CARSON >> The Galaxy have been ravaged by injuries lately, but welcomed back two key components and one that everybody in attendance didn’t think they would see again.

Starting central defender Jelle Van Damme and forward Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan, wearing an unfamiliar No. 26, all made their long-awaited and much-anticipated return to the field Sunday as the Galaxy rolled to a 4-2 home victory over Orlando City SC at the StubHub Center in front of a crowd of 27,167

With the victory, the Galaxy (11-4-14) moved into sole possession of second place in the Western Conference with 47 points

Keane made his first appearance in a league game since Aug. 20, missing four games. He scored a second-half goal. Van Damme had missed two weeks and picked up right where he left off, strong on defense and getting forward and getting into dangerous positions on offense, coming away with two assists.

But it was Donovan, who the fans were sitting on the edge of their seats for. Donovan finally made his appearance in the 83rd minute, just 21 months after walking off the field for what many thought was the last time following the 2014 season.

He ended his retirement this week, signing on for the remainder of the season.

“It was really enjoyable and fun to be back in the stadium,” Donovan said. “Great to win and that made the day a lot better.”

Before Donovan made his ceremonious return, the Galaxy, who entered with just one victory in their previous eight games, overcame an early goal deficit and stormed to a 3-1 halftime lead, thanks to goals from Alan Gordon and two from Giovani dos Santos.

Keane increased the lead to 4-1 in the 70th minute and with the game firmly in hand, the fans wanted just one thing, and that was for Donovan to make an appearance.

The crowd roared every time Donovan was put on the video board and soon the “We want Landon” chants started.

Fittingly, Donovan was the third and final substitution that Arena made.

It didn’t take long for Donovan to get a touch, as dos Santos played him a short pass quickly after Donovan replaced Raul Mendiola.

Donovan said he understands where he needs to be in order to be more than just a sub when the outcome of the game is already decided as was the case Sunday. He went straight to the treadmill after the game.

“I have to get myself going again so I can really contribute, because every week is not going to be a charity, five or 10 minutes,” Donovan said. “I came into a game where both teams were exhausted and I was the slowest player on the field.

“I need to get myself ready to compete in a real way. Bruce and the coaching staff need to know that when they put me in, it can mean something. Tonight worked out well, but I need to be able to contribute.”