Landon Donovan, Crew Stadium: U.S. icons bid farewell to each other

Columbus Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter, a former U.S. soccer teammate of Landon Donovan's, honored Donovan in a touching ceremony at storied Crew Stadium.

Brian Straus | Aug 17, 2014

Landon Donovan, Crew Stadium: U.S. icons bid farewell to each other /

Gregg Berhalter wanted Landon Donovan honored, and he wanted him honored the right way.

Most coaches presiding over a team on the playoff bubble, one that’s just started to pull itself out of a three-month slump, would slam the door on a staffer inquiring about the contents of a stadium video presentation. Berhalter, the first-year Columbus coach who’s developing a reputation for acute attention to detail, felt differently.

Landon Donovan's impact reaches well beyond the playing field

He asked to listen to the music selected to accompany the Crew’s video salute to Donovan and found it wanting. He desired a more moving piece, one that would reflect the gravitas of the occasion. His former teammate’s final visit to Columbus was a big deal and Berhalter wanted Saturday’s ceremony -- which was his idea to begin with -- to set the standard for a player who did the same.

The manager also paid close attention to the gift given by the club. There were multiple conversations with multiple members of the Crew’s front office before they decided on a frame featuring a photo, a list of Donovan’s senior appearances at Crew Stadium and a piece of the net into which he scored his final international goal. It came last September in the 2-0 win over Mexico that sealedthe U.S. national team’s spot at the World Cup, and it punctuated one of his many memorable appearances in Central Ohio.

That mattered to Berhalter, who now is trying to build the Crew into a club whose cache might someday rival the L.A. Galaxy’s. Columbus doesn’t yet have the star power, either on its roster or above its outgoing crest, but it does have the stadium. Crew Stadium is pretty historic for a building that went up only 15 years ago, and it means as much to soccer’s U.S. growth as the player who made it a home away from home.

“It’s almost a perfect storm because he’s been a teammate of mine and Frankie [Hejduk’s] and Josh [Wolff’s] for a long time. We got first crack at this, and we want to honor him in the right way. This is his first game in an away stadium since he announced his retirement,” Berhalter told SI.com before the ceremony. “Landon might not be that comfortable with it, but it’s the right thing to do.”

Indeed, Donovan wasn’t entirely comfortable with it, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t appreciative and moved. The all-time leading scorer in U.S. and MLS history -- still only 32 but a pro for nearly half his life -- revealed on Aug. 7 that he’d had his fill. He did so publicly for his own peace of mind. The announcement was a pledge that might help him refocus and revel in the final few months of his final season. It was not designed to set up a farewell tour. Donovan has shied from the spotlight over the past couple of weeks and during the buildup to Saturday’s game, he agreed only to a short video interview, requested by Columbus, during which he discussed his Crew Stadium memories.

His favorites were two legendary “Dos a Ceros." There was the 2001 triumph over Mexico, in which a 19-year-old Donovan remained on the bench, that established a long-sought and effective home-field advantage for the national team.

“Some of us had played in big games around the world and experienced that [atmosphere], but we'd never experienced that at home. So to have that was really incredible,” he said.

Then there was last September’s qualifier, which capped a summer during which Donovan recaptured his international form.

Columbus crucial again as U.S. qualifies for 2014 World Cup

In between, there were two more wins over Mexico, a tying goal in the 2001 MLS Cup final (his first title with San Jose), the 2005 All-Star win over Fulham -- the league’s first over a European opponent -- and more. Donovan played for the U-17 national team at Crew Stadium. He scored five MLS playoff goals there and captained his country in a World Cup qualifier.

Beyond StubHub Center, there is no field where American soccer’s first mainstream male made more of a mark. And there arguably is no field that symbolizes the ascent of American soccer more than Crew Stadium’s. It was the national team’s first fortress, and it set the stage for the construction boom that has fueled MLS’s rapid growth.

