Nearly a month after his rebound volley propelled the United States into the round of 16, Landon Donovan returns to the pitch today with the hope of carrying some momentum from a dramatic World Cup run into Major League Soccer. "I've always prided myself on the fact that I could stay here and help grow this sport here," he said Saturday as his Los Angeles Galaxy prepared to take on D.C. United at RFK Stadium. "Obviously, I've taken criticism for that, but I love playing here, and I love this league." Donovan signed a four-year contract in December to stay in MLS, but he has piqued the interest of several European teams. "He's become a real soccer hero," commissioner Don Garber said Thursday.
— The Washington Post
Dream falls to Sun despite McCoughtry's 27 points
Angel McCoughtry (St. Frances) scored 27points, but they weren't enough in the Atlanta Dream's 96-80 loss to the host Connecticut Sun. Tina Charles had 22 points and 14 rebounds to help the Sun (12-8) improve to 8-1 at home and beat the Dream (14-8) for the first time in three meetings this season.
Paddy O'Prado wins Grade II Virginia Derby by 11/2 lengths
Paddy O'Prado, who finished sixth in the Preakness, responded to jockey Kent Desormeaux as he turned from home, pulling away to win the Grade II Virginia Derby on Saturday at Colonial Downs in New Kent. The 3-year-old colt took the lead at the top of the stretch on the inner rail and held off Interactif by 11/2 lengths, covering the 11/2miles in 2 minutes, 2.58 seconds. The Donegal Racing colt was the 3-5 favorite and paid $3.20, $2.20 and $2.10. Interactif returned $3.40 and $2.80 as the second choice, and Krypton paid $3.40 to show.
Delaware Handicap: Life at Ten won her sixth race in a row, setting a slow pace before pulling away to a three-length victory in the Grade II Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park in Stanton. Miss Singhsix came on around the final turn to finish second, with Funny Moon third. Life at Ten, ridden by John Velasquez and trained by Todd Pletcher, covered the 11/4 miles over a fast track in 2:03.21 and paid $3.20, $2.40 and $2.10.