After winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup last week, U.S. national team manager Bob Bradley took a very young squad to the Copa America in Venezuela. Among the key performers left behind was none other than Landon Donovan -- and his club coach couldn't be happier.
Donovan scored four goals along the way to helping the USA win the continental championship for the fourth time, and is now tied for the all-time lead for goals scored in a U.S. jersey, along with Eric Wynalda. But Bradley decided to give Donovan a break from international competition, and so the Galaxy leader is back with the club.
"We've got a good player back obviously. It's a real plus for us. It's been a while since we've seen him actually," said Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop. "It's good to have him back because he's a big part of what we're trying to do."
Donovan is in a bit of unfamiliar territory. He hasn't missed many games for the U.S. in recent years, let alone a major tournament like Copa America. As much as he'd like the opportunity to play in such a prestigious tournament, he's been very vocal about not wanting to miss too much time away from the Galaxy.
"I'm excited to be back here. When you're with (your club team) every day, sometimes it's nice to get a break with the national team and vice versa," said Donovan. "It will be a little different (not being with the national team) but I'm excited for them. It's not going to be like playing Guatemala, El Salvador and Trinidad in the first round."
With one-third of the season gone, the Galaxy are struggling in the standings. Yallop is trying to assemble all his pieces and get his new players acclimated to their new club as quickly as possible in order to turn things around. Donovan's reintroduction to the lineup is a big part of that equation.
"We want to make sure we have as close to our strongest team out as quick as we can," said Yallop. "Having Landon not going to the Copa is good news."
Donovan understands the importance of getting right back out onto the field as well. With three MLS Cup titles under his belt, one with Los Angeles and two with San Jose, missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season isn't an option in Donovan's mind and he's eager to get back to action with his club team as soon as possible.
"As tired as I am emotionally and physically from (the Gold Cup), I want to play," said Donovan. "It [stinks] that I have to wait until Wednesday. I want to get back in and play with these guys."
The Galaxy have the weekend off, with their next game coming on July 4, which starts one of the busiest stretches the Galaxy will see this season. After playing the Fire on Independence Day, the Galaxy then have to turn around and play Kansas City on July 7 and then play in a U.S. Open Cup match three days later. From the Galaxy perspective, Donovan's return couldn't have come at a better time.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
