Los Angeles Galaxy Fans Q&A Number Eight. ME aka ANDY GILLESPIE

I have a few Q&A's out there in e-mail-land but so far I am still waiting for responses. In the meantime, I think I'll have a crack at it myself, so here goes.......




Q1. How did you first get into the Galaxy and what was the first game you attended?
Pretty much like a lot of Galaxy fans did, they started up the MLS and we were granted a team called the Galaxy. I went to the first game, it was pretty mental off the field with all the 1000's of extra fans that showed up. The football wasn't so great and I gave up after a few seasons, but now I'm back with a vengeance and I'm Galaxy till I die...


Q2. Name your favourite five Galaxy players of all time?
Mauricio Cienfuegos - Still my all time favourite G's player, what I'd give to have him in his prime in the current squad.
Kevin Hartman - One of the best MLS keepers of all time for me. Could and probably should have moved to Europe years ago and made a name for himself, not to mention a lot more money.
Cobi Jones - Longest serving G ever, breaks my heart that he's now with the NY Cosmos and they're not even a proper team.
Landon Donovan - Mr Consistant and has carried this team single handedly unlike a certain Mr Beckham.
Edson Buddle - Had a couple of great years and a couple of crap years with us. I wanted him gone after his lack of performance in the MLS Cup Final, but he came back the next year and proved his critics wrong. It was close between him and Hurtado, but I went for Buddle as he was an idol to my kids as well.


Q3. What is your normal preparation/routine when attending a Galaxy game?
Load up the ice cooler with Bitburger.
Get the kids ready, pick out which Galaxy shirt and trainers to wear.
Mark picks us up, we pick up Alex, get food from Carls Jr, meet up with the Galaxians, drink until kick off and then scream, jump around and clap on the Galaxy for 90 minutes.




Q4. Do you follow any other footy teams?
First and foremost Manchester City, God's own team.


Q5. Name five footy teams that you hate the most?
In England: Man U*****d, L**ds U****d, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs.
Rest of the World: San Jose Earthquakes, RSL, Chivas, Seattle Flounders, Real Madrid.


Q6. Describe the best Galaxy performance you attended?
My memory is a bit shit, so I'll say most recently, it would be beating Seattle Sounders last year on July 4th. Kellie and the kids were with us and they loved it as well, a great day all round.
Plus any other time we beat the Flounders and any time we beat Chivas, which thankfully is quite often on both scores.


Q7. Describe the worst?
RSL the other week instantly springs to mind, it was awful. Losing to those fuckers in the MLS Cup Final was shit as well.


Q8. Has the Beckham signing been better for Beckham, the Galaxy or the MLS?
A bit of all three really. I have defended his behaviour a few times, but he fucked the Galaxy and our fans over once too often, the sooner he is gone the better.





Q9. Do you follow any other sports and if so, what teams?
No, there really is no other sport for me.
I do actually want all other L.A. teams to do well as a local, but I really don't give a toss either when they lose.


Q10. Do you play footy, what position and are you any good?
I was quite decent in my youth, played on the wing and also right back. Used to be quite fast and could knock a great cross in. I was also known for being deadly with a slide tackle and when I first came to the USA as youngster, much older players genuinely feared me.
I was also known to have scored a few screamers in my time, which I am quite proud of and once scored two goals from the halfway line in a minute. I banged one in and took abuse off the opposition saying it was a fluke. Then they fucked up the kick off so I ploughed into them and banged the ball into the top corner, they were shell shocked.
Now I don't really play that much anymore, I just tend to stand/jog about but can still knock a great cross in and have a decent shot, a bit like Beckham only older, fatter and a lot sexier.


Q11. What's with the rivalry between Galaxy supporters groups?
I don't get it, we're all Galaxy fans. I just mainly hear rumblings from knobs from each supporters groups bitching about each other and who has the best supporters group, laughable really.




Q12. Have you ever seen or been involved in any aggro at the match? Galaxy or otherwise?
Many, many times.
Been beaten, beaten people and seen tons of stuff go down.
I used to revel in it and think it was cool as fuck. Now I look back and realise it was all pretty pointless and a bit sad really.


Q13. How do you think the MLS compares with other leagues around the world?
We shouldn't really worry about that sort of stuff, we have our own market and our own unique fans to cater to. The league is getting better each year though.
I remember Eric Wynalda bragging when the league first started that within 10 years the MLS would compete with the best leagues around the world. He was way wide of the mark, but I'd be shocked if we can't reach that within the next 20 years.

Q14. Club before country?
Always been club for me, don't really care that much for the England national team, I'd watch City or the Galaxy over them any day of the week.


Q15. Almost every Galaxy fan I speak to wishes that Chivas USA were gone from the HDC, where would you like to see them end up?

Vegas or San Diego would make for a great away trip.



Q16. Favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Seattle was awesome, but I don't count it because it's a NFL stadium. I was very impressed with Rio Tinto and in the EPL I always enjoyed visiting Anfield with City.





Q17. Least favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
San Jose is a joke. In the EPL I'd have to say Old Trafford. Nice enough stadium, but heavily populated by cunts.


Q18. If you could change anything about the Galaxy organisation what would it/they be?
Get rid of Beckham.
Have designated away end/section.
Hang the DJ, the music at home games is seriously shit. I don't need to hear the Black Eyed fucking Peas ever again.
Get some half time entertainment other than 46 AYSO kids chasing a ball around for 10 minutes.
Cheaper concessions and more choices




Q19. What changes would you make to the MLS?
Not a fan of play offs, I know it's an American thing, but they could get rid of them and I'd be happy.
Sort out the situation with major international tournaments clashing with our season, you can't exactly move the World Cup so we should have an extended break during it.
Have weekends off for WC qualifiers and friendlies, we always lose Donovan, it's a joke.


Q20. What's the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you at the match?
One year at Watford, I hitch hiked down there as I was on the dole and broke, paid into the cheapest part of the ground and was instantly rumbled by a steward who shouted at me from the bottom of the stand "Oi, you're a Man City fan, you're not supposed to be in there"
"Fuck me" I thought, "how did he know?" Then I looked around to see that everyone stood around me only came up to my chest and I had paid to get into the kids stand for under twelves. Even eight year old girls were pointing and laughing at me.


