mls underwent a significant transition in the years leading up to the 2006 world cup. after marketing itself on the talents of american players, the league saw some of its homegrown stars depart for more prominent leagues in europe. tim howard, goalkeeper for the metrostars, was sold to manchester united in one of the most lucrative contract deals in league history. damarcus beasley of the chicago fire left for psv eindhoven, while landon donovan, on loan from bayer leverkusen, was recalled to germany. donovan's stint in germany was brief; before the start of the 2005 mls season he was sold back to mls to play for the los angeles galaxy.