Landon Donovan left off U.S. World Cup Roster

First I'd like to apologize for my long hiatus... but I'm back, and this is a discussion that can't be ignored.

Yesterday afternoon United States head coach Jurgen Klinnsman announced his final 23-man roster that will head to Brazil and represent the red, white, and blue. Cool right?

Not exactly.

Excluded from the roster was 32 year Landon Donovan. The same same Landon Donovan who has been a mainstay for United States Mens National team, having played in the past three World Cups for the United States dating back to 2002. The same Landon Donovan who has been the face of the US National Team for the past decade. The same Landon Donovan who stuck with the MLS to promote soccer in America when the league was on the verge of folding.

"I just see some players slightly ahead of him," Klinnsman said. "He did everything right. He was always positive. His disappointment is huge, I totally understand that. He took it very professional because he is an outstanding professional player and he knows that I have the highest respect for him. I have to make the decisions, what is good today for this group going to Brazil, and there, I just think that the other guys right now are a little bit ahead of him."

Need I remind you Mr. Klinnsman that the 'him' your referring to is widely regarded as the greatest player in American Soccer history. Donovan has notched 57 goals in 156 international matches for the United States, the most all-time. He has five career world cup goals and has been the leader for this country throughout his illustrious professional career.

I'll take all the criticism in the world when I say this, but this was not a soccer decision made in the best interest of the team. Landon Donovan and Jurgen Klinnsman have had a skewed relationship dating back to their days together at Bayern Munich.

If you think that there are 23 players on this team better than Donovan you are sadly mistaken. Yes, at 32 Donovan may have lost a step, but that doesn't take away from his creativity. After all, Landan Donovan was always at the peak of his game while trailing the rush or shooting down the sidelines.

Out of sheer respect. A bench spot should have been held open for Landon Donovan.

Needless to say, I sadly will not be rooting for the United States in the upcoming games.

Klinnsman left, Donovan right