Donovan was cut from Jurgen Klinsmann's final USA squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup on Thursday, sparking widespread shock amongst American fans and pundits, but the 32-year-old hit back on Sunday, scoring twice in Galaxy's 4-1 win over Philadelphia Union.
The brace took Donovan to 136 goals in the MLS, two clear of former Columbus Crew striker Jeff Cunningham in the all-time scoring table.
Donovan had hoped to play in his fourth World Cup finals in Brazil but missed out on a berth in Klinsmann's final 23-man squad.
"It's been an emotional three days. A lot of down and a lot of up honestly," Donovan told Time Warner Cable Sportsnet after the match.
"The love I've received from everybody here, including when I walked out for warm-ups with signs and people staying stuff, has been amazing. And I'm really happy it ended this way."
Donovan's scoring drought this season had been thrown up as one reason why Klinsmann had decided against taking the Galaxy forward to Brazil.
"I felt like this form has been coming. I've been playing really well. I felt good in camp about how things were going. And I thought there was a goal coming soon," Donovan said.
"I wasn't expecting it to be this soon in this game but I was still happy I could score."
