This Saturday, when the Los Angeles Galaxy take on Real Salt Lake, will be the real homecoming for Landon Donovan. Not only his California homecoming -- and the inauguration of his new home -- but also his return home to Major League Soccer.
Donovan's first match back in MLS was postponed for a week when flu-like symptoms kept him out of last weekend's season opener in Columbus. Given his last game at club level came nearly a month ago -- a UEFA Champions League for Bayer 04 Leverkusen against Liverpool -- Donovan is anxious to get back on the field and is sure to start this weekend for the Galaxy, whether or not he's at 100 percent.
"I'm going to play," said Donovan. "I hate watching. I'm on antibiotics, so I'm gonna play."
The Galaxy offense really could use the spark he provides, as they were unable to generate very much offense last weekend. If Donovan's form is anywhere near what he displayed with the U.S. national team the week before the first match, the Galaxy should be in good shape.
As a playmaking midfielder for the USA, Donovan tallied two assists in two games against Mexico and Guatemala, and had a goal called back on a questionable offside call. Donovan is aware that he's hitting his stride too, which is why he's so eager to get back on the pitch.
"It's frustrating. I felt like I played well against Guatemala. And when you're playing well you just want to keep playing as fast as possible," he said.
Exactly what role the young attacker will play for head coach Steve Sampson remains to be seen. With the national team, he thrives playing out of the midfield; with the Galaxy, he will most likely line up as a striker.
Still, Donovan expects to possibly fill both roles. Regardless, don't expect to see Donovan sitting around the opposition penalty area waiting for service.
"I think (Sampson) would like to use me in both ways," Donovan said. "I play best when I can just move around and do what I do best."
What Donovan does best is cause headaches for opposing teams. Just ask his new teammate Chris Albright, who faced off against Donovan several times during Donovan's first stint in MLS.
"Obviously he brings a lot of big game experience, and big goals," said Albright. "He brings a level of danger in the midfield that I don't think we've had here in a while."
In his first MLS stint, Donovan brought two MLS Cups to San Jose. Now the Galaxy hope that he is the piece they need to bring a second title to Los Angeles.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