Q21. Funniest thing you has seen at the match?
Probably when we thought our mate Colin Wilson had been stabbed at Blackburn away with City after we saw it kick off in their end and him being carried away, doubled up on a stretcher. Turned out he just had an extreme case of the shits from a bad curry the night before.
There's a blog about it somewhere on here.



Q22. Finally, how do you see the season ending for the LA Galaxy this year?
We obviously haven't started off too good this year, but I think we'll turn it around. Every season there is a team that gets "hot" just before the end of the season, rolls into the play offs and destroys all before them. I'm hoping we're going to be that team this year. It's only a matter of time before our forwards, especially Angel click and start banging the goals in for fun.



Great answers, thanks Me.

British Sea Power at the Troubadour April 7th 2011

I have a lot of friends back in the UK who have raved about this band, "You'll like them" said one, "they sound a bit like Echo and the Bunnymen"
Well I own three albums by them, Open Season, The Decline of BSP and Do You Like Rock Music?
I think I've only ever listened to each CD maybe once, they didn't exactly grab me and drag me in with them, but given the chance to see the band live I jumped at it, hoping things would be different in the flesh.

I'll tell you this about British Sea Power, they are great musicians, put on a great show and their fans are rabid about them and were really into the gig.
But I found myself getting a bit bored at the show, maybe it was because they came on late and I had to be up the next day at 5am? I don't know, but I gave it a try, it wasn't horrible or remotely bad. Like I said, they were very good, just wasn't my thing.
It's almost like meeting a really beautiful girl, you get along, everything looks rosy, then you get her into bed and it's just MEH!!! Nothing wrong with that, just no connection.
So I tip my cap to you BSP, but it was never meant to be.

Liam Spencer.

And now ladies and gentlemen, my loyal followers (all 8 of you) I give you a bit of culture as I delve into the world of the arts.
I am a big fan of England's North West artist Liam Spencer, I first saw his work a few years back in a gallery back home in Manchester.
He's a modern day L.S. Lowry and paints scenes from the NW of England using oils on board, canvass or whatever he can get his hands on.
As a fellow northerner, his work, subject matter and methods really appeal to me.

Here's a handful of Manchester City related pieces he did (just like Lowry), they are my personal favourites, so good in fact that I'll even forgive him for the one he did of Old Trafford.

More amazing stuff can be found at:

http://www.liamspencer.co.uk/



Bluemoon Chippy.


Maine Road at Twilight.


Eastlands.


Eastlands Ariel View.

A few football related pictures by LS Lowry.
Lowry was known to be a keen Manchester City fan and the first two paintings here were of Maine Road.


LS Lowry. Going to the match


LS Lowry. The football match.


LS Lowry. Also known as "The match"

I will be posting more football related artwork over the next few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.

FA Cup Semi Final: Manchester City v Manchester U****d

Great win today.
Ya Ya Toure, I think I love you!!!!!



Congratulations to Roberto Mancini and the entire Manchester City squad.
In typical City fashion, after beating U****d I fully expect expect us to choke against Stoke or Bolton.
Already had a few Bitburgers, now I'm off to mow the lawn in my 1976 retro City shirt.


If you see this man wearing this shirt and coming at you with a lawnmower, get out of the way, he's drunk.

LA Galaxy Fans Q&A Number Seven. SANDRO SOLER.

Lucky number seven and it's the turn of Sandro Soler. Sandro was instrumental in making us Simi Valley types feel welcome in the Galaxians.
Even when we were in denial that we weren't officially Galaxians, he insisted that we were and that was that. I remember seeing Sandro around the HDC for a while and always had a bit of a chuckle at their antics. I recall one game where fans of some rival team (it might have been Dallas) sat behind the Galaxians and unfurled their team flag. Sandro and Co were having none of it and within minutes had the away fans moved "for their own safety".
Always good for a laugh, a beer, a conversation about music, UCSB and of course the Galaxy.
Sandro also flew up to Toronto last year for the MPS Cup Final and to collect the Supporters Shield with a few other Galaxy fans on all of our behalf, thanks for that Sandro.




Q1. How did you first get into the Galaxy and what was the first game you attended?
I moved here from Peru in 1990. I was unable to attend a live football match on a regular basis until MLS came in 1996. When the league was announced, I decided to be a fan of whatever team LA would get.



Q2. Name your favourite five Galaxy players of all time?
Cienfuegos, Hartman, Hendrickson, Ruiz, Jones.





Q3. What is your normal preparation/routine when attending a Galaxy game?
I go to the supermarket to pick up beer and meat for the grill.


Q4. Do you follow any other footy teams?
Universitario


Q5. Name five footy teams that you hate the most?
Chivas, San Jose, Alianza Lima, Sporting Cristal, Sport Boys


Q6. Describe the best Galaxy performance you attended?
Galaxy 5, Kansas 2, 2002 MLS Play Offs



Q7. Describe the worst?
SJ 5, Galaxy 2, 2003 MLS Play Offs





Q8. Has the Beckham signing been better for Beckham, the Galaxy or the MLS?
Beckham, by far. In terms of marketing and exposure, it was one of the best things for the MLS and the Galaxy. In terms of football results and fans getting screwed over because of money, Beckham is the worst thing ever.



Q9. Do you follow any other sports and if so, what teams?
Rugby, hockey - LA Kings and any UCSB team


Q10. Do you play footy, what position and are you any good?
I play all positions, my favorites are striker and goalie. I can hold my own.


Q11. What's with the rivalry between Galaxy supporters groups?
Never understood the Riot Squad's need to wage war on the Galaxians, since we both support the same team and would be on the same side. We never did anything to them. They just needed a target to make themselves feel better. When we decided to ignore them, they started fighting each other.



Q12. Have you ever seen or been involved in any aggro at the match? Galaxy or otherwise?
No, thank God.


Q13. How do you think the MLS compares with other leagues around the world?
We have grown light years in 15 years, but we are still far behind.


