CARSON, Calif. -- A year after Landon Donovan returned to soccer, he realized he had lost his passion for the sport again. This time, the best player in American history decided to walk away for good. The 32-year-old Donovan announced Thursday he will retire from professional soccer at the end of the MLS season, wrapping up the most prolific career in the leagues history with one last run at a championship with the LA Galaxy. "I think for the last few years, I havent had the same passion that I had previously in my career," Donovan said at the Galaxys stadium. "To some extent, I had felt obligated to keep playing. ... Its time to enjoy the rest of the season, and there would be no better way than to go out as a champion, so thats what I want to do." Donovan is the top goal-scorer in MLS history and the top scorer in U.S. national team history, excelling as a forward and a midfielder. He was even named the most valuable player of his 14th MLS All-Star game on Wednesday night in Portland, scoring a goal in the All-Stars 2-1 win over Bayern Munich, only to make his stunning retirement announcement the next day. "All I could think is that if everyone only knew," Donovan said with a grin. Donovan, a five-time MLS champion with the Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes, made his retirement announcement on the same stage where he agreed to a multiyear contract extension with the Galaxy just a year ago, pronouncing himself revitalized after an extended sabbatical. He took several months off following the Galaxys second straight MLS Cup title alongside now-retired David Beckham in December 2012. Donovan travelled extensively during his time off, and he plans to see even more of the world after his career ends this fall. "It gets me excited thinking about it," Donovan said. "For 16 years, almost every decision Ive made, every hour of every day, has revolved around, How is this going to prepare me for tomorrows training session or tomorrows game? Just having the freedom to do whatever you want is exciting, and Im looking forward to that." Donovan has been a key component of MLS impressive growth during his 14 years in the top North American league. After he struggled for playing time at Bayer Leverkusen as a teenager, he chose to pursue a pro career in his native California instead of Europe, adding a marquee attraction to the then-struggling league. "There is no doubt that Major League Soccer would not be what it is today without Landon Donovan," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "His decision to join MLS in 2001 was a statement to the entire soccer community, at the most crucial time in our history, that MLS could be a league of choice for the best American players. Landon is to MLS what Michael Jordan was to the NBA, Wayne Gretzky was to the NHL and Tiger Woods was to the PGA Tour: a player whose sporting accomplishments and popularity transformed their respective leagues and set a new standard for how the game would be played." Donovan said his decision wasnt spurred by his omission from his fourth U.S. World Cup team this summer. He was surprised and disappointed by coach Jurgen Klinsmanns decision, feeling he had done enough in training camp to warrant inclusion. "I certainly wasnt going to allow one persons poor choice this summer to affect a decision like this," Donovan said. Donovan is the career U.S. leader with 57 international goals over 156 appearances, and he has scored five World Cup goals, including his famed stoppage-time goal against Algeria four years ago to send the Americans to the second round. He watched the American team in Brazil from afar as a television commentator. "Quite simply the best player ever to wear the USMNT jersey," U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati posted on his Twitter account. Donovan has no concrete plans for his long-term future in soccer, but he is eager to work with young players in the Galaxys academy training program. "Landons legacy is secure with the Galaxy," said Galaxy President Chris Klein, Donovans former teammate and roommate. "So to be able to celebrate that for the rest of the year in terms of how he goes out will be great. When he decides what it is that he wants to do and where he wants to put his heart and energy next, well be there to talk about that." Donovan has played for the Galaxy since 2005, also going on loan to Everton and Bayern Munich during the Galaxys off-season. Donovan struggled early in his pro career in Europe, but was popular during his two stints with Everton. "Congratulations on a great career to (at)landondonovan as he announces hell retire later this year. Part of EFC fabric," Everton tweeted from its official account. Donovan has four goals and seven assists in 17 games for the Galaxy this season as a midfielder and a forward. He passed Jeff Cunningham for the career MLS goals record shortly after Klinsmann excluded him from the World Cup team. His absence creates another hole for the LA club, which couldnt manage a third straight MLS title last season in its first year since Beckhams departure. But Donovans retirement opens up