Donovan to return to Galaxy for MLS season

Landon Donovan had the tiebreaking goal in the Galaxy's 3-1 win over Houston for their second straight MLS Cup title.

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

CARSON, Calif. (AP) -- Landon Donovan will return to the Los Angeles Galaxy for the upcoming MLS season, but exactly when he resumes playing hasn't been decided yet.

Donovan wasn't at the team's first practice on Monday, when coach Bruce Arena said the Galaxy captain has been given more time off.

Arena says Donovan is "definitely playing this year."

Donovan turns 31 on March 4, a day after the Galaxy's season opener against the Chicago Fire.

The midfielder had the tiebreaking goal on a penalty kick that gave the Galaxy a 3-1 victory over Houston for their second straight MLS Cup title in November. Afterward, he said he had been dealing with physical and mental fatigue after playing 49 games in 48 weeks.

Donovan told Arena recently he needed more time off.

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