Landon Donovan Farewell Tour

     Baby-faced Landon Donovan broke onto the Major League Soccer scene in 2001, debuting for the San Jose Earthquakes. Since the arrival from German club Bayer Leverkusen II, Donovan has been the role model for American soccer. He has continued the soccer legacy of prominent players wearing the number 10 on the back of the jersey. The attacking midfielder/ forward has won an astonishing five MLS Cups, two with the San Jose Earthquakes and three with the Los Angeles Galaxy. He is the all-time leader in goals and second all-time in assists in MLS history. He won his first and only MVP in 2009 for the Los Angeles Galaxy. For the United States Men's National Team, he has the all-time goal and assist record covered too.
     Landon Donovan is arguably the greatest soccer player to ever roam the United States pitch. He is considered to be the Wayne Gretzky of the NHL and Michael Jordan of the NBA. At the age of 32, Landon Donovan is hanging up the cleats for good at the end of this season for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
     Despite missing out on the World Cup roster in Brazil this year, Donovan still leaves a lasting impression for American fans. Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber recently stated, "No doubt MLS would not be what it is without Donovan."

     Now lets have a little fun. Taking a breather from the Derek Jeter Farewell Tour, I concocted my own little Landon Donovan Farewell Tour to commemorate the United States legend.
Columbus Crew
On August 16th Donovan heads to Columbus, Ohio for the beginning of his Farewell Tour. Columbus (27 points) and Los Angeles (33 points) are both battling for playoff ground. The Columbus Crew organization recognizes Donovan with an Ohio State State football jersey with his name on the back. LeBron James drives down from Akron to check out his buddy Landon and eventually gets a selfie with him after the match.
Colorado Rapids
Four days after being in Ohio, August 20th Donovan is in Denver. The Rapids have 30 points on the year, 3 behind the Galaxy. Colorado is the first state to legalize marijuana, so Donovan is presented a bong by the Rapids.
Chivas USA
Chivas USA plays their homes games where the Galaxy plays, the StubHub Center. Unfortunately, Chivas draws the crowd of a high school soccer team, so not many people will be in attendance on August 31st. Chivas USA celebrates Donovan's Tour by giving him a 12-pack of Coronas. That's all Chivas could come up with since they draw no revenue.
Montreal Impact
September 10th Landon heads up north to Montreal. The Impact (14 points) are having a terrible season lying in the basement of the league. Montreal, known for the Montreal Canadiens, gift Donovan with a hockey stick.
San Jose Earthquakes
September 14th Donovan is on short rest again. This time it's against his former team, the Earthquakes. San Jose packs the house on the going out party for Donovan and end up presenting him a surfboard as his gift.
FC Dallas
About a month later on October 12th, Donovan heads down to Texas. FC Dallas (tied with 33 points) has Mark Cuban come watch the game and present Donovan with Cowboy boots and a Cowboy hat.
Seattle Sounders
Landon ends his Farewell Tour in rainy Seattle on October 25th. There will be plenty Seattle supporters at this game, as Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan square off one last time. The Sounders end the Farewell Tour by giving Donovan a lifetime gift card to Starbucks with a Nirvana Nevermind album to go along.