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Everton fans love them some Landon Donovan

Daily_soccer_fix_crest_tiny by Steve Davis on

Spotted at the official Everton fan shop, just down the lane from Goodison Park. They do love this Yank

LIVERPOOL, England – By the time Landon Donovan was done at Goodison Park on Sunday, I was fairly sure Everton officials were about to rename the stadium after the guy.

Our little soccer party moved up north from London into the land of the Beatles and Liverpool FC. The northern port city is also home to Everton, which gets short shrift in terms of fan attention in the city. (I told one local that I had gone to Goodison Park the day before. “Ah. To atone for your sins, eh?”)  

But they do love them some Landon Donovan around the old and somewhat dank Goodison grounds.

Even for a cynical journalist – “That glass is half empty, I tell ya!” – seeing the affection for Landon Donovan was moving. I know it’s a little late, and you may have heard the tale of Sunday’s appearance at Goodison, so I’ll be brief.

As they announced the subs prior to kickoff, the round of applause for Donovan was louder than it was for some of the starters. As he came on late, the cheers were loud and surely earnest. As he blazed a ball into the hapless Hull City goal, the place came apart.

Then came the chants. “USA! … USA … “

It happened again as he set up Everton’s final goal in the 5-1 win. And then at the final whistle, as he took a short little walk to clap for the fans, the “USA! … USA! … “ chant rang anew.

Remember, these aren’t just Everton fans. Presumably, they are England fans, too. And this same “USA!” will meet England on June 12.  It’s been in all the papers, so they all know.

Such is the affection for a guy who earned the admiration and respect quite quickly, not only by fans but by teammates, too. None of them had a bad word to say, and all talked of hopeful efforts to keep the American attacker around Goodison a little while longer.

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I too hope

Donovan can stay with Everton until the WC. Now I’ll own up to my bias as a Sounders fan and admit that keeping him out of the Galaxy line-up aids my team’s prospects. But it seems that as Landon goes, so goes the MNT. I’d love to see Donovan arrive in South Africa fully confident that he can go toe-to-toe with the world’s best.

Thanks for the dispatches from England Steve. I’ve been living vicariously through your reports the last few days. It seems as though the worm has really turned with Americans in the EPL. Clubs and managers appear to me to be evaluating our boys on their abilities alone, rather than the preconceived notions that crop up in the other top Continental leagues.

by 108Ultra on Mar 10, 2010 10:36 PM EST reply actions  

Perceptions changed about Donovan because he's good

and still going to be kicking some seatle ass this year.

by Cool Dudes on Mar 13, 2010 2:37 AM EST up reply actions  

Good for Landon

I hope he can carry his current form deep into the World Cup.

Remember kid, there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die, follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong. - The Babe, The Sandlot

by Celtic on Mar 10, 2010 11:54 PM EST reply actions  

Wow that is awesome

Very cool that the Toffees fans have embraced him so whole-heartedly.

So I’ve heard his loan has been extended to another game? Then possibly longer if MLS doesn’t settle the labor disputes?

Thanks again Steve for all of your trip updates, I already had a desire to make the trip across the pond to catch me some real live football, but after these excerpts, I might have to do it sooner than expected.

by I need more Esteban on Mar 11, 2010 8:56 AM EST reply actions  

Landycakes

It’s been great to see Landon do well at Everton.

I hope he can extend his loan through the season’s end.

by Azzurri11 on Mar 11, 2010 10:42 AM EST reply actions  

Great Article

Props to Everton for opening their hearts to an American… it’s something we are not used to seeing too often when our boys go abroad.

You can change your job, you can change your wife, you can even change your gender, but you can never change your club.
Win or lose, we will always be here for you.
Fear no foe, wherever we go.

by johnjahafanclub on Mar 11, 2010 11:02 AM EST reply actions  

He should stay permanently

Landon has done everything there is to do here domestically. Now is his time to succeed in Europe.

Both Everton and Fulham have been accepting of Americans for a good while now. A good pair of middle-rung clubs for Americans to go and contribute.

Chad the Ref

by Chad the Ref on Mar 11, 2010 12:11 PM EST reply actions  

He's done

now isn’t he? Have they extended the loan period at all?

by rudi on Mar 12, 2010 9:42 AM EST reply actions  

I'm betting he stays

Labor dispute will keep him there.

Chad the Ref

by Chad the Ref on Mar 12, 2010 10:32 AM EST reply actions  

landon

It is great to see that an American player can keep up with the best of the English Premier League, undoubtedly one of the best leagues in the world. Even though Donovan didn’t score until his last home game, throughout the season he was always a contributor to the Everton team. The fact that he was able to win the respect of his teammates and also the fans of England in such a short amount of time shows how passionate of a player and person Donovan is. Everton would be crazy to fail to bring back this player for another season.

by golindoorsoccer on Mar 15, 2010 2:25 PM EDT reply actions  

We'll see if they get the chance.

Given what Donovan did at Everton, and especially if he has a good showing in South Africa, Donovan’s price range might be climbing into a higher bracket.

by Nate on Mar 15, 2010 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

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