The Los Angeles Galaxy's Landon Donovan has been out for close to a month with a hamstring strain. The Galaxy captain suffered the injury in the USMNT's victory over Mexico in mid-August. Since then, Donovan has missed two CONCACAF Champions League games and a handful of MLS games. While L.A. have done well in his absence, it would be nice to have him back on the field for the end of the season. Donovan played for about 30 minutes in the Galaxy's Reserve League match on Sept. 10. Now, he is expected to make his return in the match against the Colorado Rapids on Sept. 14 at the Home Depot Center.
Donovan Stars in 4-0 Reserve League Victory Over Portland Timbers
It's kind of funny to think about Landon Donovan in a Reserve League match. After all, this was the first Reserve League game of his MLS career. After coming in for the last third of the game, Donovan quickly made his presence known. Andrew Boyens had scored in the first half. Yet, it only took three minutes for Donovan to make an impact on the game. The 30-year-old set up Pat Noonan for the team's second goal. A few minutes later, Noonan crossed the ball to Donovan who volleyed it home. Jack McBean finished things off with a goal in the 82nd minute. It's fitting that, with Donovan, L.A. posted their "biggest-ever win in the Reserve League."
Donovan's Progress
While the Galaxy captain played in the Reserve League match, he noted that he was "tired" and "out of shape." Still, he plans to be "ready" for Friday. In addition, as for his hamstring injury, he says there is a "fine line between it being ready enough to play on and not hurting it anymore." As much as I would like to see Donovan go the full 90 on Friday, I think there are more important games in our future. While I don't want to underestimate the Rapids, they have only won one out of their last five games. That win occurred on Sept. 5 against the Portland Timbers. I still hope to see Donovan on the field but perhaps he should only play half of the match. After all, a reinjured hamstring would be devastating.
It will be good to have our captain back.
Melissa Matters is a long time Los Angeles resident and devoted Los Angeles Galaxy fan.
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