Q14. Club before country?
Both








Q15. Almost every Galaxy fan I speak to wishes that Chivas USA were gone from the HDC, where would you like to see them end up?
Actually, let them stay in the HDC, and move us back to the Rose Bowl.


Q16. Favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Qwest Field, Seattle


Q17. Least favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Spartan, Oakland Coliseum, Buckshaw Stadium


Q18. If you could change anything about the Galaxy organisation what would it/they be?
Better treatment of the supporter's groups, and going back to football over greed.





Q19. What changes would you make to the MLS?
The end of Play-Offs and have us be an actual league. League wide rule on travelling fans, such as setting aside a mandatory away fans section like in the rest of the world.



Q20. What's the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you at the match?
Not embarassing, but I got thrown out of Spartan for doing nothing.


Q21. Funniest thing you has seen at the match?
Beckham yelling back to the crowd.



Q22. Finally, how do you see the season ending for the LA Galaxy this year?
From what I saw on our last match vs. Toronto, we are a very Donovan-dependant team. If he is out for a long period of time, it'll be a very difficult season. It's too early to tell. But this league is notorious for the regular season killer team to fall flat on it's face during the play-offs.





Thanks mate, I think your answer in Q21 might be referring to the home opener this season when you screamed at Beckham to cross the ball and he got his panties in a twist and started grabbing the LA badge on his jersey. You're trouble maker Sandro and that's a fact.

LA Galaxy Fans Q&A Number Six. KAREN EDWARDS.

Q&A "victim" number six is my friend Karen Edwards. She is a member of the Riot Squad, married to Steve (another friend) and also supports the blue half of Liverpool (Blame Steve). She is also a huge fan of one of my favourite bands The Wedding Present and that alone is a big plus for me.
I usually try to stop by them at the LARS picnic area on the way into the HDC as they always have a good stock of Stella Artois, even after I have run out of Bitburger. Cheers for that Karen.... hic!!!!





Q1. How did you first get into the Galaxy and what was the first game you attended?
Heard Beckham was coming and told Steve we should get season tickets.


Q2. Name your favourite five Galaxy players of all time?
Landon Donovan


Q3. What is your normal preparation/routine when attending a Galaxy game?
Leave early enough to tailgate with LARS and get a drink or two in, as I'll have to stop early and drive home.



Q4. Do you follow any other footy teams?
Everton - by marriage


Q5. Name five footy teams that you hate the most?
Chivas USA, Seattle, San Jose, Liverpool, Mexico


Q6. Describe the best Galaxy performance you attended?
I honestly don't remember performances. Bad memory.


Q7. Describe the worst?
I honestly don't remember performances. Bad memory.


Q8. Has the Beckham signing been better for Beckham, the Galaxy or the MLS?
I'd say it's been best for the MLS. Brought a lot of focus that wouldn't have been there otherwise.


Q9. Do you follow any other sports and if so, what teams?
Nascar. My driver is Dale Earnhardt Jr.


Q10. Do you play footy, what position and are you any good?
No. I'd suck with my weak ankles.


Q11. What's with the rivalry between Galaxy supporters groups?
It's a school yard battle of the coolest. Lame.


Q12. Have you ever been involved in any aggro at the match? Galaxy or otherwise?
Hellz no.



Q13. How do you think the MLS compares with other leagues around the world?
Only following the EPL really, and we don't compare. *Maybe* we can handle some Championship teams, but not the way we're playing right now.



Q14. Club before country?
Yes.



Q15. Almost every Galaxy fan I speak to wishes that Chivas USA were gone from the HDC, where would you like to see them end up?

I'd like to see them in San Diego. It'd make for a nice little roadtrip.





Q16. Favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
I haven't been, but I'm gonna guess it would be Red Bull Arena.


Q17. Least favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Buck Shaw. What a pit.


Q18. If you could change anything about the Galaxy organisation what would it/they be?
More transparency.


Q19. What changes would you make to the MLS?
Dunno. It seems to be chugging along alright.


Q20. What's the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you at the match?

Nothing. Yet.


Q21. Funniest thing you has seen at the match?
God-loving Chris Klein taking out a pitch invader.


Q22. Finally, how do you see the season ending for the LA Galaxy this year?
Ever the football pessimist, I'd say we squeak into the playoffs only to be out in the first round. Of course I hope we take it all.

Thanks Karen, short but sweet, just like you my dear. ;)

LA Galaxy Fans Q&A Number Five. RODNEY LA ROCQUE

Next up is Galaxian, ACB and HDC legend Rodney La Rocque.
His love for the L.A. Galaxy is only matched by his hatred of the Chivas USA or "Shitvas" as he is known to refer to them.
Top bloke who showed up at Oscars Bar in Sandy UT with 20 or so pairs of gloves for the traveling G's fans who might have needed then for the game that night. Trust me, they were needed and the gesture was much appreciated by the visiting Los Angelinos.





Q1.How did you first get into the Galaxy and what was the first game you attended?
I have all ways liked watching football and I started going to Galaxy matches in May 1997 just shortly into their second season and attended matches off and on by myself at the Rose Bowl through the 1998 season. At the beginning of 1999 season I bought my first season ticket and have missed about five home matches since then. .



Q2. Name your favorite five Galaxy players of all time?
Cobi Jones
Mauricio Cienfuegos
Kevin Hartman
Carlos Ruiz
Landon Donovan


Q3. What is your normal preparation/routine when attending a Galaxy game?
Starting during the week before a match, I start thinking about what to bring to the picnic (tailgate) and a couple days before the match I gather the food and begin preparing it. When I smoke meat I light the smoker about 5:00 a.m. on the day of the match and smoke it for eight (8) to ten (10) hours. In the event of a Galaxy loss the picnic is the most important part of the match to me, with a win I enjoy being with my fellow Galaxy friends.


Q4. Do you follow any other footy teams?
West Ham United and Chelsea


Q5. Name five footy teams that you hate the most?
Chivas USA , San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake , Seattle Sounders, and because I HATE them so much- Chivas USA gets named twice.



Q6. Describe the best Galaxy performance you attended?
After attending MLS Cup matches in 1999, 2000, and 2001; on 13 October 2002 in the Foxboro, MA MLS Cup match when Carlos Ruiz scored the match winning goal I was the happiest football fan there could be.