Berhalter nailed it. His presentation poignantly celebrated that intersection and Donovan -- perhaps reluctant to distract himself or his team -- was moved to tears. He applauded the crowd, rested his head on Berhalter’s shoulder at one point, hugged a bowing Hejduk and then sprinted back toward his teammates, hoping to get his game on. L.A. coach Bruce Arena joked a couple hours later, after the Crew administered a 4-1 beating, that he “blame[d] the entire game on the pregame ceremonies.” He was kidding. Paced by midfielders Justin Meram and Tony Tchani and playmaker Federico Higuaín, Columbus was ruthless and unbeatable, at least for one night.

But the ceremony did leave an impression.

“It was incredible. I don’t know how many of you were here when the stadium was first built, but this became the home of soccer for many, many years,” Donovan said afterward. “I can’t imagine there’s another stadium I’ve played in more throughout the league and [I have] a lot of very, very good memories here. So, I was very appreciative of them doing that. They certainly didn’t have to and I give them a lot of credit and a lot of respect, to Gregg and the whole Crew organization.”

Donovan still has trips to Colorado, Montreal, San Jose, Dallas and Seattle on the regular season schedule. The Earthquakes jump out as the team most likely to honor Donovan in similar fashion. But whether anyone at the club has Berhalter’s zeal and sense of history, or whether San Jose fans have stronger feelings about Donovan’s contribution to two titles or his 2005 departure, remains unknown. When the Galaxy honor Donovan, it’ll be about what he meant to L.A. When the Crew honored him Saturday, it was about how a player and a stadium changed the game.

“There’s no question he’s been the face of U.S. soccer for the last decade. He was driving this thing …. There was obviously the [1999] Women’s World Cup and Mia [Hamm], and Landon was the next face. He’s a guy that a lot of young kids could identify with. The soccer movement in America can identify with him,” Berhalter said. “When you tie Crew Stadium into it, this is the place where we play our toughest game. The most important qualifier every qualifying stage is here. This is a place with deep-rooted soccer ties and people flock from all over to see that game.”

Crew Stadium’s past, and Crew chairman Anthony Precourt’s vision for the future, helped entice Berhalter to Columbus.

“We can take it from what it is now and we can make it even better. We can tie even closer to the community,” Berhalter said.

In rising above detractors, Landon Donovan sealed his legacy

That’s what Donovan and Crew Stadium have in common. The player has had his detractors, but it’s hard to argue that his day-in, day-out presence on North American fields and in front of North American fans didn’t have a lasting impact on the sport. He brought fans out to either cheer or jeer. He bet on MLS. Several Columbus players went as far as to suggest that Donovan helped save the league.

“He's really brought the level of MLS and U.S. soccer to somewhere it's never been before. For a long time, he was doing it single-handedly,” Crew captain Michael Parkhurst said.

“This league probably would have folded if he might have gone to Europe. He kept it, and it's a testament to him how big the league's become,” Meram said.

Naturally, there are fans who will have more nuanced opinions. A group in Crew Stadium’s supporters’ section, the Nordecke, unfurled a banner featuring Jurgen Klinsmann’s face toward the end of Saturday’s match, apparently mocking Donovan for his absence from the 2014 World Cup. Others will bristle at the thought of honoring a member of the opposition. There are those who might denigrate Crew Stadium as well. It’s still relatively bare bones, even as Precourt tries to dress it up a bit. It’s located in a small asphalt wasteland.

But Saturday night’s carefully crafted ceremony seemed wholly appropriate. It was a reminder that, for as young as U.S. soccer still feels sometimes, it’s starting to develop some history. There have been men and moments of meaning. No matter how one feels about Donovan or the Crew, that’s a development worth a coach’s attention.

Landon Donovan Classic Photos

Landon Donovan

A former dare-to-dream-big kid who has matured into the most decorated male player to ever don the United States uniform, Landon Donovan has been a mainstay in American soccer for over a decade. Now back on U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann's radar after a personal hiatus, Donovan is trying to help lead the U.S. to a berth in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Here are some classic photos of Donovan.

Landon Donovan

Donovan and Julio Bracamontes of Mexico battle during the quarterfinals of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand. The U.S. defeated Mexico 3-2.

Landon Donovan

Donovan standing in front of the Bayer pharmaceutical plant in Cologne, Germany. He had a brief stint with German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

Landon Donovan

Donovan, right, runs through an agility drill at a practice session in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.

