A selection of the best images from Landon Donovan’s farewell match for the US men’s national team against Ecuador.
The US national team were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Ecuador in Landon Donovan’s farewell match, as an 88th-minute screamer from West Ham United striker Enner Valencia cancelled out Mix Diskerud’s fifth-minute opener.
Having announced in August that he will retire from all forms of the game at the end of the 2014 MLS season, Donovan captained the side for the first 40 minutes before coming off for midfielder Joe Corona to a standing ovation, bringing down the curtain on a career which produced a record 57 goals and 58 assists in 157 appearances since his October 2000 debut.
The three-time World Cup veteran even came oh-so close to capping his send-off with a much-deserved goal when strike-partner Jozy Altidore put him clear through with a back-heel in the 25th-minute, only for his well-placed shot to ding off the post.
The most recognisable name to ever don the stars and stripes, no one quite resonates with American fans like Donovan, with the reception which greeted him at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut, on the night a clear sign of his standing.
‘It was beyond my wildest dreams, for sure,’ said Donovan after the match. ‘As a human being, to feel that kind of love and support was incredible.
‘I’ve put a lot into this game for many years and tonight feels like it was all worth it, and so I’m very grateful.’
There were a fair share of memorable images to come out of the match, which will no doubt be circulated over the coming days, weeks, months and even years given the occasion, with the following a selection of the best.
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