Q7. Describe the worst?
In 2003 the semi-final match for the Western Division Championship at the Galaxy v San Jose match the away leg the Galaxy had a three aggregate goal lead and heading for the Division Championship until the Earthquakes scored four goals and won- Darn it.


Q8. Has the Beckham signing been better for Beckham, the Galaxy or the MLS?
Having a player the world class caliber of David Beckham signing with the Galaxy has been great for the entire league as a whole.



Q9. Do you follow any other sports and if so, what teams?
I only follow football, however once in a year for the past thirty-nine years I have been involved with the Long Beach- Catalina Water Ski Race assisting my family with race communications.


Q10. Do you play footy, what position and are you any good?
Football wasn’t widely played when I went to school in the 1970’s so I have never played in an organized match; I have played in a few pick-up matches with friends.



Q11. What's with the rivalry between Galaxy supporters groups?
Being one of the original six founders of the Angel City Brigade I do not really believe there is any true rivalry between the supporter groups. I do however believe there is some animosity in between our group and the other group in the far corner because of our enormous fast growth and media attention. However, this animosity comes in the form of copying our support of the Galaxy with drumming, throwing confetti and streamers which benefits the support of the team.



Q12. Have you ever been involved in any aggro at the match? Galaxy or otherwise?
No, I have had occasions where Chivas USA fans appeared to want to start something but I ignored them and they went away.
One time in Kansas City this intoxicated fan didn’t appreciate my names for his team and wanted to start something, but I ignored him and he went away.



Q13. How do you think the MLS compares with other leagues around the world?
Being English and other world-wide football has been around for over one hundred years and MLS is in its infancy at a mere fifteen years I would say MLS compares very well. I have attended matches in Europe, Mexico , Central and South America as well as Australia and I would say MLS matches compare pretty well to those world-wide matches.




Q14. Club before country?
I bleed Red, White and Blue for the USMNT first, then Blue, White, and Gold for my Galaxy second.


Q15. Almost every Galaxy fan I speak to wishes that Chivas USA were gone from the HDC, where would you like to see them end up?

I am one of the people that would like to see them go as well. In speaking with several Hispanic people in our area I believe Chivas would be better supported in the San Diego area; therefore I would like to see them move to the San Diego area.



Q16. Favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Being a fan of football, I would have to say my favorite stadium to attend a match is Azteca Stadium in Mexico City . Words are hard to describe the passionate fans in Mexico for football.



Q17. Least favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Santa Clara College Stadium “Home of the Earthquakes”


Q18. If you could change anything about the Galaxy organization what would it/they be?
Be more truthful to the fans when it comes to injuries of the players including type of injury and anticipated length of recovery. Also be more truthful to fans when it comes to delivery of promised season ticket holder items.



Q19. What changes would you make to the MLS?
Have better television coverage of the matches including real time coverage and no time delay showings. Eliminate or greatly raise the salary cap to keep US players playing on US soil in lieu of going to Europe for better pay.



Q20. What's the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you at the match?
I was celebrating my birthday in 2003 at the HDC with my Galaxian friends and became grossly intoxicated to the point where I had to take a cab from the gate to the parking lot because I couldn’t stand up (a fellow Galaxian drove me and my truck to my motel near the HDC).



Q21. Funniest thing you have seen at the match?
I was attending a Chicago Fire match in 2004 and yelling “Piss on the Fire” and “ Chicago sucks;” their mascot brought over a bar of soap and said “This is for your mouth.”



Q22. Finally, how do you see the season ending for the LA Galaxy this year?

As always I hope we win the Champion’s League, Open Cup, Supporter Shield, and MLS Cup; I will show my support of my team on their quest for those championships.



Good work Rodney, nice answers, although I must admit that I was a bit "upset" that you didn't refer to our lodgers as the Shitvas.
Oh well, just for you mate....... CHINGA SHITVAS!!!!!

Los Angeles Galaxy Fans Q&A Number Four. LINDA PICKLE

Next up is Linda Pickle who is a long time Galaxian and unofficial Galaxy photographer. A very nice lady one one of four Galaxians to make the trip up to Utah amongst a seas of ACB, which is just as well as she gave us (The Simi Valley lot) a ride back to our hotel when we were stranded at Oscars Bar.
She is also a favourite with the young Galaxian offspring and always willing to have them sit next to her on the front row and explain "stuff" about the game they don't quite understand.




Q1. How did you first get into the Galaxy and what was the first game you attended?
I discovered soccer during WC '94. I followed the LA Salsa until the Galaxy was formed. Went to the combine in Pasadena and San Diego while the West and DC teams were finding out who to keep or let go.

I also remember when we voted for the name of the Galaxy fan club. Galaxians won out in the end. I've been a season ticket holder since '96 though I didn't sit with the Galaxians for the 1st 2 years. Attended the 1st MLS Game in San Jose, the first MLS Cup - we lost in the No Easterner. I learned to love our team, road trips and the players. The comraderie with the group is one of the big pluses for going to the games. I can go to a game by myself because I know my friends will be there to laugh, cheer and sometimes cry if things go wrong.



Q2. Name your favourite five Galaxy players of all time?
First and foremost is Kevin "Gato" Hartman, then Cobi Jones, Landon Donovan, Danny Pena and last but not least Cienfuegos.



Q3. What is your normal preparation/routine when attending a Galaxy game?
Get there early and never wear black underwear (superstition that its bad luck).



Q4. Do you follow any other footy teams?
Just the US Men's and Women's national teams.


Q5. Name five footy teams that you hate the most?
Earthquacks, DC United and Cheap A@@ plus Chicago.


Q6. Describe the best Galaxy performance you attended?
Winning the MLS Cup in 2002 v New England in their own stadium. After so many tries it was a relief and we all wept.


