Landon Donovan will get his proper farewell

While his national-team career did not get the ceremonious reception it deserved, Landon Donovan will say goodbye to the American public in the best way possible when it comes to his club career.

The American striker advanced to the MLS Cup after the LA Galaxy defeated the Seattle Sounders 2-1 in the Western Conference final. A player that has helped the MLS grow more than any other player (perhaps excluding David Beckham), extends his career one more day as he looks to win his four MLS Cup and third in four years.

“It seems perfect,” said Donovan after the win. “I really want to go out a champion.”

It is hard to find a more lopsided final when it comes to experience and expectations.

 The New England Revolution are the Buffalo Bills of the MLS. They are still seeking their first title, despite making consecutive finals in 2005 2006 and 2007. Since then, they have been in a process of rebuilding before making a surprise run to the MLS Cup this year after defeating Thierry Henry and the New Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference Final.

On the other endis a star-studded Los Angeles team with  four MLS Cup titles under its belt. It is strange to see a situation in which an underdog as big as the Revolution will have an entire nation rooting against them.

Donovan will go down in history as one of the best players in U.S. history, despite spending most of his playing career in the MLS. He decided early on—after modest spells in England and Germany---to dedicate himself to staying with the local league and helping it grow. Now the league is close to paying him back with a fairy tale ending.