The Greatest Goal

The Greatest Goal.  It was one every American soccer fan had yearned for over 91 minutes.  Prayed for as the keeper stoned Herculez Gomez from close range.  Grimaced for as Altidore somehow skied the rebound over the empty net.  Agonized for as Clint Dempsey clanged a shot off the woodwork.  Groaned for as Michael Bradley ripped a freekick straight at the goalkeeper.

Landon Donovan's game winning goal in stoppage time on Wednesday in South Africa won't go down as one of the prettiest goals of all time.  It will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and important goals in US Soccer history though.  It was a goal that typifies the spirit of our American squad.  After 90 minutes and multiple miles of running, Landon Donovan set off on one final sprint.  US goalkeeper Tim Howard unleashed a 50 yard throw that fell perfectly to the racing Donovan.

Landon took a long touch and played Jozy Altidore into the Algerian penalty area where Altidore played square to the onrushing Clint Dempsey.  Watch on the highlight as Dempsey surges forward when Altidore receives the ball.  The Algerian keeper came bravely to save Clint Dempsey's poke, but the rebound would sit perfectly for the hero, Landon Donovan, who slotted it perfectly into the waiting goal.