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San Diego Loyal SC’s Landon Donovan elected to National Soccer Hall of Fame

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 11/26/22, 9:01AM EST

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U.S. Soccer legend surprised on Fox’s World Cup set by former teammate Clint Dempsey


San Diego Loyal SC Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and Head Coach Landon Donovan has been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame's 2023 class. | Photo courtesy San Diego Loyal SC

The National Soccer Hall of Fame announced on Saturday current San Diego Loyal SC EVP of Soccer Operations and Head Coach Landon Donovan will be inducted in its 2023 class at a ceremony on May 6 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

Donovan was elected in his first year of eligibility alongside fellow former United States Men’s National Team legend and Fort Wayne FC co-owner DaMarcus Beasley. The duo’s induction was announced by their former USMNT teammate Clint Dempsey, a member of the 2022 class, live during Fox Sports’ coverage of the 2022 Men’s World Cup.

A forward and midfielder, Donovan made 157 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team and played at three World Cups and one Olympic Games. Donovan is second only to Cobi Jones on the list of all-time national team appearances, and his 57 goals with the USMNT tied him with Dempsey as the all-time leader.

Donovan played 15 seasons in Major League Soccer and earned seven MLS Best XI selections. Upon his retirement he was Major League Soccer’s all-time goal-scoring leader, with the league having subsequently named its Most Valuable Player award in his honor. Donovan also played professionally in the German, English and Mexican first-division leagues.

Since his retirement from playing, Donovan has led SD Loyal as a supporting investor in addition to working as the Head Coach and Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations since its arrival in the league for the 2020 season. San Diego has reached the USL Championship Playoffs in each of the past two seasons, with Donovan’s side posting a 38-26-17 regular season record during his tenure.

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