Q7. Describe the worst?
No Comment


Q8. Has the Beckham signing been better for Beckham, the Galaxy or the MLS?
Beckham and the MLS. The Galaxy doesn't think so but for fans I find him a distraction and expense the LAG fans should have had to pay for in the most expensive tixs in the league. What did he bring in 2007 - loss of so many fan favorites like Gato, Marshall, and Dunivant but they were just the beginning. Then he was injured on top of losing our good players we missed the playoffs for the 1st time in our history and the following years wasn't any better. Becks and his people ran the club into the group and made many fans mad.


Q9. Do you follow any other sports and if so, what teams?
I've run an NFL football pool for 20+ years but really don't watch the games except for the Super Bowl.


Q10. Do you play footy, what position and are you any good?
They didn't have soccer when I went to high school but did join a lunch time game at work.



Q11. What's with the rivalry between Galaxy supporters groups?
There's always been one. Many of the groups spin off of others because of diffences. The Galaxians and ACB work well together with little friction.



Q12. Have you ever seen or caught up in any aggro at the match? Galaxy or otherwise?

Yes in SJ with security. I was knocked down some stairs and had a concussion for 6 mos. It made me appreciate when the players get one. I still get some dizziness on occasion.


Q13. How do you think the MLS compares with other leagues around the world?
We're still like children but growing step-by-step.


Q14. Club before country?
Danny Pena always put the Galaxy before the National team but I also appreciate when players need to play for country. It depends on if a VERY important game is in the balance like an All Star Game or Cup one. Of course the WC comes first in priority.


Q15. Almost every Galaxy fan I speak to wishes that Chivas USA were gone from the HDC, where would you like to see them end up?

They were supposed to move to Santa Ana but the economy ended the new stadium plans.


16. Favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
I enjoyed the layout of these stadiums - Columbus, Denver, Dallas and Salt Lake City.


Q17. Least favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
San Jose until they build the new one.


Q18. If you could change anything about the Galaxy organisation what would it/they be?
When Becks leaves I hope they go to normal security so the fans can again interact with the players. I really miss those days. Our team has always had more security then any of the other teams.


Q19. What changes would you make to the MLS?
Quit setting up games with big rivals on bad days. SJ away trip same as the final Gold Cup in Pasadena so both SJ and Galaxy fans will miss one or the other game which should have been two highlights of the year.


Q20. What's the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you at the match?
unknown


Q21. Funniest thing you has seen at the match?
It was a charity match and Taylor Twellman was the GK and he was lying on the ground while Landon's ex-wife was trying to score.

Another moment was in a playoff game. One player thought he scored and did a somersault. He injuried himself and missed the rest of the game. Later Bryan Jordan scored. Did a somersault, vaulted the barriers and threw himself into the Galaxian arms.

Other great celebrations was with EZ when we won the Confederations Cup at the Coliseum, Fishy Ruiz also celebrated with us.


Q22. Finally, how do you see the season ending for the LA Galaxy this year?
If we host the MLS Cup, I hope we break the curse and are part of the game culminating in winning it.

Thanks for taking part Linda, good stuff, see you at the HDC.

Los Angeles Galaxy Fans Q&A Number Three. CARLISA PERDOMO

Victim number three is fellow Galaxian Carlisa Perdomo, a mother of two, wife and all round lovely lady. As the Galaxians President she is often the voice of our group in dealing with the front office and collected the 2010 Supporter's Shield plague on behalf of the Galaxians from none other than Landon Donovan in the rain.
Carlisa also claims that one of her greatest Galaxy moments was when she got her two Galaxy tattoos.



Q1. How did you first get into the Galaxy and what was the first game you attended?
I heard that there was going to be a soccer team in LA so I went to the Galaxy's home opener in 1996.


Q2. Name your favourite five Galaxy players of all time?
1)Mauricio Cienfuegos
2)Kevin "El Gato" Hartman.
3) Landon Donovan.
4) "El Tanque"- Hurtado
5) Cobi Jones


Q3. What is your normal preparation/routine when attending a Galaxy game?
It's going to sound crazy but I make sure I put on my "special underwear." I put on my LAG necklace & bracelets too. I bring the drums, banners, flags to the HDC. Once I go in to the stadium, I go to the bathroom & say a little prayer.



Q4. Do you follow any other footy teams?
Teams from England, Spain, USMNT & USWNT


Q5. Name five footy teams that you hate the most?
1) Chivas 2) San Jose 3) Real Salt Lake 4) Seattle 5)Chicago


Q6. Describe the best Galaxy performance you attended?
The best Galaxy performance that I attended was for the 2005 MLS in Texas. I was able to be part of the celebration of when Pando scored the winning goal.



Q7. Describe the worst?
The worst was the 3 years that the LAG missed the playoffs & was under the fucked up management of Alexi Lalas.



Q8. Has the Beckham signing been better for Beckham, the Galaxy or the MLS?
Beckham has put MLS more on the map, but not as much as I think was intended. Him being injured didn't help or going abroad off season either.



Q9. Do you follow any other sports and if so, what teams?
I ONLY follow futbol!


Q10. Do you play footy, what position and are you any good?
I am a soccer fanatic! I'm the Galaxians president, a soccer mom & previous assistant coach to my daughter's team.





Q11. What's with the rivalry between Galaxy supporters groups?
That response would be a dissertation. All 3 groups support the Galaxy. We just have different ideas/views as how to do it. I can say that the Galaxians are the ORIGINAL Supporters Group. It started in 1996. The LARS started from a former Galaxian wanting a more "hooligan" style. From what I know, the ACB started when some members who were LARS weren't happy with that group so they decided to create their own. Luckily the ACB & Galaxians get along very well.



Q12. Have you ever seen or been involved in any aggro at the match? Galaxy or otherwise?
Thank Goodness I've never personally been involved in one.


Q13. How do you think the MLS compares with other leagues around the world?
There's no comparison. Many other leagues have been around for over 100 years. The MLS has only been around for 15 years. I'm glad to see that it's been improving.



Q14. Club before country?
Equal for me


Q15. Almost every Galaxy fan I speak to wishes that Chivas USA were gone from the HDC, where would you like to see them end up?
Anywhere but the HDC! I don't care where they go as long as they get the hell out of the HDC!


Q16. Favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Since I haven't been out of the country to experience other soccer stadiums, I love the HDC!


