CARSON, Calif. — Landon Donovan grabbed Robbie Keane in a triumphant midfield hug right before Donovan’s girlfriend leaped into his arms. Moments later, Donovan and Keane raised the silver trophy together amid fireworks and a confetti blizzard.
Throughout his remarkable soccer career, Donovan always did know how to finish.
One last time, he did it as a champion.
Keane scored on a breakaway in the 111th minute, and Donovan retired with his record sixth MLS title when the L.A. Galaxy beat the New England Revolution 2-1 on Sunday in the MLS Cup.
Gyasi Zardes scored in the 52nd minute as the Galaxy won its record fifth league title in the final game for Donovan, the MLS career scoring leader and most accomplished player in U.S. history.
“I’m in a little bit of a daze,” Donovan said, still champagne-soaked after the celebration of the Galaxy’s third league title in four years. “There’s a lot going on. A lot of obvious excitement. There’s sadness. Uncertainty. Just pure joy for this team and what we did. It just feels strange, but I’m so proud what this team accomplished this year.”
