1. HDC is the house that Landon built (as much as any other player through his performances) 2. Winner 3. Best male player in history of US Soccer (National Team)* 4. Winner 5. did I say winner? * after all, it is home to our National Team What would MLS and US Men's National team be without Landon? Legend. They make statues for legends. I can't think on anyone more deserving of the honor.
I thought the Ruth arrived at Yankee Stadium after it was built, but I see now that he arrived before. So I got that wrong. Still I think Donovan's accomplishments for the Galaxy and US Men's team (both singularly, but certainly in combination) are unparalleled. For that particular stadium, he is supremely qualified for the honor- no one else comes close.
I don't think Dempsey's US Nats career matches Landon's yet (although it still could). Friedel? No way- he simply didn't play enough, or in enough big games like Landon.
Let's not forget that average attendance at HDC went up a grand total of 400 when Landon joined the team and then dropped 3,000 the following season.. There was a 4k jump in attendance in 2007 though. It's escaping me now, but I'm pretty sure something momentous happened for the Galaxy in 2007... Perhaps something to do with signing some guy from England? I think he was the husband of one of the Spice Girls? Gah, someone help me out here.
Landon is the greatest player in the history of the Galaxy. Landon is the greatest player in the history of US Men's National Team. Carson is the home stadium to both teams. Usually you only need to be the greatest player of ONE team to get a statue.
> There should be a statue of Landon outside HDC Why? What happened? Did he die? This is a weird thread. I love Landon, but fact is, if you want to recognize the guy most responsible for putting soccer on the map in the USA, you'd have to build a statue of Beckham -- outside MLS HQ. Sad but true, n'est-ce pas?
While very strong stances, these are merely your opinion on the matter. Just amongst myself and my close knit soccer friends, we have a list for both of those teams and Landon isn't at the top for all of us. FYI, two of those gents are Southern LA born and raised ... The USMNT has a home stadium ? So we've only had two home games the last 2 years ? Me thinks not.
I wouldn't say Carlos Ruiz. He signed in Jan 2002, Broke ground Feb 2002. That would would he would have had more power than anyone in sports history.
Landon Donovan was the MLS Cup MVP at Home Depot Center in 2003, while playing for the Quakes. Ironically, it was probably his signature moment at that stadium.