Q17. Least favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
I always hated the San Jose stadiums.


Q18. If you could change anything about the Galaxy organisation what would it/they be?
That's a loaded ? The answer again would be a dissertation. Things have improved, but they could be better.


Q19. What changes would you make to the MLS?
Perhaps the season &/or playoffs style. Do it like the rest of the world.


Q20. What's the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you at the match?
I almost was going to puke & have the "runs" at the 2005 MLS Cup in Dallas. I was so nervous. I was more nervous at that game than for my wedding. Also, I never saw a grown man cry like a baby & fall to his knees when the LAG won their 1st MLS Cup in 2002.


Q21. Funniest thing you has seen at the match?
Girls going "gaga" everytime Andrew Shue came onto the pitch. When Becks had to change his shorts & everyone seeing his knickers. Also the 2011 LAG home opener where it literally rained like cats & dogs. That night was crazy!







Q22. Finally, how do you see the season ending for the LA Galaxy this year?
I see the Galaxy being Western Conference Champions, winning the Supporters Shield, & winning the MLS Cup!


Great answers Carlisa, some genuine laugh out loud moments, see you at the Portland Timbers game. XXX

Los Angeles Galaxy Fans Q&A Number Two. JOHN ARIAS

The second victim in my LA Galaxy fan Q&A is John Arias, a sound lad and one of the prominent members of the ACB. This guy means business and keeps the ACB on their toes, keeping them bouncing around in the stands and singing whether we are winning or getting our arses kicked and that's what being a proper fan is all about really.



Q1. How did you first get into the Galaxy and what was the first game you attended?
Being Hispanic I knew about them as a kid when they first came to be. But I didn't get into the G's until way later as all I knew was Club America and the Mexican league due to my family being fanatics. Really it just happened, going to games with my friend Brian, my (now) wife vanessa and loving L.A. as a city. No, I'm not an opening day fan and they can tell me that they're more of a fan because they supported them since day one, go ahead, it means shit to me. I'm positive that I've shed more blood and sweat (literally) than most of them ever will. Ha, Ha!!!



Q2. Name your favourite five Galaxy players of all time?
Jorge Campos (The reason I heard of the Galaxy as a kid)
Landon Donovan (Everyone will name him, if they don't they're just trying to be different)
Edson Buddle
Mauricio Cienfuegos
Jovan Kirovski (Screw this guy)



Q3. What is your normal preparation/routine when attending a Galaxy game?
Wake up, eat, LOT 13, drink beers, section 121, give 90 minutes of my day to the Galaxy. Rinse and repeat every game day.



Q4. Do you follow any other footy teams?
I used to follow a lot of teams (Barca, Chelsea, etc...) but I figure they have enough fans. The one I still kind of follow though is Marseille.


Q5. Name five footy teams that you hate the most?
I hate anyone not the LA Galaxy.


Q6. Describe the best Galaxy performance you attended?
Beating the Seattle in the play offs last season, it might not have been the best performance, but shutting up the Sounders fans was nice. That or the San Jose trip where we took 4 buses and a convoy of G's fans, PLUS a 3-0 win.



Q7. Describe the worst?
6-2 ASS WHOOPIN' we got from Dallas or this year's RSL away beating.




Q8. Has the Beckham signing been better for Beckham, the Galaxy or the MLS?
A bit of both, he made the league known around the world as well as the Galaxy. While in Europe wearing my G's jersey, people knew who our team was...... nice feeling.


Q9. Do you follow any other sports and if so, what teams?
NFL, although I haven't kept up with it like I did before. I'm a proud RAIDER NATION member.


Q10. Do you play footy, what position and are you any good?
I do, I play whatever position. Am I good? Do baboons have pink asses???


Q11. What's with the rivalry between Galaxy supporters groups?
One sided, none of our group's concern.




Q12. Have you ever been involved in any aggro at the match? Galaxy or otherwise?
No comment.


Q13. How do you think the MLS compares with other leagues around the world?
We're growing fast. Give it some years and I would say we will be competing with the top leagues.


Q14. Club before country?
Yup, corporation before country in our case.



Q15. Almost every Galaxy fan I speak to wishes that Chivas USA were gone from the HDC, where would you like to see them end up?

Move them to the OC and give us a team in San Diego and I'll be happy.


Q16. Favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Stade Velodrome for the awesome atmosphere.


Q17. Least favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Qwest Field for the stupid PG13 signs and "Mind your language" stewards.


Q18. If you could change anything about the Galaxy organisation what would it/they be?
No comment.



19. What changes would you make to the MLS?
Not much really, but a team in San Diego would be sweet.


Q20. What's the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you at the match?
I drank a whole bottle of Chimay and made a mess of things that ranged from smacking someone with a flag pole to falling on my ass over the bleachers. I don't remember any of this, I was told later on.


@21. Funniest thing you has seen at the match?
"Chicas" USA supporters.


22. Finally, how do you see the season ending for the LA Galaxy this year?
MLS CUP!!!!!

Great answers John, see you at the HDC.

***John requested that I didn't use any solo pictures of him, preferring that I used group shots of the ACB. Most G fans know who he is and what he looks like anyway, so I am more than happy to comply with his wishes.***

Los Angeles Galaxy Fans Q&A Number One. ERIC GOODALL

Eric Goodall, the man, the myth, the smoggy.


First up is a fellow English chap who I am full of admiration for. He is from Middlesbrough and resides in Newcastle yet is devoted to the Galaxy and flies across the pond a few times a season in order to watch the G's and hang out with the ACB. I usually make a point of tracking him down and having a chat when I know he's in town and his passion to L.A.'s footy team can not be faulted, plus he's a top geezer of the highest order and drinks like a fish.



Q1. How did you first get into the Galaxy and what was the first game you attended?
I was doing Los Angeles and Vegas for my 50th birthday with a pal and said to to him "Hey mate, Beckham has signed for the local team, do you fancy taking a look at the American soccer experience?"
We went along and met some of the friendliest party people God has put on this earth at the tailgate. We discovered that the "Americans aren't big on drinking" myth was just a myth. I kept in touch with my new mates via their messageboards and having obtained a good pre-nup, thought,
"Hell, what's stopping you flying a few times a season and meeting up with your American cousins?"
And that's how I caught the bug.


