Yanks in Europe: Landon Says Goodbye to Goodsion Park in Style

Up until the end of February, Landon Donovan's loan with Everton had been nothing but great performances, earning rave reviews from the press and warm ovations from the fans.  The last week and a half were a rough patch, with Landon battling some illness and missing a sitter against Tottenham that thrust him into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.  He made sure, though, that he ended his stint at Goodison Park in style today, turning in one more good game in front of the Toffees faithful.



Landon came on in the 70th minute with his side already leading comfortably by a score of 3-1.  He entered the match to a chorus of "USA! USA!" chants and applause, and it wasn't long before he repaid that support on the field.  In the 82nd minute, a cross from the far wing came all the way through the box to Donovan at the far post.  Unmarked at the edge of the six yard box, he made amends for his miss last weekend by smashing a half-volley into the far side netting for his second goal in an Everton uniform.

As if that wasn't a fitting enough ending for his time in front of the home fans, Landon added an assist just a few minutes later.  He unselfishly passed up a shot inside the 18 and laid off a one-touch pass to Jack Rodwell, who finished to cap off the blow out.  The match finished 5-1 in favor of the hosts, with Donovan taking a lap around Goodison Park after the match to thank the supporters.  He'll play one more away match under David Moyes next weekend before his loan expires, though MLS labor issues could very well mean that today's match wasn't his last home game with Everton.  Either way, it was a great way to bounce back after a rough week and an even better way to thank the fans that have been so quick to embrace him.

As far as the other USMNT players involved in the game, Tim Howard needed to make just two saves on the day.  His first came very early in the game when he came off his line quickly and made a jumping save to stop Richard Garcia's attempt to pop the ball over his head.  His other was an easy catch off a harmless header in the second half.  Everton controlled much of the match, so Howard had little to do on the day otherwise, with the exception of the occasional punch.  Hull's lone goal was off of a spectacular volley from the edge of the box, and Howard couldn't really do much about it. 

Jozy Altidore, meanwhile, entered the match in the 62nd minute, but he was unable to make much a mark in the time that he was on.  He got little service or support up top, and Everton dominated possession in the final half hour.  It was a tough match for Jozy to come into and make an impact, and Hull's lack of an attack makes it difficult to even evaluate his play.  It was one of those games that made me feel sorry that he has to play with this team week in and week out.  On the bright side, Amr Zaki, who got the start over Altidore, was far from impressive on the day, looking slow with and without the ball in the attacking third.

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Injured/Did Not Play

Brad Guzan (unused substitute)
Benny Feilhaber (ankle injury)