A man wearing a white shirt plays with a round ball at his feet, while being chased by two men in green shirts on a grass field.
Landon Donovan playing for the United States against Algeria at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Landon Donovan is a professional soccer player who played for the United States men's national soccer team from 2000 to 2014. In his 157 appearances for the United States, he scored 57 goals, making him the country's all-time male top scorer.[1][2] Since July 22, 2017, Donovan has been tied with Clint Dempsey as the all-time male top scorer.[3]

Donovan scored in his debut for the United States, a 2–0 win over Mexico in a friendly played on October 25, 2000. His first competitive goal came on January 19, 2002, against South Korea in the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup. A few months later, he played in his first FIFA World Cup, scoring against Poland on June 14, 2002, and Mexico on June 17, 2002.[4] During the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, Donovan scored six goals to help the United States qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he did not score.[5]

On January 20, 2008, Donovan scored his 35th goal, against Sweden, surpassing Eric Wynalda to become the United States's all-time male top goalscorer.[6] At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Donovan scored three goals, against Slovenia and Algeria in the group stage and Ghana in the Round of 16. His goal against Algeria, which took the United States into the knockout round, was named the second most significant goal in United States history by Sports Illustrated in May 2014.[7] Donovan scored five goals for the United States during their victory at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, sharing the top goalscorer award with American teammate Chris Wondolowski and Panamanian striker Gabriel Torres.[8] Donovan retired from international soccer on October 10, 2014, having not participated in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[9]

Donovan has scored three hat-tricks during his international career: against Cuba in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup (where he scored four goals), against Ecuador in a 2007 friendly, and against Scotland in a 2012 friendly.[1] The plurality of Donovan's goals came in friendlies, with 19 in 63 caps. He scored most of his competitive goals in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, at 18 in 34 matches, followed by FIFA World Cup qualification at 13 in 40 matches. Donovan scored five goals in 12 FIFA World Cup matches at the 2002 and 2010 editions. He also scored twice during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, including once in the final against Brazil.[1]

