USA vs. Ecuador: Landon Donovan gets his sendoff, USMNT draws

(via @6secondsavage)

Not long afterwards, the United States were forced into an early change due to an injury. Joe Gyau hurt his knee trying to make a cut, and was replaced by Bobby Wood in the 21st minute.

The plan was to give Donovan 30 minutes, but Jurgen Klinsmann left him in a bit long in an attempt to find him a goal before he exited. He went close on three occasions -- with his best effort hitting the post in the 25th minute -- but couldn’t find the back of the net despite all of his teammates’ efforts to set him up. In the 40th minute, he was substituted to a standing ovation.

Donovan was left off the World Cup squad due to a combination of diminished form running up to the tournament and a serious difference of personality with manager Jurgen Klinsmann. But when U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati came up with the idea of giving Donovan a testimonial, Klinsmann didn’t object, and we’re glad he didn’t. This was really cool.

The 32-year-old ends his national team career with 157 appearances, second all-time. His 57 goals are a national team record, and it’s very possible that it’s not touched for a long time. Clint Dempsey has 39, while Jozy Altidore has 23.

Key player - Landon Donovan (USA)

Let’s be honest, there’s not a key player in a match that means absolutely nothing. Friday is all about Donovan as he will no doubt get a huge ovation from the crowd both at the opening of the match and when he’s subbed out something during he first half. Hopefully it’s a positive experience, because no matter how you feel about the midfielder, he’s left a mark on U.S. Soccer.