American soccer legend Landon Donovan had announced, in August, that his soccer career would conclude at the end of the year. And with that decision, he’s set to play his final matches for the Los Angeles Galaxy and United States this month.
Donovan is the United States’ leader in goals (57) and assists (57). He’s also ranked second in caps (156) behind Cobi Jones.
The 32-year-old’s last contest against Ecuador in East Hartford, Connecticut will be his first national team action since being surprisingly omitted from the 2014 World Cup roster this past June.
Via Twitter, U.S. soccer specified Landon Donovan’s involvement in the coming game will have the midfielder play 30 minutes, while also serving as team captain during Friday’s friendly. He last donned the captain’s armband in country’s 2-0 win over South Korea eight months ago.
#USMNT head coach @j_klinsmann has named @landondonovan captain for #USAvECU in Hartford. #LegenDpic.twitter.com/YYHWoztKkP
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) October 7, 2014
From the #USMNT media availability: @J_Klinsmann says @landondonovan will start and play 30 minutes in #USAvECU#LegenD
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) October 7, 2014
Some writers and spectators, notably Nate Scott of USA Today, believe 30 minutes of playing time seems oddly low given Donovan’s significance to soccer in America. Regardless, it is unknown exactly how the specifics of his career-concluding match were determined.