Landon Donovan’s goal gave the United States a 2-0 lead over Brazil and it brought joy to living rooms all over America where soccer lovers were gathered.

It also brought this thought to my mind:

“This is too good to be true.”

Wish I had been wrong, but Brazil rampaged back in the second half to take a 3-2 victory. (Brazil really scored four times, but officials missed an obvious goal by Kaka.)

But Donovan’s goal was not completely in vain. He showed he’s ready to jump from the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer - a minor league - to the English Premier League or Spain’s La Liga or Italy’s Serie A.

His goal was world class. His perfect touch turned a great pass from Charlie Davies into an ideal opportunity. Brazil’s Ramirez had not a chance as Donovan danced by him and ripped a left-footed shot into the net.

Donovan had long stood as symbol of American soccer. He’s been the poster child for the inability of the sport to flourish in the Land of the Free. His disastrous ventures into Germany’s Bundesliga seemed to prove he wasn’t  ready to compete against the world’s elite.

But his performance at the Confederations Cup leaves no doubt that he’s - finally - ready for a bigger stage. Donovan is only 27. It’s time for him to depart our shores.

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