International goals

"Score" represents the score in the match after Donovan's goal. "Score" and "Result" list the United States' goal tally first.[1]
List of international goals scored by Landon Donovan
No. Date Cap Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1. October 25, 2000 1 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, United States  Mexico 1–0 2–0 Friendly [10]
2. January 19, 2002 10 Rose Bowl, Pasadena, United States  South Korea 1–0 2–1 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup [11]
3. March 2, 2002 16 Safeco Field, Seattle, United States  Honduras 2–0 4–0 Friendly [12]
4. 4–0
5. May 16, 2002 22 Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, United States  Jamaica 4–0 5–0 Friendly [13]
6. June 14, 2002 26 Daejeon World Cup Stadium, Daejeon, South Korea  Poland 1–3 1–3 2002 FIFA World Cup [14]
7. June 17, 2002 27 Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonju, South Korea  Mexico 2–0 2–0 2002 FIFA World Cup [15]
8. March 29, 2003 33 Seahawks Stadium, Seattle, United States  Venezuela 2–0 2–0 Friendly [16]
9. May 26, 2003 35 Spartan Stadium, San Jose, United States  Wales 1–0 2–0 Friendly [17]
10. July 6, 2003 39 Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, United States  Paraguay 1–0 2–0 Friendly [18]
11. July 19, 2003 42 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, United States  Cuba 1–0 5–0 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup [19]
12. 2–0
13. 4–0
14. 5–0
15. January 18, 2004 45 The Home Depot Center, Carson, United States  Denmark 1–1 1–1 Friendly [20]
16. June 20, 2004 51 Grenada National Stadium, St. George's, Grenada  Grenada 1–0 3–2 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification [21]
17. September 4, 2004 54 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, United States  El Salvador 2–0 2–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification [22]
18. October 13, 2004 57 RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C., United States  Panama 1–0 6–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification [23]
19. 2–0
20. June 4, 2005 63 Rice–Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, United States  Costa Rica 1–0 3–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification [24]
21. 2–0
22. June 8, 2005 64 Estadio Rommel Fernández, Panama City, Panama  Panama 2–0 3–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification [25]
23. July 7, 2005 65 Qwest Field, Seattle, United States  Cuba 2–1 4–1 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup [26]
24. 4–1
25. July 9, 2005 66 Qwest Field, Seattle, United States  Canada 2–0 2–0 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup [27]
26. January 20, 2007 85 The Home Depot Center, Carson, United States  Denmark 1–1 3–1 Friendly [28]
27. February 7, 2007 86 University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, United States  Mexico 2–0 2–0 Friendly [29]
28. March 25, 2007 87 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, United States  Ecuador 1–0 3–1 Friendly [30]
29. 2–1
30. 3–1
31. June 12, 2007 91 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, United States  El Salvador 2–0 4–0 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup [31]
32. June 16, 2007 92  Panama 1–0 2–1 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup [32]
33. June 21, 2007 93 Soldier Field, Chicago, United States  Canada 2–0 2–1 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup [33]
34. June 24, 2007 94 Soldier Field, Chicago, United States  Mexico 1–1 2–1 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup [34]
35. January 19, 2008 97 The Home Depot Center, Carson, United States  Sweden 2–0 2–0 Friendly [6]
36. June 15, 2008 101 The Home Depot Center, Carson, United States  Barbados 4–0 8–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification [35]
37. October 11, 2008 105 RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C., United States  Cuba 3–1 6–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification [36]
38. June 3, 2009 109 Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá, San José, Costa Rica  Costa Rica 1–3 1–3 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification [37]
39. June 6, 2009 110 Soldier Field, Chicago, United States  Honduras 1–1 2–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification [38]
40. June 15, 2009 111 Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa  Italy 1–0 1–3 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup [39]
41. June 28, 2009 115 Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg, South Africa  Brazil 2–0 2–3 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup [40]
42. October 10, 2009 119 Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano, San Pedro Sula  Honduras 3–1 3–2 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification [41]
43. June 18, 2010 125 Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa  Slovenia 1–2 2–2 2010 FIFA World Cup [42]
44. June 23, 2010 126 Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa  Algeria 1–0 1–0 2010 FIFA World Cup [43]
45. June 26, 2010 127 Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa  Ghana 1–1 1–2 2010 FIFA World Cup [44]
46. June 25, 2011 136 Rose Bowl, Pasadena, United States  Mexico 2–0 2–4 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup [45]
47. May 26, 2012 139 EverBank Field, Jacksonville, United States  Scotland 1–0 5–1 Friendly [46]
48. 3–1
49. 4–1
50. July 5, 2013 145 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, United States  Guatemala 2–0 6–0 Friendly [47]
51. 4–0
52. July 9, 2013 146 Jeld-Wen Field, Portland, United States  Belize 6–1 6–1 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup [48]
53. July 13, 2013 147 Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, United States  Cuba 1–1 4–1 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup [49]
54. July 21, 2013 149 M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, United States  El Salvador 4–1 5–1 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup [50]
55. July 24, 2013 150 Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, United States  Honduras 2–0 3–1 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup [51]
56. 3–1
57. September 10, 2013 153 Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, United States  Mexico 2–0 2–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification [52]

Statistics

Sources: RSSSF[1] and US Soccer[2]

By year

Year Caps Goals
2000 1 1
2001 8 0
2002 20 6
2003 15 7
2004 14 5
2005 15 6
2006 11 0
2007 12 9
2008 9 3
2009 15 5
2010 8 3
2011 10 1
2012 6 3
2013 10 8
2014 3 0
Total 157 57

By competition

Competition Caps Goals
FIFA World Cup qualification 40 13
FIFA World Cup tournaments 12 5
FIFA Confederations Cup tournaments 8 2
CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments 34 18
Friendlies 63 19
Total 157 57