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Donovan during a quiet moment with Bayer Leverkusen.

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Donovan hits out of a bunker while playing a round of golf in Adelaide, Australia, on an off-day before playing Japan in one of the quarterfinal matches of the Olympics.

Landon Donovan

To honor U.S. Women's National Team member Brandi Chastain -- who famously took off her shirt after winning the 1999 World Cup on a penalty kick -- Donovan pulled off his jersey to reveal a sports bra after he scored during the MLS All-Star Game in San Jose.

Landon Donovan

Donovan gets off a shot as James Lawrence arrives too late to stop it during a 2002 World Cup qualifier against Jamaica.

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Donovan, then with the San Jose Earthquakes, hoists the MLS Cup trophy after defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Donovan scored the Earthquakes' first goal in the 43rd minute.

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Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley pass the ball in a stretching drill at the Misari Football Center in Seoul, Korea.

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Donovan autographs a USA team jersey for U.S. Army SPC 4 Jesus Medina of Houston during the team's visit to the demilitarized zone in Panmunjom, South Korea. The U.S. soccer squad faced Portugal, South Korea and Poland in the first round of the 2002 FIFA Korea-Japan World Cup.

Landon Donovan

Donovan records teammate DaMarcus Beasley during the national team's visit to the demilitarized zone.

Landon Donovan

Petit of Portugal holds back Donovan during the second half of the their Group D match played in South Korea. The U.S. won 3-2.

Landon Donovan

Donovan celebrates following his 65th-minute goal during second-round playoff action against Mexico in the 2002 World Cup. The U.S. won 2-0.

Landon Donovan

A disgusted Donovan reacts after barely missing out on a goal against Germany in a quarterfinal of the 2002 World Cup. The Germans defeated the U.S. 1-0.

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Donovan on the cover of Sports Illustrated as the national team began play in the 2002 World Cup.

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Donovan during the 2002 ESPY Awards with Bianca Kajlich at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. The two were married from 2006-2010.

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Turkish defender Fatih Sonkaya and Donovan vie for the ball during their Confederations Cup match in Saint-Etienne, France.

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Donovan played his fourth and last season with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2004. He made 87 appearances for them and scored 32 goals.

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Donovan poses in Manhattan Beach, Calif., during a photo shoot with SI.

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Donovan in action vs. Mexico during a 2006 World Cup qualifier.

Landon Donovan

Donovan runs off the field holding an American flag after the U.S. defeated Mexico to advance to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

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Donovan with teammates Oguchi Onyewu (top, left), Bobby Convey (top, right), and DaMarcus Beasley.

Landon Donovan

Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Oguchi Onyewu and Bobby Convey on the cover of Sports Illustrated prior to the 2006 World Cup.

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Ghana's Liliasu Shilla battles with Donovan during a Group E game. The U.S. lost 2-1 to Ghana, lost 3-0 to the Czech Republic and finished in a 1-1 draw with eventual champion Italy.

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A disappointed Donovan after the U.S. was eliminated from the 2006 World Cup after its third game.

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Frankie Hejduk and Donovan parade around the field with the Gold Cup after the U.S. defeated Mexico in the final of the 2007 CONCACAF at sold out Soldier Field in Chicago.

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Donovan receives a kiss from his mother, Donna Kenney-Cash, after winning the Honda Player of the Year Award.

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Donovan clashes with the goalkeeper during a U.S. match with Cuba.

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Donovan heads the ball against Mexico during a 2010 World Cup qualifying match at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The U.S. won, 2-0.

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A Donovan assist on a goal by teammate Jozy Altidore led to this reaction during a 2010 World Cup qualifying match against Trinidad and Tobago at LP Field in Nashville.

Landon Donovan

David Beckham and Donovan celebrate the latter's goal against the Houston Dynamo during the 2009 MLS Western Conference Championship game at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 2-0.

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English Premier League side Everton acquired Donovan on a two-and-a-half-month loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2010.

Landon Donovan

Donovan made an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, where the host had fun with a magazine spread in which Donovan was wearing patriotic underwear.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (far left), New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and Donovan helped launch a new razor with a ceremonial first shave in New York.

