This afternoon Major League Soccer announced that Landon Donovan will keep his incredible streak alive.
Donovan will make his 13th consecutive appearance, a league record, when the MLS All-Star Game rolls into Kansas City next week.
Commissioner Don Garber made the selection, after Donovan’s Galaxy teammate Robbie Keane had to withdraw through injury.
ASG head coach Peter Vermes is delighted to have an in-form Donovan at his disposal. “Landon is a great addition to the MLS All-Star team,” Vermes said in a statement. “Obviously his form is fantastic right now and his impact and representation of Major League Soccer throughout his career is immeasurable.”
Vermes is right. Donovan is on an all mighty rip, scoring 7 goals and recording 7 assists in his last six games for the USMNT, following his return from a self-imposed sabbatical. Donovan has been the catalyst for the USA’s swashbuckling run to the Gold Cup final and his spell away from the game seems to have reignited his hunger and passion.
(MORE: Where to look on MLS All-Star Game roster for possible replacements)
The 31-year-old forward will have only a few days rest before the ASG, after the USMNT’s Gold Cup final against Panama on Sunday in Chicago. But a short trip down to Kansas City shouldn’t be an issue and expect to see a second half cameo from Landon at Sporting Park.
But does he deserve to represent the All-Star’s against AS Roma?
Some would argue that plenty of other players were ahead of Donovan in the ASG selections. Javier Morales? Jack McInerney? But given the run of form he is on and the loyalty and commitment he’s shown to the league, it wouldn’t really feel right if Donovan wasn’t there.
Yet despite his blistering run of form for the USA, Donovan has only scored three goals in 12 MLS starts for LA this season. But his performances have continued to improve and after tearing it up in the Gold Cup, Donovan reminded us all exactly why he’s All-Star material.
Apparently Commissioner Garber took note.
