Landon Donovan: ‘Soccer means nothing when my players suffer’

The former USA star on his managerial growth, connecting with his players, and the homophobic and racist incidents that his team dealt with one year ago

On a warm September afternoon in southern California, Landon Donovan stands where he has so often stood before: on a pitch with the ball at his feet.

Now manager for San Diego Loyal in the USL Championship, the USMNT's join all-time leading scorer, dishes out passes while simultaneously giving advice to his players. Donovan analyzes their runs while preparing another precise through-ball for someone to chase.