The big news in the American soccer world on Thursday was Landon Donovan’s announcement that he would retire from the game at the end of the MLS season.
Thought by many as the best U.S. player of all-time, Donovan appeared in three World Cups for the United States before being snubbed for a spot on the roster this past summer in Brazil.
He is both the U.S. National Team’s leading scorer with 57 goals in 156 appearances and also became Major League Soccer’s leading scorer earlier this year, currently sitting at 138 goals since first playing in MLS in 2001.
The first two of Donovan’s five MLS Cups came while playing for current Fire head coach Frank Yallop at the San Jose Earthquakes in 2001 and 2003. Yallop also coached Donvan during his time with the LA Galaxy from 2006-07.
Of Donovan’s decision to retire, Yallop said “It’s a little bit shocking that he’s done it. Landon is his own man as we know with everything he does. You can’t really say how much he’s done for American soccer but he was the one that put U.S. Soccer on the map. The way he played, the way he handled himself, everything he did was wonderfully well.
“[He’s] a great player and even greater person. I wish him all the best for the rest of his life and whatever he goes into. Whatever that is he’ll be very good at I’m sure.”
