like Beckham and Henry certainly set the stage for this MLS retirement plan. But if Donovan doesn't return in 2005 and reignite the league's aspirations, does the designated player rule even take effect?
Perhaps the most important domino effects of Donovan's thriving in the MLS lies in noticeable decisions from his former U.S. men's national team teammates. Dempsey, the new U.S. captain, shockingly returned to the MLS from Fulham, and Michael Bradley followed suit in a $10 million deal to leave Roma.
Both of these deals happened shortly before the 2014 World Cup, and it's safe to say America's impressive—and unsurprisingly dramatic—performance didn't do anything to oust the flames of excitement around the sport in the U.S.
Few American players are talented enough to play top-flight European football overseas, but the ones who are have desired to play in the MLS despite it. When Donovan did it, it was unconventional and uncanny. Now, it's a trend that is saving the MLS and allowing it to thrive.
ESPN's Arash Markazi noted the end of an era, but we're not entering one without a promising future:
Players like Henry, Keane, Cahill and Beckham have shown European players that finishing their careers in America isn't a bad move. And there's no doubting how huge that is for the league's popularity.
But someone needed to show America's home-born stars that it can pay dividends to stay and play at home, rather than in leagues that some of them are more than capable of competing in. Donovan did that and then some.
After his goal in a 2-1 win over Bayern Munich in the MLS All-Star Game, Donovan's career totals now lead the league in every facet, per ESPN's Paul Carr:
The USMNT is the lifeblood of American soccer passion, and having those players whom many in the nation grew attached to playing domestically is by far the best thing for the MLS.
As Donovan closes the book on his footballing career, it's apparent that no player or person made a bigger impact on that trend than him.
Donovan will be missed sorely, not just in the MLS but across the entire scope of American soccer. However, all you will need to remember about him and his impact is the sight of today's U.S. stars carrying the MLS into a bright future.
Omar Gonzalez's involvement in the summer transfer window will be the Los Angeles Galaxy 's story to watch in 2014, but what additional storylines will complete the team's season ...
