By FRANCO PANIZO
Landon Donovan's possible home finale with Everton may have only been a 20-minute cameo, but it was a productive outing that saw Donovan notch an assist and score a goal in a 5-1 victory over Hull City.
With Everton leading 3-1, Donovan came off the bench and joined in on the fun almost immediately. Donovan nearly setup a goal moments after stepping onto the pitch, but Ayegbeni Yakubu blasted a shot in front of goal into the bleachers. That missed opportunity was forgotten when Donovan got on the end of a low cross and scored his second goal of the Premier League season by one-timing a driven shot into the side netting. Donovan then helped cap the scoring when he assisted on Jack Rodwell's goal.
Donovan wasn't the only American Abroad to find the back of the net this weekend. Carlos Bocanegra scored the winner in Stade Rennes' 1-0 victory over AS Monaco, and Herculez Gomez extended his scoring streak to four games when he net Puebla's lone goal in a 4-1 loss to Pumas UNAM.
Here is how the Americans Abroad performed this weekend:
England
PREMIERSHIP
- Landon Donovan came off the bench, played 20 minutes, had an assist and scored a GOAL in Everton's 5-1 win vs. Hull City on Sunday.
- Tim Howard started, played 90 minutes and made two saves in Everton's 5-1 win vs. Hull City on Sunday.
- Jozy Altidore came off the bench and played 28 minutes in Hull City 's 5-1 loss vs. Everton on Sunday.
- Clint Dempsey did not dress in Fulham's 0-0 draw vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup on Saturday. He is recovering from a knee injury.
- Jonathan Spector started and played 90 minutes in West Ham's 2-1 loss vs. Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
- Brad Friedel started, played 90 minutes and made four saves in Aston Villa's 4-2 win vs. Reading in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup on Sunday.
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Brad Guzan dressed but did not play in Aston Villa's 4-2 win vs. Reading in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup on Sunday.
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Marcus Hahnemann started, played 90 minutes and made three saves in Wolverhampton Wanderers' 1-0 loss vs. Manchester United on Saturday.
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Stuart Holden did not dress in Bolton Wanderers' 2-1 win vs. West Ham United on Saturday. He is recovering from a leg injury.
COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP
- Jay DeMerit started and played 90 minutes in Watford's 2-0 loss vs. Derby County on Saturday.
- Frank Simek came off the bench and played 45 minutes in Sheffield Wednesday's 2-0 win vs. Leicester City on Saturday.
- Kenny Cooper dressed but did not play in Plymouth Argyle's 1-1 draw vs. Preston North End on Saturday.
LEAGUE ONE
- Ian Joyce did not dress in Southend United's 3-0 loss vs. Hartlepool United on Saturday.
- Zak Whitbread did not dress in Norwich City's 3-0 win vs. Yeovil Town on Saturday.
- Mike Grella did not dress in Leeds United's 1-1 draw vs. Brentford on Saturday.
- Jemal Johnson did not dress in Stockport County's 2-0 loss vs. Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
- Jon-Paul Pittman started and played 82 minutes in Wycombe Wanderers' 0-0 draw vs. Carlisle United on Saturday.
Scotland
- Maurice Edu came off the bench and played 26 minutes Rangers' 3-1 win vs. St Mirren on Saturday.
- DaMarcus Beasley started and played 64 minutes in Rangers' 3-1 win vs. St Mirren on Saturday.
- Dominic Cervi did not dress in Celtic's 2-0 win vs. Falkirk on Sunday.
Italy
- Oguchi Onyewu did not dress in AC Milan's 0-0 draw vs. AS Roma on Saturday. He is recovering from a knee injury.
Germany
BUNDESLIGA
- Michael Bradley started, played 64 minutes and received a yellow card in Borussia Moenchengladbach's 3-0 loss vs. Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
- Steve Cherundolo came off the bench and played 11 minutes in Hannover 96's 2-1 win vs. SC Freiburg on Saturday.
- Sal Zizzo did not dress in Hannover 96's 2-1 win vs. SC Freiburg on Saturday. He is recovering from a knee injury.
- Jermaine Jones did not dress in Schalke 04's 4-1 win vs. Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. He is recovering from a leg injury.
- Ricardo Clark dressed but did not play in Eintracht Frankfurt's 4-1 loss vs. Schalke 04 on Saturday.
- Daniel Williams dressed but did not play in SC Freiburg's 2-1 loss vs. Hannover 96 on Saturday.
BUNDESLIGA 2
- Luis Robles dressed but did not play in Kaiserslautern's 1-1 draw vs. FSV Frankfurt on Saturday.
