Donovan goes out as MLS champ

CARSON, Calif. – Landon Donovan is retiring as a champion, thanks to one brilliant goal by Robbie Keane.

Keane scored on a breakaway in the 111th minute, and Donovan won his record sixth MLS title Sunday in the L.A. Galaxy’s 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution in the MLS Cup.

Gyasi Zardes scored in the 52nd minute as the Galaxy won their record fifth league title in the final game for Donovan, the MLS career scoring leader and most accomplished soccer player in U.S. history.

Donovan, Keane and the Galaxy have won three of the last four league championships, celebrating all three on their home field.

Donovan won the sixth trophy of his 14-year MLS career, adding his fourth title with the Galaxy to a pair from early in his career with San Jose. Coach Bruce Arena won his record fifth MLS Cup, including the last three with the Galaxy, who haven’t lost at home since their season opener.

After Chris Tierney scored the tying goal in the 79th minute for New England, both teams had golden opportunities in extra time before Keane capped his MVP season with the dynamic winner in the second period of extra time.

Marcelo Sarvas lobbed a long pass to the Irish striker, who was nearly unmarked. He gathered it and beat Bobby Shuttleworth with the same poise he showed throughout his 19-goal regular season.

The 32-year-old Donovan announced his retirement in August, saying he had lost passion for his sport. The Southern California native still followed the lead of former teammate David Beckham by winning the MLS Cup in his final game.

Despite an outstanding second half and several extra-time chances, New England lost the MLS Cup for the fifth time, including three times to the Galaxy on extra-time goals.