CARSON, California: Landon Donovan returned to the Los Angeles Galaxy as a second-half substitute, ending his 21-month Major League Soccer retirement, as the hosts beat Orlando City 4-2 on Sunday.
Donovan, the top scorer in the history of MLS and the US men’s national team, announced his comeback with the Galaxy three days earlier. The 34-year-old got a lengthy standing ovation before entering in the 83rd minute.
Giovani Dos Santos scored two goals and Alan Gordon added another during a first-half barrage for the Galaxy, who took sole possession of second place in the Western Conference. Captain Robbie Keane also scored as a second-half substitute.
Kevin Molino scored on a rebound in the 20th minute and Brek Shea scored on the final kick of the game for Orlando City, which holds the last playoff spot in the East, only a point ahead of two pursuers.
One of those pursuers is D.C. United, which kept up the chase with a dramatic 2-2 draw at New York.
The Red Bulls, with goals from Gonzalo Veron in the 35th minute and Bradley Wright-Phillips in the 54th, looked to have the game in their keeping.
However Steve Birnbaum pulled a goal back for D.C. in the 89th minute and Lamar Neagle equalized in the fifth minute of stoppage time, tapping in the ball after it bounced off a post.
New York would have gone equal top of the East with a victory, but instead shares second place with local rival New York City.
Donovan comes out of retirement as Galaxy beats Orlando
Donovan comes out of retirement as Galaxy beats Orlando
