yyys123
Joined: 08 Jul 2019
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 Posted: 22.02.2009 Post subject: of injuries. However, Mi |
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| CARSON, Calif. -- Just a few months after Landon Donovan thought he might be finished with soccer, he re-signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday with his passion rekindled. Donovan agreed to a multiyear contract extension that could make him the highest-paid player in MLS if he reaches incentives within the deal. His decision to stick with the Galaxy is another turn in an eventful year for the fleet-footed midfielder widely considered the best player in American history. "Im very proud of what Ive accomplished," Donovan said at a news conference in an upscale club at StubHub Center. "Im very happy in the present, but I have a lot more to achieve. This is not a reward for what Ive done. This is something Im going to earn." The Galaxy did not announce terms of his contract. After winning his fifth MLS Cup title last December, the 31-year-old Donovan spent the winter on a self-imposed sabbatical, battling burnout and exhaustion from 14 years of pro soccer. He returned in late March to fulfil the final year of his current Galaxy contract, but missed the first month of the MLS season and fell out of favour with U.S. national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann. But the top scorer in U.S. national team history has been rejuvenated by the Galaxys unwavering support and his resurgence with the American team. With the perspective of time and distance, he has embraced the prospect of more challenges to chase, including a fourth World Cup appearance. "Was this day ever in doubt? Yeah, for a lot of reasons," Donovan said. "I didnt know five months ago if I wanted to keep playing much longer. This summer, through a lot of work and through a lot of support from friends, family, the Galaxy, its now very clear to me that I want to keep playing. I really enjoy this game. I love it. Ive found my passion again, and Im excited about it." Donovan has been with the Galaxy since 2005, winning three of his five career MLS Cup titles in his native Southern California. Alongside David Beckham and Robbie Keane, the fleet-footed midfielder led Los Angeles to its second straight MLS championship last December before his break, which included a trip to Cambodia. Now that hes back with MLS glamour franchise as it closes in on another playoff spot for its title defence, Donovan decided he still has much more to do as a soccer trailblazer. Donovan is the third-leading goal-scorer in league history, trailing Jeff Cunningham by just three goals, but hes more interested in winning MLS trophies and fostering the games U.S. growth. "Its a tremendous signing, a historic signing for us," said Dan Beckerman, the CEO of Galaxy owners AEG. "Its overwhelming and staggering what hes accomplished in this league and his career. Hes always demonstrated his commitment to growing soccer in this league and in this country. A lot of success that MLS has had is attributable to his effort." Los Angeles patiently waited for Donovan to return to his current form while negotiating a long-term deal for his future. Donovan said the deal "was as much about respect and feeling wanted as anything," and the Galaxy made sure Donovan knew how much he means to the franchise and the American game. "This is the place I want to end my career," Donovan said. "Ive always wanted to be here. Ive always wanted to play here. When other opportunities arose, they paled in comparison to playing here." Donovan, who previously played with Bayer Leverkusen and Everton, attracted attention from European clubs this year while his MLS future was uncertain. Donovan emerged from his hiatus and subsequent negotiations totally committed to MLS and the Galaxy, saying hes not even interested in going to Europe on loan during the winter. "Ive never made decisions for money, and I think Im a much happier person for it," Donovan said. The Galaxy are grateful to hear hes comfortable and committed. Donovan is one of Los Angeles three designated players -- who can receiver higher salaries than MLS regulars -- joining Irish national team star Keane and U.S. national team defender Omar Gonzalez. "We think weve got three great designated players," said Bruce Arena, the Galaxys longtime coach and general manager. "We couldnt be more thrilled to have them. I think weve got the three best in the league." Donovan has more to accomplish in MLS, but hes also eager for more U.S. national team success. He has played a leading role on the last three World Cup teams while becoming the U.S. national teams career scoring leader in 150 appearances. He returned to the international stage last month with a flourish, scoring five goals and showing off his remarkable playmaking ability while leading the Americans to the CONCACAF Gold Cup title. Donovan then scored four goals in the Galaxys last three games since he returned from the tournament. Donovans return to the Galaxy is more good news for MLS, which welcomed U.S. star Clint Dempsey to Seattle this summer. Donovan believes the league has reached another superlative in its steady growth, and he wants to be part of it. "I think were seeing a little bit of a tipping point right now," Donovan said. "When you have a guy like Clint Dempsey, with all that hes done and the player that he is, wanting to be in our league, it makes a big statement. When you have a young defender who has a plethora of options and Omar wants to stay here, it makes a big statement." Pedro