The Donovan Experiment

Back in 2007, Major League Soccer would sign soccer star David Beckham for a 5 year deal to the Los Angles Galaxy. The league would create new rules as to how players of Beckham's caliber could be signed by any team, and not greatly impact the team's salary cap. Some would say the " Beckham Experiment" has failed because the club has failed to win a championship, and even missed the playoffs in Beckham's first season with the Galaxy.

There would also be a ton of controversy when Beckham said he would like to remain with AC Milan after being loaned to them. Landon Donovon even questioned Beckham's commitment to the Galaxy, MLS, and even soccer in America.

Flash-forward in winter of 2009/2010. Donovan signs a $1,000,000+ contract with the LA Galaxy. Everton FC, one of the most successful clubs in England, suffers many injuries to its roster, and at one point, some feared, the club that has played the most top-flight soccer games in the country, could be relegated. Manager David Moyes would turn to the American Star to help his club in the January transfer window, where they would agree to a loan until mid March.

The "Donovan Experiment" at Everton has been incredibly successful. Since joining the club, the team has won 6 games, lost 3, and tied 1. The club, fans, manager, Donovan, even Americans want to see him stay at Everton, but it appears he will return to Los Angeles unless there is a work stoppage in MLS.

If you were able to watch the match vs Hull City, Landon would come on at about the 70th minute with a 3-1 lead and the entire stadium chanting USA USA USA!. Landon would make a cross to Yakubu, only to see Yakubu's shot go into the stands. Landon would then score a beautiful goal with teammate Phil Neville saying USA USA USA meanwhile the fans chanting "Sign him up!"

Donovan's work in under 20 minutes was not done. What could have been his second goal, Landon would instead pass it to his teammate Rodwell, where the ball would go in the back of the net. Rodwell then picked Landon and carried him to the stands.

I never would have guessed England should be the place the USA team should play its home games because you don't here that passion in the states.

While Beckham must be thinking "what goes around, comes around" everyone is on Donovan's side. Either way, The Beckham-Donovan feud and experiments will be continued in the very near future either in MLS, or the USA/England World Cup Match on June 12.

Either way, expect Donovan to return to Everton, even if he should play in Los Angeles this season, because the Donovan Experiment has worked for the toffees.