CARSON, Calif. – A familiar sight returned to StubHub Center on Sunday afternoon, one that LA Galaxy fans hadn’t seen in almost two years.
But the return of Landon Donovan was merely the icing on the cake in a big 4-2 victory for LA over Orlando City, as Giovani dos Santos recorded two goals and two assists.
Donovan, who announced his “un-retirement” on Thursday, was substituted into the match with the Galaxy well ahead at the 83rd minute, his first competitive action since the 2014 MLS Cup. Head coach Bruce Arena said afterwards that those specific conditions had to be met before inserting the Galaxy and US national team legend into the match.
“The certain conditions would be about 4-1 with about 10 minutes left,” Arena told reporters. “Probably no other circumstances would have allowed me to play him today. But I wanted him to get out there, reward the crowd for showing up, and also, it helps Landon see how far he has to go.”
Even with a new number, Donovan relished the opportunity to revisit his old stomping grounds wearing the Galaxy strip.
“It was really enjoyable,” said Donovan. “It’s fun to be back in the stadium, with the atmosphere and the crowd, and being with all the guys again. Great to win, obviously, and that made the day.”
LA already held a commanding 4-1 lead when he came on, thanks to their new No. 10, dos Santos. The Mexican Designated Player is in an impressive run of form at the moment, as he was involved in all four of LA’s goals. Sunday was his second straight game with a brace, and third straight with a goal.
“I feel like I am in the best moment of my career,” dos Santos said. “I’ve never felt this way. I feel very good, my finishing is good. The team is doing good. So I feel great right now.”
Donovan knows that this Galaxy squad is very talented, even without him.
“You saw a team without Robbie Keane for most of the game score four goals. There’s a lot of talent on this team, and Steven Gerrard’s not even healthy right now,” Donovan noted.
Even if Donovan doesn’t have to contribute on the field, he's happy to help off the field and in the locker room as a mentor to his teammates, and that effect started today.
“I think I had much more impact today in the locker room helping out a few guys at halftime than I did on the field,” he said. “If that’s the way I contribute, then that’s great.”