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Donovan during an SI For Kids photo shoot.

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Donovan poses during an SI photo shoot.

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Donovan poses with Clint Dempsey (left) and Tim Howard on the cover of Sports Illustrated prior to the start of the 2010 World Cup.

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Donovan shoots and scores past Slovenia's goalkeeper Samir Handanovic and defender Marko Suler during their Group C first-round match at the 2010 World Cup.

Landon Donovan

Donovan celebrates with U.S. midfielder Clint Dempsey after scoring during their 2010 FIFA World Cup group stage match vs. Slovenia at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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Donovan jumps over the goalkeeper in the U.S. final group stage game against Algeria at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Landon Donovan

Donovan scores the winning goal in the 91st minute as the U.S. defeats Algeria, 1-0. Needing a win to advance, the goal secured the U.S. as winners of Group C and advanced it to the Round of 16.

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Donovan dives toward the corner flag, where teammates Stuart Holden (left) and Clarence Goodson celebrate after Donovan's stoppage-time goal propelled the United States to the knockout stage of the 2010 World Cup.

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Donovan arrives for the Round of 16 World Cup match against Ghana at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa. The U.S. would go on to lose 2-1 in overtime.

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Donovan and David Letterman take turns trying to kick a ball into the open window of a taxi outside the Ed Sullivan Theater for "The Late Show With David Letterman".

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Donovan throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles.

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Actor Mark Wahlberg shakes hands with Donovan at the 2010 ESPY Awards.

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Danica Patrick and Donovan at the 2010 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles.

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Donovan and Serena Williams attend a Super Bowl Weekend kickoff party in Dallas.

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Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant (far left), Donovan, actor David Henrie, and former NBA player Chris Webber attend the Cartoon Network Hall of Game Awards held at The Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, Calif.

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Lionel Messi of Argentina dribbles between Donovan and Michael Bradley during the first half of a friendly at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

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Donovan greets a line of kids as he leads the L.A. Galaxy onto the field for ceremonies before their game with Chivas USA.

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Donovan jumps into the arms of a teammate after scoring against Mexico in the first half of the CONCACAF Gold Cup final in Pasadena, Calif.

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Donovan loosens up during a training session ahead of the MLS Cup.

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Indonesian students listen to Donovan during a soccer clinic in Jakarta. The L.A. Galaxy visited Indonesia as part of their Asia tour.

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Everton Manager David Moyes gives instructions to Donovan during a FA Cup fourth-round match between Everton and Fulham at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England.

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Donovan watches the Los Angeles Kings and the St. Louis Blues in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

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Donovan and James Riley of Chivas USA vie for the ball in the Chivas 18-yard box during an MLS match won by Chivas, 1-0.

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Scottish midfielder Scott Brown steals the ball away from Donovan during the U.S.' 5-1 victory over Scotland in a friendly at Everbank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.

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Referee Silvia Reyes gets between Donovan and Toronto FC's Darren O'Dea after O'Dea tripped Donovan during an MLS match. The LA Galaxy defeated Toronto 4-2.

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Donovan reacts after scoring on a penalty kick in the second half against the Houston Dynamo in the 2012 MLS Cup. The Los Angeles Galaxy won 3-1.

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Donovan kisses the MLS Cup after winning the 2012 title against the Houston Dynamo at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

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Donovan poses for a photo during "Soccer Night In Newtown" at the Newtown Youth Academy Sports & Fitness Center in Connecticut.

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President Barack Obama holds a soccer ball as he poses with Donovan during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. The ceremony was held to honor Los Angeles' 2012 MLS Cup victory.

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Donovan attempts a back-heeled shot against Woodrow West of Belize during the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup in Portland, Ore. Donovan finished with a goal and two assists -- becoming the first U.S. player to record both 50 goals and 50 assists for his career -- as the U.S. won easily, 6-1.

Landon Donovan

Donovan celebrates after scoring a goal against El Salvador during 5-1 victory over El Salvador in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal in Baltimore.

Published Aug 17, 2014

BRIAN STRAUS

A lifelong soccer player, coach and fan, Brian Straus joined SI in 2013 after covering the sport for The Washington Post, AOL and Sporting News.