From left, Edson Buddle, Jonathan Bornstein, Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden, Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Maurice Edu and Jozy Altidore pose with the award for Best Moment in the press room at the ESPY Awards tonight in Los Angeles (AP Photo).

Yeah, I think these completely artificial awards are lame too, a thinly-veiled excuse to fill up TV time after the MLB All-Star game, as a colleague pointed out this week.

Still, sometimes these awards say more than intended: For instance, the U.S. Men’s National Team won “Best Moment” for its 1-0 victory in stoppage time against Algeria in the team’s final group match that gave the U.S. a place in the Round of 16.

More than a “best moment” is needed really, though, by the U.S.

Landon Donovan, who scored the winning goal against Algeria, also won the Castrol Performance Under Pressure and Best MLS Player awards. (His date for the night was – his soon to be ex-wife? – actress Bianca Kajlich).

“The comment I’ve received more than any other is ‘thank you for inspiring us and inspiring our country,'” said Donovan during his acceptance speech at the Nokia Theater at LA Live. “I believe it takes two to tango and I want to say on behalf of all of us, thank you for allowing us to inspire you guys. You put everything else aside to let us inspire you, so thank you so much.”

Depressingly notable: The ESPY awards have been given out annually since 1993