The 32-year-old U.S. legend will be playing in his final match for the USMNT against Ecuador on Oct. 10
Landon Donovan’s 15-year-career with the national team will be coming to an official end on Oct. 10 against Ecuador at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn.
“Playing for the US 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,” Donovan said after the news went to the public. “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 US Soccer for making this happen.”
On Tuesday, U.S. Head Coach Jürgen Klinsmann announced that he will call the current lead goal scorer (57) and assist leader (58) for the Yanks for his final USMNT home match before he retires from professional soccer at the end of the current Major League Soccer season.
The match against Ecuador will be the first game back in the states for the Stars and Stripes, since before the World Cup began. Now it will be the Ontario, CA native 157 cap for the U.S., finishing his career as the second all time leader in appearances for the Red White and Blue; with Cobi Jones holding first place with 164 games played for the national team.
“For 15 years, Landon has thrilled us with his amazing abilities on the field and impressed us with his gracious approach off the field,” said U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati in a statement. “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.”
Donovan and the rest of United States will be hoping to see him repeat the hat-trick performance he had against Ecuador in 2007, in their 3-1 home victory against the South American nation.
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