On Sunday, thousands of Chicagoans will cheer on U.S. fan favorite Landon Donovan as the United States faces Brazil at Soldier Field. Some fans will wear his jersey and chant his name, just like they did when he scored in the Gold Cup final earlier this summer at Soldier Field.
On Oct. 21, Donovan will return to the Chicago area to face the Fire at Toyota Park as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy. If history is any indication, he will be booed each time he touches the ball and will be heckled frequently. Some will call him a whiner and remind him of the United States’ disappointing 2006 World Cup.
Donovan is used to his “hero one day, villain the next” status with American soccer fans.
“That’s the way sports are,” Donovan said. “Obviously, when you play with the national team, you hope they support us. At the end of the day, when the Galaxy comes to play Chicago, you want them to support their team. We deal with it.”
Why the dislike for Donovan?
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Like in any other sport, the top players often have bull’s-eyes on their backs. But in Donovan’s case, it goes further than that.
Some fans are frustrated that he chose to stay in MLS rather than play in the more competitive European leagues. In their eyes, he’s not improving by staying and is hurting the U.S. national team as a result.
Donovan chose his and his wife’s personal happiness over all else, which is understandable even though many fans refuse to accept it. These fans let out their frustration with him during MLS games rather than cheer against their national team.
Some have laid the blame for the United States’ disappointing World Cup performance on his shoulders. As the star of the team, this is to be expected. Still, it’s as if these fans forget there were 10 other U.S. players on the field with Donovan.
It should be noted Donovan has egged on MLS fans at times. In July, he made a throat-slashing gesture to FC Dallas fans after scoring a goal.
In August 2006, he ran toward DC United fans after scoring and beat his chest while daring fans to keep cheering.
Clearly, there is a part of Donovan that enjoys playing the villain.
Keepers keeping on
U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller was 36 when he started for the United States during the 2006 World Cup. Keller even has talked about playing at the 2010 World Cup.
But with the United States continuously producing solid goalkeepers — arguably the team’s strongest position — will we see another U.S. keeper with Keller’s longevity and relevance (including four World Cups)?
“If you look around the world, very good keepers hold their value,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. “A young guy may come along and have talent, but a special player who knows all the little details and consistently hones his craft will continue to play.”
Goalkeeper Chris Seitz, currently taking part in his first U.S. national team camp this week, echoed Bradley’s sentiments.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see another go all the way through,” said Seitz, 20. “I can see Marcus [Hahnemann] playing into his late 30s.”
Does U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard want to play into his late 30s?
“I have no desire to do that,” said Howard, 28. “When I’m in my late 30s, I plan on being on an island somewhere. I’ll be long retired by then.”
Bradley on Altidore
Several U.S. soccer fans were upset to see 17-year old New York Red Bulls forward Jozy Altidore left off the roster for Sunday’s game.
“If you look at the box score last week, he wasn’t in the 18,” said Bradley, alluding to a leg injury that has sidelined Altidore. “In so many of these situations, form, injury, schedule — all these things get factored in.
“Certainly we’re excited about what we see as a young player in the league. He has done well for himself. I think we’ve shown this year that we are constantly looking for the right moment to bring young guys into the national team.”
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