- Matt Taylor did not dress in FSV Frankfurt's 1-1 draw vs. Kaiserslautern on Saturday.
- David Yeldell started, played 90 minutes and made eight saves in TUS Koblenz's 2-0 loss vs. RW Oberhausen on Friday.
France
- Carlos Bocanegra started, played 90 minutes and scored a GOAL in Stade Rennes' 1-0 win vs. AS Monaco on Saturday.
- Charlie Davies did not dress in Sochaux's 1-0 win vs. Toulouse on Saturday. He is recovering from multiple injuries.
Portugal
- Gale Agbossoumonde dressed but did not play in Sporting Braga's 0-0 draw vs. Vitoria Setubal on Saturday.
Greece
- Freddy Adu dressed but did not play in Aris Salonika's 1-1 draw vs. Kavala on Saturday.
- Eddie Johnson came off the bench and played 10 minutes in Aris Salonika's 1-1 draw vs. Kavala on Saturday.
Denmark
- Benny Feilhaber did not dress in AGF Aarhus' 5-0 loss vs. FC Copenhagen on Sunday. He is recovering from an ankle injury.
- Michael Parkhurst and FC Nordsjaelland play Aalborg BK on Monday.
- Marcus Tracy and Aalborg BK play FC Nordsjaelland on Monday.
- Chris Rolfe and Aalborg BK play FC Nordsjaelland on Monday.
Mexico
- Jose Francisco Torres started, played 90 minutes and received a yellow card in Pachuca's 3-0 loss vs. Monterrey on Saturday.
- Edgar Castillo started, played 90 minutes and received a yellow card in Tigres UANL's 1-0 win vs. Indios de Ciudad Juarez on Sunday.
- Marco Vidal started and played 90 minutes in Indios de Ciudad Juarez's 1-0 loss vs. Tigres UANL on Sunday.
- Herculez Gomez started, played 90 minutes and scored a GOAL in Puebla's 4-1 loss vs. Pumas UNAM on Sunday.
Argentina
- Michael Hoyos started and played 80 minutes in Estudiantes La Plata's 0-0 draw vs. Lanus on Saturday.
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What do you think of these performances? Impressed with Donovan's 20-minute cameo? Do you see him extending his loan? Which Bocanegra goal did you like more, his header vs. the Netherlands, or his finish against Monaco? Wondering if Gomez is starting to grab Bob Bradley's attention?
Share your thoughts below.
Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens,
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Donny B Good,
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
But he could play a football just like a ringin’ a bell.
Go Go
Go Donny Go Go (x4)
Donny B. Good!
Did they finally get rid of that craziness ?
They were trying to appease the single standings guys, but none of them liked it either.
It’s not hard to bash MLS when you’re home team is the Red Bulls, former “Western Conference” champions.
33,000
I am not for Landon going to Chelsea. Chelsea is a different world all around than Everton. Plus, LD’s built up some credit with the Everton fans, coaches and players. Chelsea fans won’t love LD like Everton fans will. Landon could become a legend for Everton like McBride was for Fulham. That is unlikley at Chelsea, regardless of Landon’s skill or performance. If I were LD, I’d go where I could flourish and be appreciated which I think would give me the most chance for success. Of course, I was not hugged enough as a child, but that’s another story.
Does anyone else agree with me it is just so pathetic…the MLS bashing and the endless loving of Landon succeeding away from MLS?
One, it is ok to go watch your local team play MLS games. It will actually help soccer in this country….A LOT. I realize that some soccer genius may put you down, while he watches ESPN at 4:30 in the AM in his ManU pajamas. Just be strong.
Two, I am happy for Landon, but did you really think he would struggle over there ? Seriously ? It seems like the soccer geniuses need to go to more MLS games. IF you have seen him play in person 10-15 times like you should have ( 100s of times if you live in LA ), then you would not have been so insecure about it.
Settle down golfstrom…I was asking the question because I wanted to know why Landon was in this situation with extending his loan. I apologize for not knowing every nuance of every MLS player’s contract…geez!
So basically it looks as though Landon was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t sign an extension with L.A., but except in the current scenario he comes out with more money, but potentially a much less desirable playing scenario if L.A. essentially forces him to stay by asking an outrageous transfer fee that nobody will pay.
MLS offered him around the $400k level.
You knew that of course and just chose not to post it.
Man, you almost fooled us.
Kinnear a great coach and Houston a great team that shaped him into a great player….to the point he was worth more than MLS could pay him. Not MLS’s fault…US soccer fans fault for not supporting soccer in America.
