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. Dario Saric Jersey . FIFA said in a statement Friday that "several racist and discriminatory incidents were apparently perpetrated by local supporters during the match, in particular by displaying neo-Nazi banners and by making monkey noises and gestures as well as Nazi salutes. Landry Shamet Jersey . 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Watch the game live on TSN Canadiens and listen on TSN Radio 690 starting at 7:30pm et.It appears Winnipeg Jets centre Alex Burmistrov isnt interested in re-signing with KHL club AK Bars and would like to try returning to the NHL. We have not discussed a new contract with AK Bars, said Burmistrov in an interview with Russian website Championat.com. I want to try myself across the ocean again, to fulfill my dream and play in the NHL. a€| Nothing has been defined yet, but I really want to leave because the NHL is my dream. On TSN 1290s Hustler & Lawless, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said he would like to have the eighth ovverall pick of 2010 back in the fold, a position hes held since Burmistrov went over to the KHL in 2013.dddddddddddd Hes still such a young player when it comes to the hockey age, so to speak, and theres lots of room for growth and development in his game, said Cheveldayoff. Sitting here today, not knowing how the weeks and months, and, obviously, several months unfold, we are happy to have Alex as part of our organization and will continue to watch and monitor him. 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