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designated players
meal tickets: part two
Landon Donovan is the unspoken ambassador for U.S. soccer. Whether he likes it or not, whether you like it or not, the fact remains no face (apologies to Mia Hamm) is recognized by the greater population (not just soccer fans, which is an important distinction) as the stand in for the game. Playing as a kid in Europe before returning for three rings and counting in the MLS likely solidifies his position until someone rises to compete with him. This usually entails the media picking someone out of the crowd, and as of yet, all eyes are still on Donovan, as is obvious in the videos posted at his joga profile
Justanotherguy.com
If you recall from my interview from almost a year ago, Landon is a huge sports nut, stuck to the internet like the rest of us
I’d like to see TIger play soccer
A rose is a rose is a competitor. Landon hates to lose, even at the fickle game of fairways and greens.
Birth of the cool
Landon’s mom started wondering if it was bad that they were screaming and cheering for every goal he scored. After all, he netted about 7 goals a game.
in other news
It Means Nothing…
As for Morocco, I’m just trying to stay upbeat. It means nothing. It means nothing. Oh Claudio, why are you so fragile?
coincidence?
The Send off Series concluding this week will find me back where I began. Look for ruminations after the holiday.
what the world needs now…
I believe it is good before we celebrate, to reflect on the bigger picture. Maybe in the midst of madness, we will hold onto the truth. Thus, before the world focuses in on Germany, I will turn my attention outward to the world.
has National Geographic, my former employer, been reading my little blog to help plan their cover story (I should be so egotistical/lucky)?
(all still photography by Toby Page)
michael
on May 25th, 2006 - 3:56pm
how do you think american soccer is growing and when do you think U S will win a world cup or if they ever will
Juan
on May 26th, 2006 - 1:21am
It’s really too bad that our “ambassador” couldn’t make it in Europe (in Germany no less!). Especially when we have players like McBride, Reyna, Beasley, and Friedel that are getting tons of minutes in some of the best leagues and competitions in the world (EPL and Champions League). Landon Donovan is a moderately-sized fish in a tiny pond…
Tim
on May 26th, 2006 - 8:49am
Hey Juan…do I sense a pro-Mexico, Landon-hater…if so, you should hate him because he destroys El Tri everytime they play!
Juan
on May 26th, 2006 - 12:32pm
Hi Tim, that’s some detective work, but I’m actually from San Francisco (we Juans come from all over, you know). I hope he (LD) “destroys” everybody Team USA plays in Germany (though his sputtering out of Leverkusen doesn’t portend good things for him in that country). I just wish our face of soccer was someone that could compete with the best in the world…
Stephen Ramone
on May 26th, 2006 - 12:56pm
as for LD, i think his exit from germany had more to do with his emotional state than anything on the field. There is no doubt he would be just fine over there at this point. I believe he didn’t want to wait to play and he wanted to live in Southern California where his family was. SoCal or dreary Germany? that’s not too tough a choice, and honestly is the best thing the MLS has going for it.
flaherty
on May 27th, 2006 - 1:01am
if landon donovan is the best thing the mls has going for it, it’s worse off than i thought.
Hannah
on May 27th, 2006 - 8:06pm
Hey Tim you are the kind of guy that gives us americans a bad rap. You know that we are all culturaly handy capped!!! The thing that makes american soccer so great is that it is a mix of all the different styles of play from around the world. So next time you put on your US jersey think who it is and where it is that they came from that is getting us to Germany!!!
Adrian
on May 28th, 2006 - 8:38am
What’s awesome is that one of the best players ever produced in America has chosen to play in America and help support a fledgling league, to help bring the joy of soccer to the masses here. It’s awesome that he can show that an American born and trained soccer player can compete - and compete well - on the big stage, the World Cup.
What is a shame is that so-called “fans” can’t define their own self-worth in some other way than having Landon Donovan play in Europe.
Sam
on May 28th, 2006 - 2:09pm
I am gunna have to agree with Juan and flaherty on this one, Landon Donovan has been a major let down to american soccer in my opinion. And Adrian these “fans” just want to see (LD) our “ambassador” play on a bigger stage than the PRESTIGOUS (or however its spelled) MLS. Personally, theres nothing more that i would like to see than the U.S win the world cup, but LD is not our key to success in Germany.
Connor
on May 28th, 2006 - 9:22pm
get your facts straight juan, landon could play virtually anywhere in Europe. hit the books.
nyonyo
on May 29th, 2006 - 10:12am
I think that MLS someday could be an important league to produce master in soccer arts. Just like English Premiere League with wayne rooney and david beckham or La Liga Espana with raul gonzalez and iker casilas.
Soccer ball is round. Anything is possible.
And if you ask me about “when do you think U S will win a world cup” then i would say ; American Soccer Team potentially winning the world cup if only the eleven player are united and qualified to the grand final.
Tim
on May 30th, 2006 - 4:50pm
Boy! Juan and Hannah - touchy, touchy…believe me, I am far from “culturally handicapped” everyone lighten up and have fun!
Jameson
on May 30th, 2006 - 9:01pm
Donovan is good, he is more than good. And he is still young, nearly a decade younger than Beckham. Heck, Eddie, Clint, Bobby and DeMarcus are all in their young 20’s. The fact that these “kids” are already so far along in their game is amazing. As to when I think we’ll win the Cup? 2010 in South Africa. Just imagine, all the players mentioned above even more mature in their games along with players like Adu and other young Americans… wow.
Tanvir
on Jun 1st, 2006 - 8:14pm
First things first, i agree w/ stephen about the emotional thing. LD could could compete anywhere in europe, no doubt about that. But i would like to see him go back to europe, but thats his decision to make. the rest of us rnt pro soccer players all we have r opinions, we dont know what its like.LD is the best thing to happen for American soccer.
abby
on Jun 23rd, 2006 - 4:11pm
landon donovan is awesome. i feel so bad that he has to deal with crazied fans. i wish i had his email just to talk to him. i think that he would be the cooliest person to hang out with.
abby
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