#ThanksLD: Los Angeles Galaxy Win MLS Cup As Landon Donovan Bids Farewell (VIDEO)

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Dec 7, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan (10) leaves the field after the 2014 MLS Cup final against the New England Revolution at Stubhub Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

5. The MLS Multiplex Is Proud To Announce (though with heavy hearts)…Landon Has Left The Soccer!

What, ever heard of Elvis Pressley? This is the modern-day soccer equivalent.

It was a fairytale ending for Landon Timothy Donovan of (the Kingdom of) Redlands, Calif., who ends his career with 14 years of dedication to the league and the USA Men’s National Team, a decade of dedication to the Galaxy, and six MLS Cup championships. Landon is, without a doubt, the greatest American soccer player that ever lived. Sure, Abby Wambach has won World Cups, but even she can’t hold a finger to someone who has blazed a trail for soccer in the United States of America. When asked of his legacy, Donovan was introspective.

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“I’m in a little bit of a daze to be honest,” Donovan said. “I don’t know. There is a lot going on. A lot of excitement, some sadness. There is uncertainty. And, just pure joy for this team and for what we did. It’s just feels a bit strange, is the best way to put it. I’m very proud of what this team accomplished this year, and it’s so nice to be in the locker.

“As much excitement there is about the game, there is excitement that tomorrow I don’t have to train anymore. I don’t have to do a lot of the not fun parts of the jobs anymore. But, I also don’t get experiences like today anymore either. There is a lot of good; there is going to be some bad. It feels good to go out like this.

“There is no experience like what just happened. If you work a desk job or a 9 to 5 job there is no experience where you get to feel that. I can’t imagine that anything can replace that and that is why I think a lot of athletes struggle after they retire because you can’t get that back. I have to be aware of that and find other things that I am passionate about.”

“After all he has done for everyone is this country and for soccer,” said DeLaGarza, “there is no better way than to send him off like this.”

So what’s next for Landon Donovan? Where will he end up? Sound off on the comments below and let us know what you think.

Dec 7, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy players pose for a team photo after the 2014 MLS Cup final against the New England Revolution at Stubhub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

6. The MLS Multiplex Discovers…The Stats Favored The Galaxy. The End. Thank You And Good Night.

If you look at the team statistics below, the only key categories the Revolution were proficient in were total passes, passing accuracy and possession. Meanwhile, the Galaxy were tenacious defensively, winning the clearances, duels and tackles. Goalkeeper Jaime Penedo played the game of his life, making six saves to preserve the result and win his first-ever MLS Cup.

Team Statistics

Los Angeles Galaxy on left, New England Revolution on right

16	Shots	16
6	Shots on Target	6
5	Shots off Target	5
5	Blocked Shots	5
3	Corners	3
19	Crosses	18
4	Offsides	1
20	Fouls	14
5	Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
502	Total Passes	651
73 %	Passing Accuracy	75 %
43.7 %	Possession	56.3 %
67	Duels Won	61
21	Tackles Won	15
6	Saves	4
44	Clearances	21

Los Angeles Galaxy Player Ratings

Jaime Penedo 8, A.J. DeLaGarza 10, Leonardo 7, Omar Gonzalez 7, Robbie Rogers 6.5, Juninho 6, Landon Donovan 6.5, Marcelo Sarvas 8.5, Stefan Ishizaki 9, Gyasi Zardes 9, Robbie Keane 9.5, Alan Gordon 3.5, Dan Gargan 4, Baggio Husidic 3

New England Revolution Player Ratings

Bobby Shuttleworth 5, A.J. Soares 5, Andrew Farrell 5, Chris Tierney 7, Jose Goncalves 6, Jermaine Jones 6.5, Kelyn Rowe 6, Lee Nguyen 5, Scott Caldwell 4, Teal Bunbury 5, Charlie Davies 4, Daigo Kobayashi 4, Patrick Mullins 6, Andy Dorman 3

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