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BRISTOL, Conn. - Hours before his final game for the red, white and blue, Landon Donovan made no effort to hide his anger at Jurgen Klinsmann.The face of American soccer for more than a decade, Donovan had been counting on going to his fourth World Cup.And then after practice at Stanford Stadium on May 22, Klinsmann called in the 32-year-old forward and told him he wasnt going to BrazilDonovan was stunned and livid.He recorded commercials poking fun at his exclusion, criticized Klinsmanns tactics during the tournament and was reluctant to accept an offer from U.S. Soccer Federation Sunil Gulati to play a celebratory finale for the national team. Ultimately, Donovan accepted and made his 157th international appearance in an exhibition against Ecuador on Friday night. He hit a post, left in the 41st minute and exchanged a handshake and a soft hug with the coach when he left the game that ended in a 1-1 tie.Looking back, Donovan thinks getting axed benefited him in an unexpected manner.Although I didnt agree with the decision and I still know I should have been there, it was also good for me to say, you know what, its not always going to go your way, he said. And it took time for me to get to that place. Im human. I had some very real emotions after. But after a while I said: Maybe this is a going to be a good thing. And I wouldnt have the opportunity to grow had it not happened. I certainly grew a lot more by that happening than if I had gone to the World Cup and played there, and in that way you can learn a lot from it.I had the opportunity to feel what other players have felt in my career. A lot of times when I made a team I was so happy for me that I forgot about the guy who got cut, so for the first time it kind of put that in front of my face.Gulati sat at Donovans side during a half-hour pregame news conference on ESPNs Baseball Tonight set, about 20 miles from Rentschler Field, and maintained his refusal to comment on Klinsmanns decision.Without Donovan, the U.S. advanced from a difficult first-round group by defeating Ghana, drawing Portugal and losing to Germany. The Americans were knocked out with a 2-1 overtime loss to Belgium, and Fridays match was their first at home since leaving Brazil.Three, four months ago, if someone asked if this day would happen, I would have said youre out of your mind and youre crazy, Donovan said. I give all the credit to Sunil for sticking with me through some hard conversations and understanding what was important and making it happen.I believe this is a day I deserve. I believe this is a day my family deserves for all the sacrifices theyve made.Donovan anticipated 20 family members would attend, and he said the USSF had treated them like kings and queens this week. It helped to alleviate some of his vexation. People forget, for those of us who werent selected this summer to play in Brazil, its not only difficult for us, its difficult for our families, he said. In many instances, our families had this amazing vacation trip of a lifetime planned, and that was taken from them.The Los Angeles Galaxy forward, the American career leader in international goals (57) and assists (58), is retiring at the end of the Major League Soccer season.Donovan played in all 12 U.S. games at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups, scoring an American-record five goals. His stoppage-time winner against Algeria four years ago gave the U.S. first place in its group for the first time in 80 years and created one of American soccers iconic moments.Asked about his relationship with Klinsmann, all Donovan would say is: You know. It took him awhile to accept Gulatis offer of a testimonial match.The thought of being in this environment again didnt seem all that appealing at the time, Donovan said. But at the end of the day I looked at the big picture and realized what a special day this could be. Its almost like, if you care to believe this stuff, in many ways its meant to be. I think its no coincidence its 10-10 today.Donovan took over the No. 10 jersey following captain Claudio Reynas retirement in 2006. But for all Donovans accomplishments, Klinsmann said Thursday he wished Donovan could have done a bit more and established a career with a European club rather than remain in MLS.I think its easy for people to judge others in their career choices and their life choices, Donovan said. Ive always tried to make decisions that were best for me and best for my family and best for my happiness. I realize thats not always popular with people. Im sure a lot of people wish my career had gone a different way.Donovan took a four-month sabbatical from soccer after the 2012 season, a decision that strained his relationship with Klinsmann, who believes top players should train virtually year-round. Donovan needed time away — he has been open about his struggles with depression.Its human nature to have sad periods in life, he said. I would much rather feel than not feel things and to go through some of the things we as human beings go through. Its normal to feel that way.Hes not quite sure what awaits. Attending college and travel are among the possibilities. Hell remain involved with the USSF, but how hes not sure.Coaching intrigues him, but not pros. Perhaps the under-17 team, the level where he first gained world-wide attention in 1999.I wouldnt want to deal with male soccer egos. Thats a headache that I think nobody would want, even though some coaches take it on, he said. I think being able to really be hands on early in peoples careers would be helpful, because thats where I needed the most help. Addison Russell Jersey . -- David Price didnt think he would be in Port Charlotte this spring. Ryne Sandberg Jersey . Nix is a career .218 hitter in 425 games over six seasons. 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Last year, Islanders forward Colin Mcdonald released a "Do It For Colin" campaign to promote his teammate and friend John Tavares for the EA sports honour:The most popular sports voting video ever has to go to Chris Bosh who showcased his comedic abilities in his effort to get fans to vote him into the 2008 All Star Game:You can vote for TJ and other star players for the NHL 15 cover vote here.Calgary, AB (SportsNetwork.com) - Markus Granlund scored the game-winning goal as the Calgary Flames used an early offensive flurry to defeat the Los Angeles Kings, 2-1, on Monday. Curtis Glencross also scored, Jiri Hudler supplied two assists and Jonas Hiller turned aside 26 shots for the Flames, who have won three straight games. Tyler Toffoli supplied the Kings lone marker and Jonathan Quick made 13 saves in defeat. Calgary was victorious over Los Angeles on home ice during regulation for the first time since Oct. 10, 2010. The Flames scored twice during a 62-second span during the first period. Hudler was tightly defended in the slot, but sent a pass to a trailing Glencross, who beat Quick with a wrister at 12:13. Granlund finished off a tic-tac-toe passing play from Johnny Gaudreau and Hudler with a wrister into an open net at 13:15. Toffoli took a stretch pass from Dustin Brown in the neutral zone, broke in on a breakaway and finiished the play with a slick backhander over Hillers glove to cut the deficit to 2-1 with 50.dddddddddddd1 seconds remaining in the second. Los Angeles offense kept applying pressure, but Hiller extended his right pad to deny Toffoli of the equalizer with 15.4 seconds to play in the middle stanza. Hiller was solid during the third, making 10 saves and stopping multiple shots in the waning seconds after Los Angeles pulled its netminder. Game Notes Calgary has won its last three games against Los Angeles, including a 4-3 overtime victory on Dec. 22 ... Kings forward Trevor Lewis extended his point streak to a career-high four games with the secondary assist on Toffolis marker ... The Flames improved to 13-3-2 when scoring first this season ... Six of the last seven games between the two teams have been decided by a single goal ... Kings forward Marian Gaborik was scratched due to the flu. ' ' '