a designated player spot for the Galaxy alongside leading scorer Robbie Keane and U.S. national team defender Omar Gonzalez. After a lifetime spent in practices and games, Donovan sees his departure as another step in his personal evolution into whatever person he decides to be outside soccer. His decision to leave the Bundesliga for MLS as an unhappy teenager was unpopular, and Donovan knows many fans wont understand his early retirement. "Sometimes theres a sense of obligation in peoples lives, the sense that you have to do something," Donovan said. "Ive never lived that way. I have to live the life I want to live, and thats an important thing to go by." Kobe Bryant Shoes Outlet . Directly ahead was open field, the end zone and the Seattle Seahawks place in the NFC championship game. Kobe Bryant Shoes Deals . I kind of got a taste of being able to pick a suit with the draft lottery, I went with the bow tie. https://www.cheapkobebryantshoes.com/.com) - Eric Fehrs goal 42 seconds into overtime lifted the Washington Capitals to a 5-4 come-from-behind victory over Columbus, halting the Blue Jackets seven-game win streak. Wholesale Kobe Bryant Shoes .C. United have acquired midfielder Alex Caskey from the Seattle Sounders for a third-round pick in the 2016 MLS draft. Kobe Bryant Shoes For Sale . Jason Zucker and Matt Cooke also scored for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Kuemper made five saves in the first, nine in the second, and nine in the third. The rookies best save came with 2:17 left in the third period when he denied former Wild forward Matt Cullen from just outside of the crease on the right side.David Hearn is a little light on major championship experience, having played just three previous times in the big four tournaments. And hes also quite green when it comes to links golf, as in hes never been on a next-to-the-sea course. Heck, hed never even been to Europe before the charter plane from the John Deere touched down on Monday morning. Even that was a bit of a last-minute decision as Hearn was on the alternate list, moving up spot by spot until he reached the first position before he decided to make the trip. So its safe to say that the golfer from Brantford, Ont., has immersed himself in all things links in his short time here; call it a major cram session. "Its been a lot of fun for me," said Hearn, who got into the field late Tuesday after former champion Mark Calcavecchia pulled out. "Its different than anything Ive seen. Coming over here I definitely have a lot to learn quickly, but Im trying not to do too much, too fast. Im just trying to take it a little bit at a time." As first alternate, Hearn was treated with complete access to the course and all other amenities afforded to the players in the field. He walked the course on Monday and then played a practice round Tuesday and 14 holes Wednesday. He was impressed with Royal Liverpool and the demands it placed on shotmaking. "Ive just enjoyed this style of golf," he said while being pelted with a light rain that fell Wednesday. "Theres not a single tree on this property and its been a lot of fun just trying to hit some creative shots." The biggest challenge for Hearn this week is obviously adapting to the golf course. Its truly unlike anything hes played before in a tournament and while hes having fun, hes also getting to experience something very new. "Our firrmest courses that we play in North America arent even close to the way this course plays so here," he stated.dddddddddddd "Its a matter of trying to figure out how long the ball is going to release. Were used to flying it and stopping it a lot. So this week Ive been spending a lot of time figuring out, how far is a wedge going to release, how long is a 5-irong going to release." Hearn comes into the Open playing some of the best golf of his career. Hes had three top-10 finishes including a tie for sixth at the Players, and collected more than $1 million. He took some time off recently before returning to the Tour for the Greenbrier and the John Deere Classic, an event he nearly won a year ago. Hes now refreshed and ready to go in the Tours closing stretch, which will be an arduous campaign. "I feel good," Hearn admitted. "I had a really good break. I took three weeks off before coming back to Greenbrier. I havent played great since I came back – I played pretty average but I felt my game was really close at the Greenbrier and again last I week I felt it was really close. Obviously the scoring here is going to be a little bit different than the last couple of weeks but Im looking forward to it. I think my game is ready for it." And if he seems just a tad bit enthusiastic, forgive the guy. After all, this is like a dream come true. "Ive been a pro for 13 years and this is my first opportunity Ive had to play in the Open Championship so I was very excited to get over here and Im thrilled to be in the tournament. Its a big highlight for me." Hearn will also get dipped right into the fire on Thursday – hes teeing off alongside Sir Nick Faldo and Todd Hamilton, both past Open champions just after 10 am local time. ' ' '