26.08.2014 22:24 h

Donovan to make US farewell against Ecuador

Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan

US all-time scoring leader Landon Donovan will make his final appearance for the United States national team in an October 10 friendly against Ecuador, USA Soccer announced Tuesday.

Donovan, a controversial absentee from US coach Jurgen Klinsmann's final roster for the World Cup two months ago in Brazil, has a record 57 goals for the American squad.

The 32-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy striker announced August 7 that he would retire at the end of the current Major League Soccer season.

His US farewell, the 157th cap of his career, will came at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut.

"Playing for the US national team has been a huge part of my career and I'm ecstatic to have the opportunity to play for my country one last time," Donovan said.

"I'm so grateful to all the fans that have supported me and this game will give me the chance to say thank you to all of them. I look forward to a great evening."

Donovan, who played his first match for the US squad in October of 2000 with a goal in a 2-0 victory over Mexico, gave football fans in America one of their greatest thrills with a game-winning goal in the final seconds against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup to advance the US team into the round of 16.

"For 15 years, Landon has thrilled us with his amazing abilities on the field and impressed us with his gracious approach off the field," said US Soccer President Sunil Gulati.

"We are looking forward to celebrating his legacy during our next home national team match and allowing fans the opportunity to thank him for all the memories he has provided over the years."