MLS
Donovan Named Player of the Week in Los Angeles Win
By Russell Shiring
May 2, 2006
Landon Donovan paced L.A. in win over Real Salt Lake
Landon Donovan's goal and two assists in Los Angeles ' 3-2 win over Real Salt Lake earned him MLS Player of the Week honors for week five.
"He settles us and he finds the right option," said Galaxy head coach Steve Sampson. "Today I think he playmaked better than I have seen him in a long time, and was very dangerous toward goal at the same time."
In the 11th minute, Donovan stole the ball from Real Salt Lake's defense and broke in on goal, coolly sliding the ball in the net for his first goal of the season.
"The ball I saw Carey Talley winding up to play it across, and I figured if I could at least get to him, you never know; you might have a chance," Donovan said. "On the turf, it is tough. It took a little bounce up on him, and I put my foot out kind of hoping and sure enough, it just bounced in front of me, and my second touch was good, and the finish was fairly easy after."
Donovan earned the second assist on Los Angeles' second goal by finding Chris Albright with a pass to the right wing. Albright crossed the ball to Cobi Jones for a goal in the 26th minute.
In the second half, Donovan capped off his performance by setting up the eventual game winner, slotting a perfect through ball to a streaking Herculez Gómez for the team's third goal.
This is the fourth time in his career that Donovan has earned Player of the Week honors.
2006 Player of the Week Winners
Week 1: Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo)
Week 2: Jaime Moreno (D.C. United)
Week 3: Cornell Glen (L.A. Galaxy)
Week 4: Alecko Eskandarian (D.C. United)
Week 5: Landon Donovan (L.A. Galaxy)