CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, Aug. 26 2014) – LA Galaxy forward Landon Donovan will make his final appearance for the U.S. Men’s National Team Oct. 10 in a friendly match against Ecuador, played at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn. (4 p.m. PT, ESPN, WatchESPN, UniMas and ESPN Deportes).
"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,” said Donovan. “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."
Tickets are on sale through www.ussoccer.com, by phone at 1-877-522-8499 (8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET only) and at the XL Center ticket office (open Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m.). [Note: Tickets are not sold at Rentschler Field except on the day of the event.]
“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. “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.”
Groups of 20 or more can obtain an order form at ussoccer.com or call 312-528-1290. Ultimate Fan Tickets (special VIP packages that include a premium ticket, a custom-made official U.S. National Team jersey with name and number, VIP access to the field before and after the game, and other unique benefits) are also available exclusively through ussoccer.com.
The Southern California product leads the U.S. Men’s National Team in goals (57) and assists (58) and is the only American player to surpass both 50 goals and assists in his career. His 156 appearances are second-most all time in U.S. history. In June of 2008, he became the fastest American to ever earn 100 caps for the United States and the fourth fastest player in history to play in 100 matches for his country. A veteran of three FIFA World Cups, his five goals in World Cup matches are the most by any American player and he is the only American to win the Golden Ball Award at a FIFA tournament, earning that honor at the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in 1999. Donovan has been named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year a record four times (2003, 2004, 2009, 2010), FIFA’s Best Young Player of the World Cup (2002), the CONCACAF Gold Cup MVP (2013) and to the Gold Cup Best XI four times (2002, 2003, 2005, 2013). Additionally, he is the all-time leading scorer in the CONCACAF Gold Cup with 18 goals, helped the U.S. to four of its five ever Gold Cup titles (2002, 2005, 2007, 2013).
Donovan, who also has recorded an MLS-record 140 goals and recorded 125 assists to date, announced on Aug. 7 that he will retire from professional soccer following the 2014 season.
The Galaxy have launched a special portion of the website dedicated to Donovan at www.lagalaxy.com/landon that will run through the rest of the year. Fans can also go to www.lagalaxy.com/thanksLD to write a personalized message to the Galaxy and USMNT forward with the opportunity to have their note included in a book that will be given to him at the end of the season.
Fans are also encouraged to show their appreciation for the LA Galaxy and U.S. Soccer legend using the hashtag #ThanksLD bsaikion social media platforms.