Q2. Name your favourite five Galaxy players of all time?
Well it's only my 4th season watching, so it's limited. But my five favourites so far are Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan, Omar Gonzalez, Sean Franklin and Juninho. Beckham's not in my list because I feel let down that he hasn't given the Galaxy his full focus.


Q3. What is your normal preparation/routine when attending a Galaxy game?
I fly in from Middlesbrough the night before, I usually stay at the Doubletree in Carson. One of the ACB guys usually picks me up from LAX, we get a slab of Heineken on the way to the game, meet up with the guys in LOT 13, start fuelling up about 5 hours before the game, go into the match usually half pissed and cheer the G's for the next 90 minutes.


Q4. Do you follow any other footy teams?
Followed Boro my home town team for 40 years and I've been to over 50 league grounds and 9 European venues to watch them. I've served my dues and they've now been traded for a newer and sexier version.


Q5. Name five footy teams that you hate the most?
Sunderland, Sunderland reserves, Sunderland U 18s, Sunderland youth team and San Jose Earhquakes


Q6. Describe the best Galaxy performance you attended?
We won 3-0 away at San Jose, the game was played at the Oakland A's baseball stadium due to the high demand for tickets. There was 40,000 at the game and Buddle got a hat trick. The 250+ traveling Galaxy fans in attendance were in raptures and loving it.



Q7. Describe the worst?
Spanked 4-1 at RSL this season. 2 down after 10 minutes and never has the saying "Men against boys" been more fitting.


Q8. Has the Beckham signing been better for Beckham, the Galaxy or the MLS?
The MLS


Q9. Do you follow any other sports and if so, what teams?
England when they play the Aussies at cricket, that's about it really.




Q10. Do you play footy, what position and are you any good?
I had trials for Boro as an 11 year old, my mother went out and bought me a new Leeds United kit as they were the top dogs at the time. She thought her son was going to be a professional footballer.
Ha, ha, ha, It wasn't often she was wrong.



Q11. What's with the rivalry between Galaxy supporters groups?
I don't know, it's fucking daft. It will eventually blow over when the people who like a bit of drama get bored with it.



Q12. Have you ever been involved in any aggro at the match? Galaxy or otherwise?
Not really as my survival instincts were always finely tuned. I didn't swim in shark infested waters and if I was ever caught by surprise the adrenalin kicked in and I could keep pace with Carl Lewis. I've seen all kinds of shit going off, but generally if you don't want it, you can avoid it.



Q13. How do you think the MLS compares with other leagues around the world?
It's rapidly improving, I would put it at English 1st division level in the main. Real Salt lake are lower end Championship level.



Q14. Club before country?
Always been club, you put in more blood, sweat and tears into following them.


Q15. Almost every Galaxy fan I speak to wishes that Chivas USA were gone from the HDC, where would you like to see them end up?
San Diego or Las Vegas.


Q16. Favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Stadium of Shite and in the MLS, Red Bull Arena


Q17. Least favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Stamford Bridge. It might be in the "posh" end of London, but they had more nutters per head in their fan base than any other club I have ever been to.


Q18. If you could change anything about the Galaxy organisation what would it/they be?
Actually I think that the Galaxy front office is slowly coming around and this confrontational stance between F.O. and fans is fading out, so things are getting better.



Q19. What changes would you make to the MLS?
Stop expansion at 20 for at least a decade, move Chivas USA, it's a failed experiment and if possible get a team in the South east which seems easier said than done.


Q20. What's the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you at the match?
I had to jump back over the turnstiles out of the ground once at at the old Ayresome Park when the stand I usually sat in had been taken over by about 10,000 Geordie nugget fans.


Q21. Funniest thing you have seen at the match?
When my mate told us in a loud voice (he had more than a few beers) while watching the game that his wife had just left him for the Boro goalkeeper. Everyone around stopped watching the match to listen to him, then he said that she hadn't left him for Steven Pears, but the goalkeeper for the Boro ladies team. Everyone just fell about laughing.



Q22. Finally, how do you see the season ending for the LA Galaxy this year?
I think we'll make the play offs as a lower seed and get nailed early doors.



Cheers Eric, good stuff.

LA Galaxy Fans Q & A

I've been slacking off regarding my blog over the past few months and actually made a New Year's resolution to keep on top of things. Clearly I failed, but I've given myself a kick up the arse and will be putting in the effort to keep busy with it during my spare time.

Anyway, a few months ago I decided to do a Q & A featuring various characters I come across at LA Galaxy games at the Home Depot center and even Galaxy away games.
It is in the early stages yet and I have sent some questions to a couple with more to follow.
The point is to spread the word of the LA Galaxy and let soccer/football supporters around the world (on the off chance they stumble across my blog) that we are just as passionate about the sport and love our team as much as they love theirs.

I hope to get the Q&A to members of the ACB, Galaxians, Riot Squad, soocer moms and possibly even a player or two.
Wishful thinking I know, but read on and hopefully enjoy.

SIMI VALLEY GALAXIANS AWAYDAYS: Real Salt Lake

Last season the Galaxy played RSL away midweek, Mark and me watched it on TV and vowed if the this season's fixture was on a weekend we would go. So when the MLS schedule came out that was the first one I looked out for. It was on a Saturday so we decided to make a weekend of it and tie it in with a visit to Vegas.
We drafted in Alex our fellow Simi Valley Galaxian and bought our tickets via the ACB.
That weekend arrived and I picked Alex up in the rental car just as Billy Joel singing Piano Man played on the radio.
"I hate Billy Joel, but this is brilliant" I announced to Alex.
Knowing my punk and indie roots, Alex looked at me in shock.
"Look Alex, if that song had been written by Bob Dylan or Tom Waits, it would be hailed as a classic by now"
He vaguely agreed, I guess to humour me, but I have always felt this way about this particular song. I had never heard it until I came to the US, when I saw the video one day on VH1 back in 1988 and was instantly smitten, I guess it's one of my guilty pleasures. We all have them, get over it.

