Carson, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Landon Donovan became Major League Soccer's all-time leading goal scorer in fine fashion on Sunday, scoring twice and adding an assist as the Los Angeles Galaxy pounded the Philadelphia Union, 4-1, at the StubHub Center.
Just days after finding out he would not be heading to Brazil for the World Cup, having been left off the U.S. roster by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, Donovan was back on the field for the Galaxy and showed Klinsmann why he is widely considered the best American player ever to grace the pitch.
Leonardo, Donovan and Robbie Keane all scored for the Galaxy, which improved to 15 points on the season, while Philadelphia suffered its seventh defeat of the season to remain in ninth place in the East on 11 points.
Donovan's record-breaking goal was first of the season and 135th of his superb Galaxy career. He netted his second of the match late on to move two ahead of Jeff Cunningham on the all-time scoring list.
The hosts opened the scoring after just two minutes when Donovan earned an assist with an excellent free kick into the box from distance. Leonardo was left unmarked by the Union defense and he nodded it past Philadelphia goalkeeper Zac MacMath.
The record-setting moment came just four minutes into the second half when Keane shook his mark on the right flank and set sail toward the end line. Keane picked his head up and squared the ball perfectly into the path of Donovan, who tapped it into an empty net with ease.
The Galaxy made it 3-0 with 25 minutes to play when Union defender Sheanon Williams flubbed a pass to MacMath. Keane pounced on the loose ball and slid it between the legs of a helpless MacMath.
Donovan buried his second of the match following another brilliant feed from Keane in the 81st minute and Maurice Edu converted a penalty kick two minutes from time to secure a consolation goal for Philadelphia, but it did nothing to spoil Donovan's special occasion.
Game Notes
Real Salt Lake matched the Major League Soccer season-opening unbeaten streak Saturday by playing out a 0-0 with FC Dallas to remain undefeated after 12 matches.
Landon Donovan broke the Major League Soccer goal record Sunday night, scoring his 135th and 136th regular-season goals in the Los Angeles Galaxy's 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
Landon Donovan broke the Major League Soccer goal record Sunday night, scoring his 135th and 136th regular-season goals in the Los Angeles Galaxy's 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
Posted by Unknown on Sunday, May 25, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
0 comments "Recap: Los Angeles vs. Philadelphia"
Post a Comment