The Young American Gets An Assist During Indoor Soccer Debut

Back on Jan. 23, it was revealed that Landon Donovan would again come out retirement to play professional soccer, this time for the San Diego Sockers of the Major Arena Soccer League. The 36-year-old will make $250,000 during his stay, and fans got their first look at the American legend on Friday.

Donovan made his debut in San Diego’s 6-4 win over the Tacoma Stars at the Pechanga Arena. His debut drew an announced crowd of 8,492, more than triple the Sockers’ average and the club’s largest home gate in six years.

The Sockers are currently the league’s best team, and Donovan chipped in with an assist on his debut. The chance was finished by Brandon Escoto, who leads the Sockers with 20 goals in 15 matches. 

.@landondonovan's first point for the @SanDiegoSockers was a DIME. pic.twitter.com/A3qja1dAfd

— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) February 16, 2019

“There are so many little pockets of the country that love soccer and don’t have the opportunity to have an MLS team, or even a USL team,” Donovan said. “Now, with the rise of soccer, there are USL 2 teams, there are PDL teams, NPSL teams, teams that matter in communities.

"For fans, that’s their pro team. It’s awesome to be able to give that to this community. It’s awesome — and it’s not all because of me — to put 8,000 people in the stands to give these guys the opportunity to play in front of that. They never get that. All of that I think helps soccer get better.” 

2-15-19 Post Match Interview @landondonovan with @NateAbaurrea #TheSockersAreAwesome pic.twitter.com/vrmyLMnrg9

— San Diego Sockers (@SanDiegoSockers) February 16, 2019

San Diego returned to action on Sunday when traveling to Washington to again play Tacoma, but Donovan was excluded from that match with the official reason being given as “rest.” We all know that the Young American's body was sore af come Saturday morning. 

Playing some soccer with the Sockers. Photo: @sandiegoinforme | Twitter

The Sockers now begin a three-game home stretch against the Turlock Express (Mar. 1), Ontario Fury (Mar. 10) and Dallas Sidekicks (Mar. 15). You can watch full match replays on the MASLtv YouTube page.