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10 USMNT players who played key roles in the rise of U.S. soccer
By Marco Haynes at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 26, 2026
· 10 min read
The 1990s marked a pivotal era for soccer in the United States.
The sport took center stage in the summer of 1994 with the World Cup in the United States, including a grueling final at the Rose Bowl that went down to a tense penalty shootout. Major League Soccer launched two years later and, ...
Key takeaway The sport took center stage in the summer of 1994 with the World Cup in the United States, including a grueling final at the Rose Bowl that went down to a tense penalty shootout.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The legacy of Landon Donovan, a Southern California native, continues to inspire a new generation of soccer fans in Los Angeles . His impressive career with the LA Galaxy, where he won four MLS Cup titles and became the all-time leading goal scorer, has left a lasting impact on the local soccer community. As the USMNT prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Donovan's achievements serve as a reminder of the city's rich soccer history, which includes hosting several high-profile international matches, including the 1994 World Cup final at the Rose Bowl. The success of Donovan and other iconic USMNT players has helped pave the way for the growth of professional soccer in Los Angeles, with the city now home to several top-tier teams, including the LA Galaxy. As the city's soccer scene continues to evolve, fans can look to Donovan's legacy as a source of pride and inspiration.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 10 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The 1990s marked a pivotal era for soccer in the United States.
The sport took center stage in the summer of 1994 with the World Cup in the United States, including a grueling final at the Rose Bowl that went down to a tense penalty shootout. Major League Soccer launched two years later and, ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Marco Haynes at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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