So who is playing in the field, Guzan or Friedel?
18-year old Togo-born center back. Has played for the US U-17. Maybe the next Gooch.
read the article…..its depending on if joe cole and deco leave
Yep – I’ve noticed many times.
Ugh, stab in the back everytime I see Michael Hoyos’ name.
Great news to hear Gale made the bench for the Champions League bound club considering he’s only 18. With him, Omar Gonzalez and Ike Opara, the middle of our defense should be better the next couple of world cup cycles than it’s ever been.
Holden turned down a new contract for $300k+ so he would have the freedom to go to the UK on his own terms. He just played out his initial contract, that the MLS tried to improve, but he said no.
Holden made his own choices and looks to have come up aces with the contract extension. Hope he keeps in top form after the leg break.
Gale Agbossoumonde?
yeah slaves are paid better than MLS ‘wages.’
case in point: Stu Holden
What was his salary in Houston again? $40k?
That’s what you call slave wages for a guy now signed by Bolton, for probably that amount every month or two…
No Gomez please
On further review it is either Pedro Rodriguez or Sergio Busquets who most resembles Bornstein. I’m just having trouble being able to get a decent idea from my mobile. But either way, yeah, funny in a way I suppose.
Jared Bayless (guard on the Portland Trail Blazers) is also separated at birth from Donovan.
Less technical skills?! You guys are nuts. I’d take Movsisyan over Altidore or Findley. He’s smarter tactically than either and takes defenders on much like Charlie did before the accident. When he’s eligible, he’ll help out the sorry state of the US strikers pool.
Just watching the end of the Evtn/Hull replay and nearly choked up by the crowd response to LD. Chants of ‘U-S-A,’ ‘Sign him up’ and a standing ovation are a huge shot in the arm for the guy. He’s taken a lot of shots from people over the years and some jackasses will still hate on him, but I couldn’t be more happy for him.
Fantastic stuff, Landon.
Gomez has always been a guy who gets hot and scores goals in bunches. The problem is he cools off and its tough to predict when he will heat back up. That was the case when he was here in LA and it has followed him elsewhere, too.
Still if he is on a hot streak, Bob should give him a look, especially considering the hole up front that needs to be filled.
I have noticed this many times myself. There is also another Barcelona player, who I cannot recall, I believe his last name begins with a “P” who rather resembles our Bornstein. It would seem that Spain and Barcelona aquired our national team players’ more talented and successful doppelgängers lol.
Off Topic but has anyone notice how much resemblance there is between Andre Iniesta of Spain and Landon Donovan?
I really dont understand all the hate MLS is getting from the people on this site when it comes to letting players go. If you sign a contract, you are obligated to fulfill it. If they sell the player off then there you go but if they decide to keep you, then that is the players fault for signing the contract. The MLS should not look bad just cuz they are upholding the contract that BOTH the league and player agreed on.
If the players dont like it, then dont sign with the league.
Stuck???!? Where were you when Joseph resigned with MLS? If Joseph was still really committed to playing overseas, he wouldnt have renegotiated a new contract with MLS and would instead have trialed overseas.
His overseas aspirations are long gone so he has decided to stay in America. He is not stuck here. He chooses to stay here.
These guys are signing contracts. They don’t have to re-sign. Some resign, do well, and then complain when MLS doesn’t accept an offer. Here is a hint. Don’t resign then.
actually funny… 2+ pts
Dunbar,
Dempsey was sold by MLS at the end of 2006. He would have left for free at the end of 2007. And, if anything, he should thank MLS for snubbing the low ball offer from Charlton Athletic (which he apparently thought would have been a good place for him to go. Of course now they are in League 1). Kljestan would be a better player if he would step it up. It isn’t MLS that is holding him back right now, it is him.
six. million. dollars. living in Los Angeles. not in Liverpool.
or was it that his original deal still had two years left? the one he signed when no one wanted him but MLS? he added a year to his deal, in reality, in exchange for five million dollars. (he had two MLS-owned options left at 900k per, and traded them for three years and six million, not bad)
Duilio Davino says otherwise Mr. 😛
reupped when, four years ago? this winter, MLS had an option on his deal (and next winter as well) credit MLS, they signed him to a long term deal when no one else in the world wanted him.
so, let’s be realistic. to you, what is a fair price for Landon Donovan? the star player in a league, in top form, with three years left on his deal? any price? a million? two million? five hundred grand? should MLS just let him go for nothing?
what’s your figure, to ‘be fair’ to the player?
the goalie had the save until the touch from bocanegra which, you’re right, so slight it was hard to see
I love you Landon. And before all these other come-latelies 🙂
I saw it the exact same way.
