CARSON, Calif. (Wednesday, August 28, 2013) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has signed forward Landon Donovan to a multi-year contract extension that will see him remain a member of the Galaxy for the foreseeable future. The club’s all-time leading goal scorer with 99 goals in 210 games in a Galaxy shirt since joining the club in 2005, Donovan now has 131 goals in his 13-year MLS career, leaving him three goals away from tying the all-time record for goals scored in MLS. In addition to closing in on the MLS regular season scoring record, Donovan, who is already the league’s all-time leader in postseason goals, is the only player to score more than 150 goals combined in MLS regular season and postseason play.
“I'm thrilled to continue my career here with the LA Galaxy,” said Donovan. “This organization has always treated me with the utmost respect and I feel truly blessed that I am able to continue playing here. The opportunity to play with the team I love and work to win championships, in front of wonderful fans while also being close to my family is literally a dream come true.”
A four-time Galaxy Most Valuable Player and the club’s top goal scorer in six of the previous eight seasons, Donovan scored the game-winning goal in MLS Cup in each of the last two years, helping the Galaxy win back-to-back championships for the first time in club history.
"We are pleased that Landon has re-signed with the Galaxy,” said Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. “He is the best player in the history of the game in our country. This signing is instrumental toward our commitment to build a team that can compete for championships year-in and year-out. We look forward to Landon's continued leadership and excellent play as a member of the LA Galaxy.”
One of the most accomplished players in MLS history, Donovan is one of three players to have won MLS Cup five times, winning with San Jose in 2001 and 2003 before adding three more championships, in 2005, 2011 and 2012 in his nine seasons with the Galaxy. The 31-year-old has also been selected to the MLS All-Star Team in each of his 13 seasons in MLS and has been named to the league’s Best XI six times, tying the record for the most berths on the league’s end of the year all-league team while also being selected as the MLS MVP in 2009.
“Few players have meant more to this league and this club than Landon Donovan,” said Galaxy President Chris Klein. “Landon has been a major factor in the growth and sustainability of Major League Soccer and we’re thrilled that he will continue to wear a Galaxy shirt for years to come. Keeping Landon was a major focus for our club and reinforces our desire to acquire and retain the best players from the United States and abroad as we strive to be the premier club in North America.”
In addition to his club success, Donovan has also been a star on the international scene for the U.S. National Team. The all-time leader in goals (56) and assists (56) with the National Team, Donovan has been capped 151 times since making his international debut under Bruce Arena in 2000, making him one of just 12 players in the history of international soccer to collect more than 150 caps for his country. Now just 13 appearances away from matching Cobi Jones’ mark for the most appearances with the U.S. National Team, Donovan has scored seven goals and added seven assists in seven games for the U.S. this season, helping lead his country to the CONCACAF Gold Cup championship last month. A veteran of three World Cups, Donovan holds the U.S. record for World Cup appearances (12) and goals (5) and is looking to help his country qualify for their seventh consecutive World Cup in 2014.
Donovan and the Galaxy will be back at home on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. when they host the San Jose Earthquakes at StubHub Center. That match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. with the first 10,000 fans to enter the stadium receiving a Robbie Keane bobblehead, courtesy of The Flame Broiler. Tickets for this game, which is presented by The Flame Broiler, are on sale now by calling 877-3GALAXY (342-5299) or visiting www.lagalaxy.com/tickets.
To celebrate Donovan’s re-signing, the Galaxy will offer a pair of ticket offers for this weekend’s game as well as the club’s September 21 showdown with Seattle Sounders FC. For just $10, fans can go online to www.lagalaxy.com/tickets and purchase a berm ticket for Saturday night’s game against the rival San Jose Earthquakes. Fans can also purchase a sideline ticket for $35 with which they will also receive an autographed Landon Donovan player card.
The club is also offering a two-pack of tickets for $65 that includes sideline seats for Saturday’s game against San Jose as well as a rematch of the 2012 Western Conference Championship against Seattle Sounders FC at StubHub Center on Saturday, September 21. Fans who purchase this package will also receive an autographed Landon Donovan player card.
