Soccer Meaning

Landon Donovan #10 of the Los Angeles Galaxy hits a shot on goal against San Jose Earthquakes on August 8, 2014, in Carson, California.

Credit: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

On Thursday, Landon Donovan announced his retirement from professional soccer, meaning the leading goal scorer in MLS and U.S. Men's soccer history is hanging up his cleats. But, these records fail to capture his importance to the American soccer world, which in many ways came of age during his time on the field. When MLS was in desperate need of marketable star power, Donovan came along and ended up playing virtually his entire career for the league. He was an integral part in bringing David Beckham to America, MLS's biggest move to date. The league he helped grow has signed international stars Thierry Henry, Frank Lampard, and David Villa, a largely unthinkable accomplishment a decade ago. It's impossible to separate Donovan's career from the rise of soccer in America, which is the ultimate testament to his impact on the game. Although there are more than enough moments to celebrate from Donovan's career, here are four goals that we'll never forget:

2002 World Cup Quarterfinals: Donovan Seals the Win vs. Mexico

It isn't one of Donovan's flashiest goals — Eddie Lewis's perfect cross makes the goal possible — his pace makes it difficult for the Mexican defenders to mark him on the break. But like so many of Donovan's U.S. goals, it's not so much the technique as the moment.

Donovan was America's best player on the 2002 team, which was the most successful World Cup team America has ever fielded. After the disastrous last place finish in the 1998 World Cup, the 2002 team brought American soccer back to life, and Donovan's goal against Mexico was America's exclamation point of the tournament.