In light of Landon Donovan’s game-winning goal vs. Algeria in Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup match, the Homecoming with Rick Reilly episode featuring the soccer player will re-air on ESPN2 this Saturday, June 26, at noon ET.

 Hosted by 11-time Sportswriter of the Year Rick Reilly, the show challenges that old adage, “You can’t go home again.”  Donovan took time out of his 2010 FIFA World Cup preparations to return to his hometown of Redlands, Calif.  More than 1,500 cheering fans and Donovan’s family and friends were in the audience as well as USA Soccer head coach Bob Bradley. Donovan spoke candidly about his one-time riff with teammate David Beckham and what it was like to be a young soccer star. He also gave his prediction for the World Cup final: “a rematch between USA and Spain, with USA winning 2-0.”  Photos                

Excerpts:

On the goal against Mexico in the 2002 World Cup: “It was probably the most memorable goal. To play in a World Cup is everything, and then to score against your bitter rivals to get to the quarter finals was awesome.” 

On becoming the face of the MLS at an early age: “I thought I was ready for it. In hindsight, now looking back, I wasn’t ready for it. And along with that comes a lot of media, a lot of appearances, people asking a lot of you, and you can get caught up in that part of it and forget about soccer. That can wear you out, which tires you out for the soccer part. So it’s a tough balance, trying to figure that all out.”