Landon Donovan Scores Hat Trick For United States

In a friendly tonight as part of the warmup for CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying in advance of World Cup 2014 in Brazil, Landon Donovan netted a hat trick as the United States defeated Scotland 5-1. Donvan scored once in the first half and twice in the second, stirring the conversation after comments earlier in the week that he may be losing his passion.

"We put on a good performance tonight," Landon Donovan said. "It's been a tough ten days of training...and we wanted to come out and put on a good show...I remember I had a hat trick a few years ago in Florida, and maybe it's a good state for me."

On the first goal, Jermaine Jones found Landon Donovan just in front of the six yard box. Donovan's first attempt was blocked, but the rebound landed at his feet. Donovan smashed the ball high as three Scotland defenders rushed to fill the space. The 3' goal set the pace for the national team.

"Our movement was really good. The three guys in the midfield did a good job of moving and passing the ball quickly. It really made it easy for Jose and myself wide; we had tons of space. Any attacking player gets that kind of space we're going to score eventually."

In the 60', Jones found Donovan in the box once again. Donovan was able to one touch the rolling ball past the keeper. The Bradley-Jones-Donovan connection was on fire. Bradley directly assisted Donovan on his third goal, with a seeing eye ball past his marker and right onto Donovan's foot. Donovan two touched another calm finish.