The Daily Dirt, September 11: The Hero’s Return

All eyes tonight will be on FS1 and the return of Landon Donovan to the Los Angeles Galaxy. They host Orlando City at 7:00 p.m. A win would move the Galaxy into second place in the Western Conference and merely four points behind leaders FC Dallas.

Their opponents have a great deal to play for as well. At the start of the day, Orlando is in the final playoff spot in the East. A DC United win this afternoon in New York would change that. New England’s win last night has the Revolution one point behind Orlando.

The backdrop for Donovan’s return tonight is a big one. Can he have a positive impact on the Galaxy for the rest of this season? It really depends on what Bruce Arena and the club are asking of him. If he is to be used as an impact sub off the bench, he could provide that spark that LA desperately needs.

Anyone getting bent out of shape about this move by the Galaxy and Donovan need to relax. No rules were bent for LA in this case. If Donovan wants to come back to help his former club in a time of need, more power to him. Personally, I’m excited to see him. Landon Donovan has had the best career of any U.S. player ever. I’m looking forward to see if he can add an exclamation point to his substantial legacy, starting tonight.

Domestic

Vancouver keeps their playoff hopes alive with a 3-1 win in Columbus (Eighty Six Forever)

Matteo Mancosu rescues a point late for Montreal against Philadelphia (Brotherly Game)

New England with an emphatic 3-1 win over New York City (The Bent Musket)

Toronto moves into the top spot in the East with a 2-1 win in Chicago (Waking the Red)

Dallas might have been looking ahead at this week’s U.S. Open Cup final, drop a home match to Colorado (Burgundy Wave)

Portland solidifies their playoff spot with a 1-0 win at home over Salt Lake (Stumptown Footy)

Seattle comes back to equalize in San Jose (Sounder at Heart)

LA Galaxy teammates react to Landon Donovan’s return (NBC Los Angeles)

Kris Tyrpak wonder goal for Swope Park Rangers in USL:

What can the NASL do to change their fortunes? (FiftyFive.One)

Washington Spirit can win the NWSL Shield today (SB Nation)

International

West Ham fans face bans after disruptive behavior (Sky Sports)

The Premier League, like others around the world, faces an issue with head injuries (SB Nation)

Barcelona struggle in a loss to Alaves (Barca Blaugranes)

Klopp: “We need to be really aggressive” (Liverpool Offside)

Local