MLS LA Galaxy

Donovan To Return To Galaxy Following Conclusion Of Loan With Bayern Munich

March 5, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARSON, Calif. (Thursday, March 5, 2009) - The LA Galaxy announced today that Galaxy forward Landon Donovan will re-join the club as scheduled following the conclusion of his loan to German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich. Donovan will return to training with the Galaxy on Tuesday, March 10, two weeks before the Galaxy's season opener against D.C. United at The Home Depot Center on Sunday, March 22.

"We are looking forward to Landon re-joining the club next week as we continue our final preparations for the 2009 MLS Season, including our final preseason match against the Chicago Fire in Tempe, Arizona," said LA Galaxy General Manager and Head Coach Bruce Arena. "He is a very important part of our club and will be coming back to us very motivated and fit for the upcoming season."

Since joining Bayern during the club's winter break in January, Donovan made five Bundesliga appearances and one DFB Cup appearance, which marked his competitive debut with the club in a 5-1 win against Stuttgart on January 27. He went on to make his first Bundesliga appearance three days later during a 1-0 loss at Hamburg.

During five winter friendly matches, Donovan scored four goals with Bayern, including a two-goal performance against German second-division Mainz 05 on January 22. His first game came in a friendly against Al-Jazira on January 10, playing the full 90 minutes and earning an assist.

"I am very excited to be returning home to my teammates and the LA Galaxy. I would like to thank Bayern Munich for the opportunity to play with one of the premier clubs in Europe, as well as all their coaches and players for welcoming me into the Club," said Donovan. "Although the results were not what we had hoped for, the time in Germany still was very positive for me. I am fit, motivated, and excited to be coming back as a better, more experienced player."

The Galaxy's 2008 MVP, Donovan scored a career-best 20 goals last year to lead MLS, while adding nine assists in 25 games. The all-time leading scorer in U.S. National Team history with 37 goals in 107 appearances for the Red, White and Blue, the 26-year old has 52 goals and 40 assists in his four years with the Galaxy, making him the club's second leading scorer all-time. In his eight seasons in MLS, Donovan, who began his professional career with fellow German club Bayer Leverkusen, has 84 goals and 69 assists in 183 games, making him one of just four players in league history with 80 goals and 65 assists.

On Saturday, March 14, the Galaxy will play their final preseason game of 2009 when they take on the Chicago Fire at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. in the inaugural PHX Soccer Clasico.

The LA Galaxy are now accepting deposits for the 2009 season, which kicks off at 12 p.m. on Sunday, March 22 when the club hosts D.C. United at The Home Depot Center. A non-refundable deposit of 75% per seat secures your place for each 2009 Galaxy regular season game, plus great benefits including exclusive events with the team, special season seat holder gifts, and much more. Call 1-877-3GALAXY or visit www.lagalaxy.com for more details or to purchase your 2009 Galaxy season seats.

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