A week after tying the MLS all-time assist record, Landon Donovan set the new one. Donovan setup Robbie Keane’s second goal during the LA Galaxy‘s 3-0 win over Toronto FC, his 136th assist in MLS.
“To be honest, it wasn’t on my radar until the last month or so. It wasn’t overly realistic in my mind, but when the team plays like this it was just natural, and it seems like every time we get a chance, guys are either close to scoring or they’re scoring, so for me it’s been easy. My job is just to put the ball in a good spot. And with players like we have, it makes it easy.”
“It’s an unbelievable achievement,” Keane said of Donovan setting the assist record. “To have the goal and assist record and not have to worry about it, it’s an incredible achievement. He certainly deserves it. He’s a player that can help the team.”
Donovan will join the USMNT for the Oct 10 friendly against Ecuador in Hartford, Connecticut. With Donovan retiring at the end of the 2014 MLS season, the game will serve as his sendoff from the USMNT. Donovan is the all-time leading scorer for the USMNT with 57 goals in 156 games.
“If he’s happy, I’m happy. That’s really for Landon to discuss,” LA Galaxy coach and former USMNT coach Bruce Arena said of Donovan playing a final game with the National Team. “I think it’s a wonderful gesture by U.S. Soccer. Landon has earned that opportunity. I hope it turns out to be a great experience.”