The U.S. has already done its duty in the Gold Cup group stage by winning all three of its games and qualifying in first place for the quarterfinals, and Landon Donovan is as happy as anybody to remain in New England for the next game, the striker told Frank Dell’Apa of the Boston Herald — whoever it may be against.
“This is the only place where we know there are going to be a lot of Americans in the crowd,” Donovan said, adding that Foxborough “feels like home” while L.A. does not — particularly because a large portion of city’s population includes Guatemalans, Salvadorans, Mexicans and other Latin Americans, who turn up for matches to support the team of their heritage. “I understand it better than anybody,” Donovan said. “I grew up playing with [them] and I know the passion they have,” and if the U.S. plays well, “they will take off the jersey of their country and cheer for us. They want to see good soccer.”
As for the Copa America, Donovan won’t get his wish after all — he’ll be going to Venezuela, although Coach Bob Bradley was noticeably wary of taxing his star striker in the group stage, playing him for just one half in each of the national team’s last two games. “These are two heavy tournaments, with a lot of travel,” Donovan said of the Gold Cup and Copa America. There’s also the small matter of the David Beckham circus waiting for him once he returns to the L.A. Galaxy. “I believe the mental and physical conditions are closely related, and the more stress you feel, the greater it affects you. But I’m excited about this,” he added, “in the past I would have been more worried, but I’ll be ready.”