Looking back to 1996, when I first went to see the LA Galaxy play. The truth of it, I just went to watch them for the hype and check out this new league, the MLS. I have been a Club América (Mexico’s Liga MX) fan since I was born. Basically, in my family we were all fans of América so I grew up watching them play and cheering for them. So after watching Mexican soccer and European soccer, I didn’t think this league or this team called LA Galaxy would last at all.
I just thought it was going to be an exhibition. Granted the 1994 World Cup did give the MLS a push and a good hype. At this time, I was playing semi-pro on a travel team called American Outlaws. I played with good talented players. My sweeper or center back at the time was Jimmy Conrad and had other talented players from Nigeria and South America. But, this is not about me. I was just letting you know a little about me and my soccer knowledge.
From left to right: Mauricio Cienfuegos, Cobi Jones and Jorge Campos.
The first ever LA Galaxy game was amazing! But, to be honest it was amazing due to the atmosphere and the celebration of soccer in America. I thought, at the time the game needed more creativity and the pace was too slow. However, it was a fun time for all the fans in LA. Cobi Jones and Jorge Campos were the stars of the monumental game. Mauricio Cienfuegos was a class on his own. Over all the night was something to remember. I have been a fan since that day. I never stop or doubt my team. Even after losing the final vs. DC United. I just knew this team was going to be one of the great ones.
LA Galaxy’s players celebrate after winning the MLS Cup in 2002.
I have followed the Galaxy from Pasadena to the grand opening of the Home Depot stadium. Again another great moment in the Galaxy history. I was there rooting and cheering at this time I was 100% sold about the MLS and the LA Galaxy. I will never forget the first time the LA Galaxy lifted the MLS Cup! Carlos Ruiz scoring the winning goal. I screamed like a newborn baby and had goosebumps all over my body.I couldn’t believe after so many years of coming so close to finally raising the cup. It took me many years to become a season ticket holder but it wasn’t because of love for the team, it was more of the lack of money. However, I make sure and try to make a home game possible. I became a ticket holder in 2015.
Landon Donovan joined the LA Galaxy after playing for the San Jose Earthquakes.
Then the world stars started coming in. Obviously there were some Mexican stars beside Campos that came into the MLS and LA Galaxy. We brought in Luis Hernández and Hermosillo, Mexican strikers. However, I felt these guys were stars in the Mexico league. Not really world stars. The Galaxy wanted more and wanted to be part of the elite clubs in the world. LA Galaxy decided to get the super stars starting with Landon Donovan, one of the best American soccer players. Even though he came from San Jose, we welcome Landon with open arms. He was the best of the US can offer at that time and he chose to come to the LA Galaxy. My team didn’t stop there.
Then, the world turns their eyes into MLS for the first time. David Beckham came into the MLS and LA Galaxy. What a day that was I couldn’t keep eyes from the TV and couldn’t get enough info about him coming in. I remember the first game it was a media frenzy! The world was watching so did I from home glue into the television like a kid waiting for his favorite show.
David Beckham arrived at Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.
I continue to be glued to the TV and any news wanting more from Beckham and the LA Galaxy. I knew then we were going to be the elite team. Then follow Keane, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole and Zlatan. However, I strongly feel that these guys do not define what the LA Galaxy is. I feel the fans, supporter groups and all the 11 players are what define what the LA Galaxy is. Superstars come and go. The heart and soul of the LA Galaxy team arethe fans, supporter groups, stadium and all the hard working staff from the Galaxy that made this team to be one of the greatest teams in the US.
We lead the teams with 5 MLS Cups and yes we had our down years. The 2017 season I believe was the worse one, while 2012 was the best team the LA Galaxy put together. But, again, the love for my team will never stop. As a fan I do complain, get angry and scream at the top of my lungs about my team. I have had tears and felt the disappointment of a season just like the players do.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic played two seasons for LA Galaxy.
I have been to all the derbies from California ‘clásico’, the Chivas and Galaxy ‘clásico’ and the best derby yet the LA Galaxy vs LAFC. I was there when LAFC was Zlatan. I will never forget that derby! The goal that went around the world. I know one thing in 25 years. I will always love my beloved LA Galaxy through bad, good and brilliant years. I think the best is yet to come. This is what it means to be a fan. This is LA and the LA Galaxy will always be my beloved team.