Funny thing is I remember Ives saying how great the deal was.
Of course, Donovan apparently loves it in LA, so no real harm done.
But if I had his talent, there’s no way I’d be content to be playing at such a poor level when I know I could do much, much more.
Ives argued that he still would have been locked into his contract before the extension. But I’d argue back that the transfer fee would have been much lower.
Yeah. Thanks for the video. Makes you really wish Donovan would/could just stay.
Donovan is more enjoyable to watch on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The weekday afternoon games are fun as well. Games that don’t end till 1am in the east like the Clasico versus Chivas, not so much.
Landon will do more for American soccer playing his upcoming prime years (28-32) overseas.
Agbossoumonde on a European bench at 18 is good to see. I wonder if he will show enough to be bought outright.
Slaves don’t get paid money. none of these guys are slaves they could walk away at any moment. Its utterly deplorable that people choose to use slavery when talking about guys who make more then the rest of us. What a joke!
Exactly
You couldn’t be misinformed. For the millionth time: 1) under his previous contract, Galaxy held team options for the next two seasons meaning he wasn’t going to be free until 2012; 2) LD does not get loaned to Everton unless he signs this deal (the success of which everybody knows will determine if/how much MLS sells him for); 3) He’s getting a big fat raise this season. It’s not a bad deal for him at all.
Movsisyan and Findley were a lot like Altidore and Davies with a lot less technical skill and tactical ability.
Because if he didn’t sign the deal he wouldn’t even have been allowed to go on the loan. Plus MLS had a 2 year option on Donovan anyways. So basically he was staying with MLS for at least 2 years no matter what. So knowing that, it was smart of him to sign the deal because he knew MLS was going to pick up the option. So by signing it he is basically gonna make 9 million dollars for something that was gonna happen anyways. Pretty logical choice in my opinion.
If I owned the Galaxy I’d have probably sold Donovan three years ago (and I’d probably be bankrupt). Unfortunately, Donovan has been identified by the league as a franchise player, and the MLS is pretty much willing to deny any offer, however outrageous, if they think they can market that talent to get people in the seats and good media attention.
Good players like Edu or Altidore can leave without too much bother as long as they don’t become too visible in the league. But, as soon as you get a big profile my advice would be to start signing one year contracts, because otherwise you’re pretty much MLS’s slave.
Because, imagine if Landon had gone to Everton and done poorly. He would have been stuck on Everton’s bench or , even worse, Everton’s doghouse, and that would have impacted his play for the USA. This way, he has a life saver if he drowns over at Everton.
I’d say this was a smart move by Mandon.
As an Real Salt Lake fan I can tell you that Yura is not ready for the international game. He’s not quick enough and needs to work on his first touch. He’s a good finisher and works real hard. He broke into mls out of nowhere though so i hope he proves me wrong. I like the route Marcus Tracy, Bedoya, Goodsen and Agbossoumonde are taking for their careers. They’re doing it like Charlie Davies. Start in a lower league, work hard and kick butt before you move onto bigger leagues and clubs. In other words skip mls all together but still get PT at smaller clubs. Speaking of RSL they just made a big trade for the youngster Gil. He’s a young teen that I hope can get over to europe sooner than later. MLS still has it’s place but it’s sad to see a player like Sharlie Joseph stuck at this level when he clearly could play in europe.
I should say that I use “Landycakes” as a term of endearment. I’m trying to decontextualize it as a slur.
I don’t know, but maybe he just wanted to shut people up about “but he couldn’t hack it in a real league” and go back to making a pretty fair salary in a place he is undeniably comfortable and of tremendous (playerly) profile.
It doesn’t seem insane–he may feel the clock ticking down, just want to earn a little peace of soul, and go back to being BMOC.
thanks for mentioning that, i think it’s great how under teh radar he is. hope to see him develop well.
The thing that strikes me about this entire Donovan-Everton-L.A. situation is why in the world did Donovan sign a three year contract extension with LA to begin with??!! He had to know his market value outside the U.S. would be pretty high this summer, and even if it weren’t, he had to know that a move to a foreign league was the best thing to do at this point in his career. So why go and sign an extension with a league that is notorious for hindering transfer moves and playing hardball?? For the life of me I can’t imagine why a player as smart as Donovan, playing at this level, would make such a mistake.
Hehe. That was a nice goal. See, Landycakes, you CAN score from close range! Nice placement and pep.