Landon Donovan’s 2013 Gold Cup Performance Will Make or Break His U.S. Men’s National Team Future


Landon Donovan Sub

Matt Stamey – USATODAY Sports

Landon Donovan was left off the 2014 World Cup June qualifying U.S. Men’s National Team roster, and many thought he should have been. However, USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann did not, but it seems like he has a good plan. The 2013 Gold Cup group play and potential games leading up to the championship will allow Klinsmann to evaluate how Donovan is playing.

If you don’t remember, Donovan took a break from soccer after the 2012 MLS season and returned to the game back in March. Since then, he has returned to fitness and been effective in the Los Angeles Galaxy‘s midfield. Grant Wahl tweeted earlier this week that Donovan and Philadelphia Union striker Jack McInerney were going to be called-up, and they officially were on Thursday.

This call-up for Donovan will give him an opportunity to show Klinsmann that he belongs on the USMNT World Cup qualifying and eventual 2014 World Cup roster. If Donovan plays well, it would be reasonable to see him return to USMNT’s World Cup roster. On the other hand, if Donovan doesn’t rise up to the occasion, then he may not find anymore time on the roster once Gold Cup play ends.

Donovan is hungry to prove his worth, and his play will directly dictate whether or not he finds more time on the USMNT roster. The pressure is on him to show he can still dominate in international play and be a star once again for the United States. Klinsmann and soccer fans will be watching Donovan closely to see whether he shows up or not.

Phil Naegely is a sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Like him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @pnaegelyRS and add him to your circles on Google.


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