Donovan, whose asked club coach Bruce Arena for an extended offseason after the Galaxy's MLS Cup triumph early last December, said Thursday that it will take some time to regain his form.
The 30-year-old midfielder and forward, a veteran of three World Cups with the United States, had said last fall he was uncertain whether he wanted to continue playing.
The 30-year-old midfielder, a veteran of three World Cups and the American career leader in goals and assists, is taking a break from soccer following the Los Angeles Galaxy's second straight Major League Soccer title.
For the past six years, whether or not their play justified it, the Los Angeles Galaxy have been branded as America's answer to the superclub. In the parity-driven culture of MLS, the presence of international icon David Beckham and American star Landon Donovan put them a cut above the rest in terms of sheer talent, name value and exposure.
David Beckham will play his final game for the Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS Cup next month.
David Beckham will play his final game for the Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS Cup next month.
Eddie Johnson scored twice Friday night, including the winning goal in second-half injury time, lifting the United States to the verge of advancing in World Cup qualifying with a nervous 2-1 victory.
For all the talk about the strides soccer has made in the United States, results of late have been stark and disappointing.
Landon Donovan is returning to Everton on a two-month loan.