The trip to Vegas was uneventful except for a stop in Barstow. Years ago I would always stop there because there was an English owned pie shop at the Greyhound bus station, I have passed by a few times without stopping, but this time because Mark was there I had to check it out.
I had raved about this place to him and was actually quite excited as we pulled up. Alas, it wasn't there anymore, probably long gone and is now replaced by a Panda fucking Express, dammit!!!!!!!

We checked in at the Gold Coast, debated how to get our cooler of beer upstairs, decided to just take a 12 pack and put it on ice instead.
Next up we realised we were hungry and set off in search of food. On our way we grabbed a couple of casino hot dogs at $1.25 each. A bargain, I had three and Mark and Alex had two each. We found a bar selling $3 Stella Artois, had a few and then Mark and I ordered more food. Burger and chip for me, fish and chips for Mark and nothing for Alex as he is a lot smaller than us.
We moved on to McMullins via the free hotel shuttle with the intent of checking out other places after a couple of drinks, but that never happened. We ended up bladdered on Boddingtons, had a decent chat with a few locals and generally had a very enjoyable night.
A cover band was playing so I stumbled over and made a request. I was the first person to put money in their tip jar and was a bit peeved when my song wasn't played first. With the help of one of our new Vegas native friends, I stumbled back over to the band, offering more money and whispered a few pearls of wisdom drunkenly in the singer's ear.
Within a few minutes an announcement came over the P.A. I can't remember exactly what was said but it was words to the effect of;

"Some drunken English twat in the next bar has informed me that if this song had been written by Bob Dylan or Tom Waits it would now be cherished as a bona fide classic. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Piano Man by Billy Joel"

A loud cheer came us from us lot as we ran back to where the band were swaying back and forth and singing along. It may seem a bit embarrassing now, but it was a great end to a great night.
We boarded the shuttle and got back to the hotel with the intent of drinking more, but it was after midnight and I had said all along that we would be on the road by 5am with me at the wheel as I was used to getting up early, so I went straight to bed.
We got up as promised at 5am, struggled a bit, but were making our way to Utah by 5.30-ish. I must admit that I felt a bit rough and dealt with it while Mark and Alex tried to sleep. We actually made good time with just one pit stop for breakfast at McDonalds and to fill up the car with gas.
We arrived at the hotel in Sandy UT at about noon, met an English RSL outside, checked in and refreshed with a couple of Bitburgers. I did a bit of socialising with fellow Galaxy fans and before we knew it we were off to Oscar's to pick up our tickets and have a couple of drinks that the Galaxy front office had bought for each fan who had made the trip. The bar was actually pretty good, we chatted with ACBers we know and had a pretty awesome and fairly cheap lunch. The only draw back was the beer served was only 3% and pretty much undrinkable to me.
Plus Mexico v Paraguay was being shown on TV and I had to watch that red twat Chicharito score a couple.
Fellow Galaxian Linda showed up and thankfully gave us a ride back to the motel where we had a few more beers.






Then the entire Galaxy away support was summoned down to the hotel lobby an hour before kick off so we could make the march to the stadium together.
It may sound a bit naff, but it was a good laugh. It's not like back in England where some firm marches through some town causing mayhem, smashing shop windows and beating up opposing fans, it was all in good fun and friendly. There was a bit of banter with the locals, but nothing offensive.






Rio Tinto is a fine stadium, not quite as good as the HDC, but still a cracker. The Galaxy contingent were put at the top of the stand as far away from the RSL Ultras (or whatever they call themselves) as possible.
The LA Galaxy were appalling that night and got stuffed 4-1, we did have a few decent chances and hit the woodwork, but in reality 4-1 flattered us. Not that it made any difference to the traveling support, we sang throughout the game and jumped up and down for 90 minutes. Enthusiasm at its best and although I mainly joined in to keep warm, I was quite impressed.





To say it was freezing would be an understatement. I was wearing a thick parka, wore a scarf, had a beanie on and wore fleece lined leather gloves but still felt in danger of getting hypothermia by the end of the night.
Mark and I still couldn't believe that despite this, locals were stood by us with their young kids wearing nothing more than shorts and and a RSL shirt and they looked as is they weren't bothered by the weather. Fuck me, it must be like that all the time up there, how do they cope? I remember when I first came to L.A. it was March in 1988 and I went out in shorts and t-shirt on what I thought was a gloriously sunny day only to be confronted by Los Angelinos wearing sweaters and jackets looking at me like I was mental.

So after being slaughtered by RSL, we were kept in the stadium for half an hour while the police and stewards cleared the locals. I thought to myself that we might have gotten a result if Landon Donovan hadn't been on international duty, but in fairness RSL would have destroyed us even with him, they were quite impressive.
On the way back to the hotel random locals would shout abuse at us as they drove by, not really very brave, just made twats of themselves as far as I'm concerned.
We had a few more drinks in our room, hung out with Dex, Fredy and Dennis and then tried to get some Arby's. Big mistake, they were closed apart from the drive thru and it was even fucking colder than before.
The next morning we woke up to the snow, went back to the stadium for a few photos, threw snowballs at the stadium, had some breakfast and then set off for the uneventful drive home.




In all it was a great weekend, obviously the Galaxy were rubbish, but it was great meeting up with Linda, Eric from Middlesbrough, Fredy, Dex, John and the rest of the ACB we chatted with. Steve Coogan and Rob Bryden and their video "The Trip" made the journey seem a little faster. We saw places called English Fork, Spanish Fork and Beaver. I saw someone with a fucking buffalo in their front garden just off the freeway in Utah, not a farm mind, just a front garden. The mind boggles, I bet that stops people soliciting from knocking on their front door. Does one take a buffalo for walkies?? I must know.
The scenery on the trip was breath taking. I was transported back to my childhood watching old western movies and kept expecting to see a group of Apache on horseback start tailing us at any time firing arrows at the rental car.
"There goes the deposit Mark"
Mind you, they'd be shit out of luck if they wanted to scalp me, that happened naturally years ago.
Driving through four states in one day is some feat in my opinion, but it was well worth it and we all had a great time.
Can't wait for the summer and our Vancouver/Portland jaunt.