CARSON, Calif. (Monday, Sept. 2 2014) – LA Galaxy forward Landon Donovan was voted Major League Soccer Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) for Week 25 of the 2014 MLS regular season. Donovan recorded a goal and an assist in a 4-1 victory over D.C. United Wednesday before adding two more assists in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Chivas USA.
Donovan’s first assist came from a corner in the 25th minute of the Galaxy’s win over D.C. United on August 27. Donovan sent an out-swinging corner kick into the center of the box, which was volleyed through the legs of D.C.’s Bill Hamid and into the back of the net by defender Omar Gonzalez.
In the 75th minute, Donovan made it 4-1 to the Galaxy and capped off their win from the penalty spot, which the Galaxy was awarded for a foul on Omar Gonzalez. Donovan stepped up, took two steps and fired the ball into the lower left corner of the net as Hamid was sent in the opposite direction.
In the Galaxy’s next match against LA rivals Chivas USA, Donovan assisted the first goal of the night in the 41st minute. Following a run through the midfield, Donovan offered a cheeky no-look pass to teammate Gyasi Zardes, whose one-time shot found the far post to make it 1-0, Galaxy.
Donovan’s third assist of the week came in the 71st minute as the Galaxy completed their win over Chivas USA. A pass from the Galaxy’s Baggio Husidic found the feet of teammate Robbie Keane, who played an inch perfect pass to find the oncoming Donovan. The intelligent run pulled Chivas goalie Dan Kennedy out of goal and with a clean ball across the six-yard box Donovan set up a wide open Gyasi Zardes who made it 3-0 to the Galaxy.
This is the second Player of the Week honor for Donovan this season. With 129 career assists, Donovan is just six shy of tying Steve Ralston for the MLS assist record.
The LA Galaxy return to action this Friday, Sept. 5 when they face Colorado Rapids at StubHub Center live on NBC Sports Network and TSN2 at 7:30 p.m. PT.
The MLS Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a panel of journalists from NASR. The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media. More information and membership information can be found at http://www.soccerreporters.com/.
