Landon Donovan will feature his last match for the USMNT in October when the USA hosts Ecuador in East Hartford as confirmed by the U.S. Soccer Federation on Tuesday. The news come a few weeks after Landon Donovan announced that he will be retiring from professional soccer once the MLS season comes to an end. Landon’s decision could have been a result of not being called up by Jurgen Klinsmann to play this year’s World Cup in Brazil.
Landon Donovan's final #USMNT appearance will be 10/10 in Hartford. #ThanksLD More info: http://t.co/BX8eTZulSK pic.twitter.com/1WRgBt9cCw
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) August 26, 2014
U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati stated the following:
“For 15 years, Landon has thrilled us with his amazing abilities on the field and impressed us with his gracious approach off the field. We are looking forward to celebrating his legacy during our next home National Team match and allowing fans the opportunity to thank him for all the memories he’s provided over the years.”
Jurgen Klinsmann, USMNT head coach, tweeted that he is glad that the fans will have the chance to see Landon playing his last match for the U.S.
Awesome that all @ussoccer fans will have the chance to show appreciation for Landon Donovan's amazing #USMNT career on 10/10 in Hartford !!
— Jürgen Klinsmann (@J_Klinsmann) August 26, 2014
For some people, Landon’s decision has been a precipitated one especially after considering his recent form in the MLS. Week-by-week Donovan keeps demonstrating that he is still at a great level. On Saturday, he scored the first goal in LA Galaxy’s 2-1 win against Vancouver. Last week, he scored the winner with 10 minutes to go in a thrilling 4-3 comeback against Colorado Rapids.
Landon Donovan expressed his excitement to play this match.
"Playing for the U.S. National Team has been a huge part of my career and I'm ecstatic to have the opportunity to play for my country one last time. I'm so grateful to all the fans that have supported me and this game will give me the chance to say thank you to all of them. I look forward to a great evening and I'm thankful to U.S. Soccer for making this happen."
Considered the best soccer player in U.S. history, the 32-year-old has made 156 appearances for the U.S. national team and has scored 57 goals. Donovan played in three World Cups for the USMNT; Korea & Japan 2002, Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010.
The fans reacted on Twitter following the news of Landon's last match.
Happy @landondonovan gets to represent his country one more time. You deserve a proper farewell.
— Justin Flor (@JustinFlor) August 26, 2014
Classy move by @ussoccer calling in Landon Donovan for a final match in a US uniform. Looks like @J_Klinsmann lost this argument. #ThanksLD
— SoCalDadin Cali (@SoccerDadinCali) August 26, 2014
Going to Hartford in October to see Landon Donovan play his final game for the USMNT and I am beyond excited!
— Shane Doherty (@shane_doherty) August 26, 2014
I'm so happy Landon Donovan will make another international appearance.
— . (@BrocktheGreat1) August 26, 2014