See also

References

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  2. ^ a b "#LegenD: Landon Donovan by the numbers". United States Soccer Federation. October 7, 2014. Archived from the original on December 1, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  3. ^ Goff, Steven (July 23, 2017). "Clint Dempsey leads U.S. to Gold Cup semifinal win over Costa Rica". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  4. ^ Arena, Bruce (October 7, 2014). "#LegenD: Bruce Arena recalls Donovan's breakout at the 2002 World Cup". United States Soccer Federation. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  5. ^ Oberjuerge, Paul (March 27, 2009). "Love him or hate him, at least sports fans know the name Landon Donovan". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  6. ^ a b "Donovan sets record in Team USA win over Sweden". USA Today. Associated Press. January 20, 2008. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  7. ^ Strauss, Brian (May 20, 2014). "The 10 most significant goals in U.S. soccer history: Landon Donovan". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  8. ^ "Gold Cup: Landon Donovan, Chris Wondolowski & Gabriel Torres share Golden Boot". MLSsoccer.com. July 28, 2013. Archived from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  9. ^ Keh, Andrew (October 10, 2014). "Proper farewell, despite potential for awkwardness". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
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  12. ^ Sherwin, Bob (March 3, 2002). "U.S. struts its stuff against Honduras". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
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  17. ^ "USA sink poor Wales". BBC Sport. May 27, 2003. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
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  19. ^ Cowles, Chris (July 20, 2003). "Donovan's four goals give U.S. major boost". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
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  24. ^ Blum, Ronald (June 4, 2005). "U.S. team seeks Salt Lake cure". The Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  25. ^ "U.S., Keller shut out Panama 3–0 in World Cup qualifier". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. June 9, 2005. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  26. ^ Romero, José Miguel (July 8, 2005). "U.S. overcomes slow start to beat Cuba". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on June 19, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  27. ^ Romero, José Miguel (July 10, 2005). "Gold Cup: Unpolished U.S. advances". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  28. ^ D'Hippolito, Joseph (January 22, 2007). "Bradley debuts with a win over Denmark". USA Today. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  29. ^ Arroyave, Luis (February 9, 2007). "For U.S., no handshakes—or respect—from Mexicans". The Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
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  31. ^ Ulman, Howard (June 13, 2007). "Beasley scores two as U.S. defeats El Salvador 4–0". USA Today. Associated Press. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  32. ^ "U.S. to meet Canada in Gold Cup semis". Reuters. June 16, 2007. Archived from the original on August 10, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  33. ^ Irving, Duncan (June 22, 2007). "Controversy follows United States into Gold Cup Final". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  34. ^ Dodd, Mike (June 25, 2007). "U.S. continues dominance vs. Mexico in Gold Cup final". USA Today. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  35. ^ Jones, Grahame L. (June 16, 2008). "Barbados is no match for the U.S. in 8–0 loss". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  36. ^ Dure, Beau (October 11, 2008). "USA crushes Cuba, advances in World Cup qualifying". USA Today. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  37. ^ Bell, Jack; Das, Andrew (June 3, 2009). "World Cup Qualifying: Costa Rica 3, U.S. 1". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  38. ^ Hersh, Philip (June 7, 2009). "U.S. beats Honduras in World Cup qualifier 2–1". The Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  39. ^ Dampf, Andrew (June 15, 2009). "Italy rallies to beat U.S. 3–1 at Confederations Cup". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  40. ^ Longman, Jeré (June 29, 2009). "More assertive Donovan drives U.S. dreams". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  41. ^ Longman, Jeré (October 11, 2009). "U.S. advances to 2010 World Cup". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  42. ^ Ingle, Sean (June 18, 2010). "Landon Donovan leads USA fightback against Slovenia". The Guardian. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  43. ^ Longman, Jeré (June 23, 2010). "Desperate hope, dramatic ending for U.S." The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  44. ^ "USA 1 Ghana 2: Landon Donovan says the Americans were naive after their World Cup 2010 exit". The Daily Telegraph. June 26, 2010. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  45. ^ Araton, Harvey (June 26, 2011). "In an early 2–0 hole, Mexico storms back to win the Gold Cup". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  46. ^ "Landon Donovan's hat trick leads USA past Scotland 5–1". USA Today. May 27, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  47. ^ Zeigler, Mark (July 5, 2013). "Landon's back: 2 goals in 6–0 US win at Q". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
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  49. ^ "U.S. advances to Gold Cup quarters after beating Cuba". USA Today. Associated Press. July 13, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
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  51. ^ Baxter, Kevin (July 25, 2013). "Donovan nets game-winner in 3–1 victory". The Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  52. ^ Baxter, Kevin (September 11, 2013). "Americans punch ticket to World Cup". The Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 20, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2016.

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