Red Bulls lose to L.A., but packed arena is winner

HARRISON, N.J. - The incessant buzz at Red Bull Arena last night didn't come from vuvuzelas. No, that was a delirious crowd in a packed stadium.

Landon Donovan was terse when asked of the impact his World Cup goal and Team USA's success has had on the growth of American soccer, choosing to only "talk about tonight." Needless, though, as the ambience spoke for him.

It was noticeable a couple of miles before the stadium, where traffic was backed up from the New Jersey turnpike exit to the parking garages. Inside was a crammed arena - giving the Red Bulls their first ever sellout. Among the 25,000 in attendance were injured Galaxy star David Beckham, Spurs guard Tony Parker and his wife Eva Longoria, Knicks Danilo Gallinari and Ronny Turiaf and Devils star Patrik Elias. It was that kind of atmosphere.

"It was great," Donovan said of the turnout, which witnessed his Los Angeles Galaxy top the Red Bulls, 1-0, on Edson Buddle's 10th-minute goal. "We need this in our league. We want the opportunity to play in full stadiums. My guess now that [Thierry] Henry and [Rafael] Marquez are here, they'll have more fans. For us, it makes the game a little more intense, a little more real."

The appreciation for Donovan was so effusive, he was greeted with an ovation rivaled only by Henry and including Marquez, who made his home debut for the Red Bulls.

"The league's been wanting this for a long time," said Donovan, who joined teammates in applauding the fans before jogging off the field. "The more games we can have like this, the better. Every time we play New York now, it's going to be a big game."

The buzz, of course, was in part a product of Donovan's dramatic winning goal against Algeria in the first round of the World Cup. The kick seen 'round the world has made the forward a national hero, judging by the reaction last night.

That elevation of status and the rehabilitation of his reputation began before that, though. Perhaps in January. Not much was expected when the 28-year-old joined Everton, a middling English club, for a 10-week loan, largely because of his two disappointing stints with German teams earlier in his career. But impressive play, two big goals and upsets over English powerhouses Chelsea and Manchester United can change things a little.

By the end of the stint, the Everton fans were so enthralled by Donovan's play that they rushed in droves for autographs. A Facebook fan page called "Keep Landon Donovan at Everton," was created and has more than 10,000 fans.

Imagine that: an American soccer star being yearned for in Europe. Long gone are the days of "Landycakes," the derisive nickname laid on Donovan by critics who questioned his toughness and resolve.

And in the United States, it seems the memories of Team USA's poor performance in the 2006 World Cup - highlighted by Donovan's listless play - have been wiped away.