Landon Donovan called up to U.S. National Team for 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup

Landon Donovan’s hiatus from the U.S. National Team has officially come to an end.

The LA Galaxy forward was named to the 23-man U.S. roster for next month’s 2013 Gold Cup on Thursday. The call-up ends a near year-long absence from the national team for Donovan’s as his last appearance came in a 1-0 victory at Mexico last August.

According to a press release by the LA Galaxy, Donovan will join up with the U.S. team on July 1 in San Diego ahead of their lone preparation match against Guatemala on July 5. Donovan will be vital to Klinsmann’s efforts for the continental championship as he leads the squad in appearances (28) and goals (13) in Gold Cup play. 

In a Q&A with the federation’s website, U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann noted that he was pleased to have the U.S. all-time leading goal scorer back in the fold as he looks to earn his way back to the full squad.

“When Landon came back in the end of March after the long break, he needed time to get back in a rhythm, get back in shape and work on his game again. I think now the process is on a good roll,” said Klinsmann. “He’s getting sharper every game and every week. We’ve watched his games and believe now is a good time to get him back into the National Team and give him the opportunity to prove his point.

“He knows that the group that played the World Cup Qualifiers is ahead of the curve and have a very strong position right now, and that he’s been observed by us and has to rebuild his case,” added Klinsman. “We have all respect for what he has done in the past, but sports are about the present and about the future, and that’s what we are building on. We are really happy to have him back in the group, and he has the opportunity now to show where he’s at.”

The complete roster is below.

GOALKEEPERS: Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS: Corey Ashe (Houston Dynamo), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Oguchi Onyewu (Malaga), Michael Orozco Fiscal (Puebla), Michael Parkhurst (FC Augsburg)

MIDFIELDERS: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Helsinborg), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Joshua Gatt (Molde FK), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jose Torres (Tigres)

FORWARDS: Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Club Tijuana), Jack McInerney (Philadelphia Union), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)