Donovan wins US Soccer´s top player award

Landon Donovan was named winner of the US Soccer Federation’s male athlete of the year award on Monday after helping spark the Americans into next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

The 27-year-old playmaker also won the award in 2003 and 2004 and his third honor matches the all-time mark held by goalkeeper Kasey Keller.

“It’s a great accomplishment and a great award,” Donovan said. “I’m very proud of it and knowing that the fans vote on it, your teammates vote on it, and your colleagues vote on it is very special to me.”

Donovan, named Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player as well, scored three goals and made key set-up passes to assist on nine others as the US squad advanced to the World Cup for the sixth time in a row.

“We look forward to next year,” Donovan said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Donovan’s 35 caps and 12 career World Cup qualifying goals are US records.

Donovan sparked the Los Angeles Galaxy into the MLS Cup final, where the squad was beaten by Real Salt Lake. Donovan signed a new contract with the Galaxy last week and was loaned to Everton of the English Premier League.