Landon Donovan: “It’s tougher to play on the field on Saturday night than to train, that’s why I was lacking a little rhythm, but it was important that I could debut in a win.” (Andy Mead/YCJ Photo)

U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan took his first official steps for Leon in its 2-1 Liga MX win over Puebla in Leon, Mexico Saturday night.

The 35-year-old Donovan came on with Leon leading by 2-1 in the 83rd minute. He last played professional for the LA Galaxy Nov. 6, 2016.

The former U.S. international had announced his return Jan. 13.

“From the first day that I was here in Leon the fans have been great. Now I have to give them something on the field, and I’m going to do it,” Donovan told reporters after the game.

“It’s tougher to play on the field on Saturday night than to train, that’s why I was lacking a little rhythm, but it was important that I could debut in a win.”

Donovan, who played as an attacking central midfielder, came cloe to setting up a scoring opportunity in the 90th minute as he sent a left-wing cross in the penalty area. Elias Hernandez, however, could not get off a shot.
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Leon next plays at Santos Laguna in Torreon Wednesday.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.