Landon Dovovan, who needs one more goal to become the top scorer in US national team history, was named the squad's most valuable player on Friday for an unprecedented fourth time.

The 25-year old Donovan also won the award in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Clint Dempsey won last year and Kasey Keller in 2005.

Donovan finished well ahead of runner-up Tim Howard - number-one goalkeeper at Everton - in the voting while Carlos Bocanegra was third.

Donovan leads Team USA with nine goals, including a hat-trick against Ecuador and four goals during the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer.

Donovan's penalty kick against Mexico to win the Americans' fourth Gold Cup title was his 34th career tally, tying him with Eric Wynalda as the top scorer in the US national team history.

Donovan has 96 caps and is also the all-time assist leader for the United States.

The award is given annually to the top player on the US national football team as chosen by the American media.