SBI USMNT Man of the Match: Landon Donovan

Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By IVES GALARCEP

BALTIMORE– The day before the U.S. Men’s National Team faced El Salvador in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals, the one name continually repeated by Salvadorans when asked which American worried them the most was Landon Donovan.

The U.S. all-time leader in goals and assists showed just why on Saturday, delivering a goal and having a hand in three others to lead the U.S. attack in a 5-1 rout of El Salvador. His outing made Donovan the clear-cut choice for SBI USMNT Man of the Match.

Donovan set up the opening goal with a quality pass to Clarence Goodson, then made the surging run that preceded Joe Corona’s goal. He whipped in a short corner to set up Eddie Johnson’s goal just 14 seconds after coming on. Donovan eventually found the net himself with a speedy run to finish off a quality pass from Johnson, then finished off his day with a third assist when he delivered a perfect cross for Mix Diskerud to finish it off.

Donovan’s dream outing leaves him with 54 career USMNT goals and 55 career USMNT assists. He also became the first player to score in six Gold Cups.

Since we know who would win a Man of the Match poll this time around, our question for you this time is what player not named Landon Donovan impressed you the most against El Salvador?

Cast your vote after the jump:

Who did you vote for? What did you think of Donovan’s masterful showing? Excited to see him with the full squad in September? Think anybody can stop this U.S. Gold Cup team?

Share your thoughts below.