Chirivella Jersey .And although FIFAs investigators are preparing to release the findings of a World Cup corruption probe, Hassan Al Thawadi dismissed any chance of Qatar losing the showpiece event. Jordan Henderson Liverpool Jersey .com) - James van Riemsdyk had two goals with one assist to help the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night. http://www.footballliverpoolstore.com/Women-Joel-Matip-Liverpool-Jersey/ .com) - Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh called Joe Flacco the NFLs best quarterback last week. Curtis Jones Jersey . Arsene Wenger reportedly wants to convert the player into an attacking force, much like he did with Robin Van Persie. Simon Mignolet Jersey . Spieth again showed game well beyond his 20 years with a 9-under 63 on the North Course, giving him a one-shot lead over Stewart Cink going into the weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open.CLEVELAND -- Kyrie Irving pushed himself so hard he nearly vomited while sitting on the bench in the fourth quarter. A flu bug couldnt stop him, and neither could the Bucks. Irving made four free throws in the final 21.5 seconds of overtime and finished with 39 points despite being sick, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-111 win over short-handed Milwaukee on Friday night. Irving spent the previous two days at home on the couch, trying to shake off an illness that flattened him. He missed practice on Thursday and almost sat out the game before deciding to leave his house about two hours before tip-off. The All-Star guard wound up playing 43 minutes and added six assists and four blocks while carrying the Cavs to their fifth win in six home games. "Im tired," Irving said afterward. "I really just want to lay down right now." Earl Clark made a 3-pointer as the shot clock expired with 44 seconds left in OT, and Jarrett Jack added 17 points for Cleveland. Tristan Thompson had 15 rebounds for the Cavs, who were grateful Irving chose to play. "I wish he was sick more often," Jack joked. With Milwaukee down by three, O.J. Mayo missed two 3-pointers in the last 10 seconds that would have tied it. "Ill take them any time," Mayo said. "On the second one, I didnt know I had that much time left. I kind of rushed it, but I should have made it." Mayo had 20 points, John Henson 18 and Brandon Knight added 17 and a career-high 14 rebounds as the banged-up Bucks lost their fifth straight. It was the second straight tough defeat for Milwaukee, which lost in double-overtime to New York on Wednesday. Before the game, Irving said he spent the previous two days "in the same spot at home" as he tried to get well. "I just got to get through it," he said. "Im just going to give it my all and live with the results." They turned out fine as he willed himself and his team past the Bucks, who came in with the NBAs worst record and were missing several key players because of injuries. However, Milwaukee was more than game and overcame an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter. "I was going to stay home," Irving said. "But a goal of mine this season is to play in all 82 games. Thats always on the back of my mind. I just wanted to come out here and give what I could." Hennsons two free throws gave Milwaukee a 96-94 lead late in regulation, but the Cavs forced OT on Thompsons tip-in of Irvings miss with 1.dddddddddddd8 seconds left. Milwaukee had a final chance to win it in regulation, but Khris Middletons 20-footer at the horn hit the front of the rim. Irving made two 3s early in the five-minute extra session, and when Jack knocked down a 3 with 1:46 left, it appeared the Bucks were done. But Middleton hit a 3-pointer, and after Irving made two free throws with 21.5 left, Mayo, back in the lineup after missing Wednesdays game for a family funeral, buried a 3 to pull the Bucks within 112-111. Irving then drew a foul on a drive and made both foul shots, and the Cavs held on when Mayo couldnt find the range in the closing seconds. "Hes a great player," Knight said of Irving. "Hes been doing his thing since he came into the NBA. Hes always going to make plays." The Bucks only dressed nine. Caron Butler had been expected to return, but missed his 12th straight game with a sore right knee. Its been that kind of season for Milwaukee, which was also without Larry Sanders (broken hand), Gary Neal (plantar fasciitis), Ersan Ilyasova (sprained ankle), Carlos Delfino (foot surgery) and Zaza Pachulia (fractured foot). Although undermanned, the Bucks gave the Cavs all they could handle. "Were a team thats really banged up and very depleted," Bucks coach Larry Drew said. "Im proud of our guys that theyve competed and played hard. But were not going to be satisfied until we get over that hump." The Cavs, too, were not at full strength as guard Dion Waiters sat out with a sore wrist and rookie Anthony Bennett, the No. 1 overall pick in this years draft, had the flu. NOTES: Bucks rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo made his second career start. He got his first earlier this week against New York, becoming the youngest player (19 years, 12 days) to start an NBA game since Andrew Bynum (19, 4 days) started for the Lakers in 2006. Cavs coach Mike Brown became familiar with Antetokounmpo -- he didnt dare try to pronounce his name and applauded when a Milwaukee reporter nailed it -- this summer at a camp in Las Vegas. "He looked like he was going to be a special talent then," Brown said. "You see the potential. Hes got a lot of intelligence and a great feel for the game." ' ' ' |
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