COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Landon Donovan may have been displeased with his team's performance in the LA Galaxy's 4-1 loss to the Columbus Crew, but he was all smiles about the Crew's ceremony honoring the attacker prior to the match.
Flanked by Crew owner Andrew Percourt as well as former teammates Frankie Hejduk and Gregg Berhalter, Donovan appeared noticeably moved by the ceremony that included a video highlight reel of all of his goals at Crew Stadium and the presentation of a framed piece of the north net where the Galaxy midfielder scored the second goal in the USMNT's 2-0 victory over Mexico last September.
Despite a frustrating showing by the Galaxy, Donovan was moved by the honor.
"It was incredible. I don't know how many of you [reporters] were here when [Crew Stadium] was first built, but this became the home of soccer [in America] for many years. I have memories here for the U-17 national team, many games with the national teams as well as with the Quakes and the Galaxy against the Crew. I can't imagine another stadium that I've played in more throughout the league.
"I have a lot of very good memories here and I was very appreciative of them doing that. They certainly didn't have to and I certainly have a lot of respect for the Gregg [Berhalter] and the Crew organization."
But for all the kind words from Donovan, Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena provided one of his trademark deadpan answers when asked if the ceremony was a distraction for the Galaxy.
"I would blame the entire game on the pregame ceremonies," Arena joked before going on.
"I think it is very nice. Landon has had a great career and to be recognized in these markets we go into, it is tremendous," he added. "Hopefully, the results don’t all end up like they did tonight, but It was a tremendous gesture on behalf of the Crew. We are very grateful for that."
The ceremony honoring Donovan can be viewed in its entirety is below.
