Donovan’s Hat Trick Helps U.S. Slam Scotland

Landon Donovan was all business on Saturday by putting a trio of goals into the net in a 5-1 win over Scotland. (Photo: Chris Aduama/aduama.com)

In case anyone was wondering: Landon Donovan hasn’t lost his mojo. And Saturday’s performance was proof positive.

A trio of goals from the Galaxy playmaker powered the United States to a 5-1 thrashing of Scotland in an international friendly at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.

Donovan, who returned to pitch after an eight-month hiatus from the national team, opened his account in the 3rd minute, and added two more in the 60th and 65th minutes. Michael Bradley chipped in with an 11th minute strike while Jermaine Jones capped the scoring in the 70th minute. A Geoff Cameron own goal in the 15th prevented Scotland from the shutout.

Although the final scoreline may not suggest it, the match was competitive for the duration of the first half. After Donovan and Bradley gave the Americans a 2-0 lead inside of 11 minutes, Cameron’s defensive gaffe in the 15th sent the squads went into the locker room for halftime separated by a single goal.

But in the second half, the Americans put some considerable distance between them and their adversaries. Off a pass from into the area, Donovan put the finishing touch in the 60th minute. Five minutes later, it was Donovan again for the trifecta.

Jones made it a four-goal lead in the 70th minute when he glanced a Donovan pass into the back of the net.

The U.S. returns to action on May 30 for a showdown against world super power Brazil at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Kickoff is set for 8pm.