The MLS all-time leading scorer is back, and he’s ready to help his long-time franchise to capture another MLS Cup title.
USMNT hero Landon Donovan returned to soccer after a 21-month retirement, and he only needed a few days to play for Los Angeles Galaxy. Donovan announced his comeback on Friday, trained on Saturday and played 10 minutes on Sunday. He didn’t look sharp, but that was a likely scenario considering he hadn’t played in almost two years.
The real question is not whether he can play or not. It’s what does his comeback mean for the Galaxy. First we have to analyze how it happened. And whether he has enough left in him to make an impact down the stretch.
Donovan began thinking about a comeback two weeks ago. Injuries to Jelle van Damme, Steven Gerrard and Gyasi Zardes created a need for depth. The departure of Nigel de Jong generated enough salary for him to arrive, and he jumped at the chance. Bruce Arena said “it might take a while” for him to get back to his level, but that’s why he was signed during the regular season.
Now Donovan has five games to prove himself. He’s likely to get a spot in the playoff roster, but he has to prove he belongs. At some point the team is going to need him in a tough game, and Donovan will have to deliver. The fans have huge expectations about his return. Some even see him as the missing piece to capture another title, something strange considering the presence of Gerrard, Robbie Keane and Giovani dos Santos in the current squad. The fans, the players and the coaching staff know it’s “title-or-bust” especially after Donovan’s arrival.
The Galaxy currently sits near the top of the Western Conference. Barring a catasprophe they should reach the postseason rather easily. That’s where the fun begins. And even though they have a very talented roster, no one has the MLS playoff experience Donovan has. Even if he doesn’t play, he should give the team a boost based on his presence alone. And there’s no such thing as an excess of leadership.
Donovan might never adjust to the pace of the league, and he said the league “is far more competitive” since he left. He may not see a lot of minutes during the playoffs. But the Galaxy want him to be a part of their upcoming playoff run. He might be just what the team needs to lift another MLS Cup title even if he doesn’t see the field in the rest of the year.