Monday, June 28, 2010

Donovan's Success in the EPL Means the Opposite for the MLS

Landon Donovan, one of the MLS's most prized players, has hit it off with Everton across the Pond.

So far his play has been exceptional with two starts in two games.

Twelve minutes into Landon's debut game against the Arsenal Gunners, he provided the team with an assist and his pace has constantly caused problems for his opponents, a large part of why the team brought Donovan on.

"It's going to be a great 10 weeks for him, and he's going to get really good experience playing in some big games. Everton have some injuries, so it's worked out that Landon can play straight away." -Reyna (Goal.com)

It is great for American soccer when Americans can have success in Europe.

But when the MLS relies so heavily on one player and one team and those players end up leaving, what will happen?

Who will become the league's poster child when Landon decides it's time for a permanent change?

Without Donovan the league is without a distinctive face because no player has done more for the league than Donovan, and with an ending contract in teammate David Beckham, this could be dire straights for, not only the Galaxy, but the MLS as a whole.

These will be the tell-tale days for the league.

Is the MLS a feeder league or a legitimate B-level organization?

Donovan should do what is best for him and that is staying in England to show the world that there are quality players in America.

I just hope the league will be able to recover when he leaves.

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