But What’s Up With Landon Donovan?
David Beckham closed out his six seasons with the Los Angeles Galaxy by standing on the championship podium for the second time.
The Galaxy won their second straight MLS Cup titles with a 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo.
Beckham will seek to extend his playing career with another professional club in another league in another country. Possibly in his native England. More likely somewhere else.
After Houston had taken a 1-0 lead on a Calen Carr goal, former University of Maryland defender Omar Gonzalez equalized on a header moments later.
The game-winner came on a penalty kick by Landon Donovan, with Robbie Keene putting the cap on the win with another score late in the game.
While Beckham’s departure has been well documented, less settled is the future of Donovan, who has hinted that he may retire during the offseason. Also at question is his interest and availability to be part of the U.S. MNT’s final CONCA-CAF round of qualifications for the 2014 World Cup, which begins on Feb. 6 in Honduras.
The Galaxy has now won four MLS titles, and combined with Houston, the two franchises have won eight of the last 12 championships.
But the return to the title for LA began with a rocky start. The Galaxy was only 1-3-1 in the first four games of the 2012 season. Donovan acknowledged how difficult it was to repeat in a postgame comment.
“It’s a little surreal,” Donovan said. “In any sport, to repeat is really hard to do. … For me personally, this felt more satisfying (than last year). We could enjoy it a little bit more.”
Beckham reaffirmed his interest in returning to Los Angeles after he completes his playing career. He has an option in his contract to become an owner of an MLS team, which may be restricted to one franchise….the Galaxy.
For now, if he plays again, it could be anywhere but Los Angeles.
As for Donovan. He is considering his options….to play or calling it a career!