I kid, I kid. Sure felt that way though, both with how well Donovan played and the praise being heaped on him by almost everyone who watched the game; this wasn't one of those "Well, he had some good moments, but..." matches for American soccer's lightning rod, this was an out and out fantastic performance across the board.


Against what many would argue is the best team in the Premier League, with England first-choice left back Ashley Cole his main opposition most of the day, Donovan somehow managed to improve the perception of a move that has already been lauded as a massive success. He was dangerous in attack, but a perfect corner on the head of Louis Saha for Everton's first goal, drew a penalty (which Saha unfortunately missed), tracked back effectively all day, and just generally played a spectacular match.


The amazing thing is that none of that is hyperbole.


The Independent named him their "Man of the Match" (despite Saha's brace), as did the Daily Mail, and the Star gave him their "Star Man".


Against the stiffest competition possible, Donovan raised his game.


Not only does this bode well for June and the US World Cup hopes, with the showdown between Donovan and Cole rightly drawing some attention, it begins to push us towards a very real question: Would Donovan returning to MLS in March not only be disappointing, but actually be a disaster?


I know "disaster" is a serious, heavy, word, but it seems the most apt here. American fans, after watching Donovan finally see success in Europe, are generally rooting for him to stay at Everton. There's a sense that no matter how highly the league values him, they should either extend the loan through the end of the EPL season or sell him outright at a reasonable price.


If neither of those happen, how will it affect Donovan himself? Would he really just be okay with heading back to LA before seeing the season out with him new teammates?


This appears to be a new, mentally stronger Donovan. Failure in Germany hasn't kept him from showing off his abilities with Everton. But he wouldn't be human if he didn't feel a little let down playing back at home after drawing praise in one of the world's best leagues.


That, for USMNT fans, could be a disaster. The Yanks need Donovan at the top of his game, as he is at this very moment with the Toffees, when they kick off against England in Rustenburg on June 12th. Root for an extended loan or sale because Donovan deserves it, but also root for it because it's the best thing for American World Cup chances.