He was not there, but Donovan’s legacy, his legend, was everywhere, most notably on the field in a crop of young and energetic players. The opportunities they have now, both abroad and in MLS, are the
direct result of the trails Donovan helped blaze.
Reporters, paid to pay attention to football in America, owe Donovan a debt of gratitude. And the fans, lined up on the street for snapshots, hooting and cheering, they owe something to Donovan too.
His presence, his time in a USA jersey, will be felt long after he is gone. What might
have been just another forgettable friendly in October will now be historic. After a half-hour, the greatest player ever produced in America will walk off the field one last time.
