USA vs Ecuador {R}

[BrooklynRed]

USA dominated Ecuador 3-1 today, with the much-maligned Landon Donovan scoring a hat-trick on three world class finishes. After scoring in the first minute on a one-time left-footed shot outside the box from a poor clearance by the Ecuadorian defense, Ecuador's Felipe Calcedo drew the visitors level on a stumbling goal that went in off of Tim Howard's deflection. In the second half, Donovan scored two goals within a minute, the first when a perfectly weighted, one-touch pass at midfield from Brian Ching found Donovan off to the races and he completed his 40 yard run by slotting home calmly to the far corner. The second goal, a mere minute later, came when DaMarcus Beasley sent the ball from the left wing across the top of the box and Donovan thrashed it on a first-touch strike just outside the box and into the top right corner of the net.

A great performance by Donovan, who takes constant stick for his failures in the Bundesliga and his absolute CRAP World Cup in '06. He was starting as Captain today for the first time, and if this is what the Donovan Captaincy brings, more please. I think perhaps interim manager Bob Bradley has found a motivational tool for Donovan and that he may begin to take the international game seriously. He dominated this match today, almost single-handedly.

Anyway. News from the land of Hicks and Gillett, for those interested.

[Matt]

USA dominated Ecuador 3-1 today, with the much-maligned Landon Donovan scoring a hat-trick on three world class finishes. After scoring in the first minute on a one-time left-footed shot outside the box from a poor clearance by the Ecuadorian defense, Ecuador's Felipe Calcedo drew the visitors level on a stumbling goal that went in off of Tim Howard's deflection. In the second half, Donovan scored two goals within a minute, the first when a perfectly weighted, one-touch pass at midfield from Brian Ching found Donovan off to the races and he completed his 40 yard run by slotting home calmly to the far corner. The second goal, a mere minute later, came when DaMarcus Beasley sent the ball from the left wing across the top of the box and Donovan thrashed it on a first-touch strike just outside the box and into the top right corner of the net.

A great performance by Donovan, who takes constant stick for his failures in the Bundesliga and his absolute CRAP World Cup in '06. He was starting as Captain today for the first time, and if this is what the Donovan Captaincy brings, more please. I think perhaps interim manager Bob Bradley has found a motivational tool for Donovan and that he may begin to take the international game seriously. He dominated this match today, almost single-handedly.

Anyway. News from the land of Hicks and Gillett, for those interested.

USA always seem to be a good bet at home. Shame I wasted my cash on England

[JohnnyLambert]

He's a ver good player doesn't get the credit he deserves.

I remember blue****e being in for him after 2002 World Cup.

Wouldn't mind him at all for us, MLS has some really good players and is underrated!!

[Rich]

He bombed big time while at Leverkusen

[TartanTerror]

I wonder how much his recent performance has to do with Beckham coming to America? Maybe he is feeling the pressure to prove himself?

[USA-LFCgirl]

I wouldn't want Donovan at Liverpool, he's the type of player who only plays when he feels like it and has no personal ambition. Anyway that being said he did do a good job for the USA on Sunday.

[Matt]

He's a ver good player doesn't get the credit he deserves.

I remember blue****e being in for him after 2002 World Cup.

Wouldn't mind him at all for us, MLS has some really good players and is underrated!!

You can't be serious mate. Donovan is ok but from what I can tell he's been ferried between the MLS and the Bundesliga for years without ever doing that much.

If he came to England I'd expect him to end up somewhere like Wigan.

[Ron_Mexico]

You can't be serious mate. Donovan is ok but from what I can tell he's been ferried between the MLS and the Bundesliga for years without ever doing that much.

If he came to England I'd expect him to end up somewhere like Wigan.

Donovan is not even good enough for the championship let alone Liverpool. His move back to the MLS from the Bundesliga is telling, he's found his level