I went out shopping on "Black Friday", why do they call it that?
Went up to the Camarillo outlet malls and most of the people I saw were Latino or Asian.
Time for a rethink for the guy responsible for naming landmark days in the USA.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
LA GALAXY 2011 FULL SEASON REVIEW. Or at least the games Mark and me went to.
We started off the season with a 1-0 win at Seattle Sounders, but seeing me and Mark didn't go to that one we won't bother with it as this blog entry is to concentrate on only the games we attended.
Sun March 20 vs NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION @HDC 1-1 T
We kicked off the home season opener with a monsoon, it rained heavily and steadily all day, we were drenched and watched the G's contest a 1-1 draw. We did have a perfectly good goal disallowed when the Rev's keeper dropped the ball and Juninho poked the ball home. He did score the goal that counted as well, it was definitely a case of 2 points dropped though.
Season opener in the monsoon.
Sat March 26 vs REAL SALT LAKE @Rio Tinto 1-4 L
I did a blog about this trip earlier on in the season, it was a great weekend apart from the game. We got our butt's kicked and the season at this point didn't look too promising. We also froze our arse off up in the top of the stands in mormonland, the best decision was bringing a cooler full of proper beer as the stuff they sell up there is like gnat's piss.
Galaxians in Mormonland
Rio Tinto stadium in Utah, quite nice actually.
Sat April 2 vs PHILADELPHIA UNION @HDC 1-0 W
We brought our friends David, Jessica and Carrie to the game. I made my famous pasties and they were probably better than the match. We won 1-0 though, which is the main thing, with a rare Leonardo goal.
Before the Philadelphia game.
Sat April 23 vs PORTLAND TIMBERS @HDC 3-0 W
This was obviously one of our better performances of the season, we won 3-0 thanks to two Landon Donovan goals and Chad Barrett's first of the season. We pretty much did turn Portland over and it could have been much worse for them, but I'll take a 3-0 win any day of the week.
Fellow Galaxians.
Sat May 7 vs NEW YORK RED BULLS @HDC 1-1 T
To be honest this was probably the right result, it could have gone either way, but I was happy with a draw in the end as NY pressured us right up until the final whistle.
The Galaxy had hardly set the league alight at this point in the season, but we were still top of the Western Conference and only lost one game so far.
Fellow Galaxians
Sat May 14 vs SPORTING KANSAS CITY @HDC 4-1 W
Another one of those rare occasions this season when the Galaxy actually looked likea proper team. Landon grabbed another brace, Beckham scored a cracking free kick and even the normally useless Juan Pablo Angel got one.
Galaxians before the game.
Sat May 21 vs CHIVAS USA @HDC (Away) 1-0 W
It wasn't the best game, but it's always nice to win the derby or the Super Clasico as the natives call it. I love the away game at our home, they stick us in the corner and it is a good laugh taunting Shitvas fans all day.
Before the Shitvas match
After the Shitvas match.
Wed May 25 vs HOUSTON DYNAMO @HDC 1-0 W
Not really much to write about, Landon scored his 8th goal in the last seven games and I made the first leg of the journey via trian as I met Mark in Burbank.
Fri June 3 vs D.C. UNITED @HDC 0-0 T
Another shocker, oh well at least we didn't lose.
Sat June 11 vs TORONTO FC @HDC 2-2 T
We were cruising in this thanks to Birchall's only goal for the Galaxy and an Angel effort, but useless Galaxy reject Alan Gordon picks the wrong time to grab a brace at the HDC and sends us home gutted especially with the one in injury time. This game will be forever remembered for the one I dragged Kellie to on her birthday, she still hasn't forgiven me.
Sat June 25 vs SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES @Buck Shaw "Stadium" 0-0 T
A crap game really, decent piss up for the weekend though. Most notable because we used 3 goalkeepers during the game. Ricketts went off with a broken arm, then Saunders got sent off for a run in with that curly headed twat Leinhart, up steps Mike Magee and keeps the smurfs at bay for over half of the game. Legend!!!
LOL @ San Jose, you'll never beat Magee.
Tues June 28 vs LA BLUES @Cal State Fullerton 2-1 W
It was the open cup, they scored first but goals from Omar and Mike Magee got us the "come from behind" win.
Face in the crowd against the LA Blues in the Open Cup game.
Mon July 4 vs SEATTLE SOUNDERS @HDC 0-0 T
The highlights of this day was the curry I made and brought to the Galaxian pot luck, meeting up with crazy Middlesbrough man Eric Goodall again for a chat and the pk save Brian Perk made on his MLS debut.
Junior Galaxians
Sat July 9 vs CHICAGO FIRE @HDC 2-1 W
After what seemed like an eternity the Galaxy finally recorded a home win in the MLS. It wasn't pretty but goals from Beckham and Donavon were enough for the three points.
Owen drumming up some support.
Sat July 16 vs REAL MADRID @LA Coliseum 1-4 L
I wasn't here thank God, we went up to San Francisco to watch Man City beat Club America instead.
Wed July 20 vs COLUMBUS CREW @HDC 1-0 W
A Sean Franklin goal saw us take the points in yet another 1-0 win. Can't remember much else about the game to be honest.
Sun July 24 vs MANCHESTER CITY @HDC 1-1 T (MCFC win 5-4 on pk's)
Blogged about it earlier, Owen's first City game. A great day out in the blazing sun.
Galaxy v Man City
Sat July 30 vs VANCOUVER WHITECAPS @Vancouver 4-0 W
A great win and well worth the trip up to Canada (See full blog in August archives)
Us with Chris Birchall in Vancouver.
Wed August 3 vs PORTLAND TIMBERS @Portland 0-3 L
If the Vancouver game was an example of the highs of following your team away, then the Portland game was the perfect example of the lows of following your team away. We were terrible and it could have been a hell of a lot worse had it not been for Josh Saunders. Still nice to visit another stadium though.
Outside Jeld Wen stadium in Portland, never let a bad result get in the way of a great week.
Sat August 6 vs FC DALLAS @HDC 3-1 W
The G's put that dreadful Portland game behind them with another decent performance with goals from Omar, Juninho and Magee. We appear to be playing a lot better now with Franklin giving us an extra attacking option on the right of midfield.
Owen and friends
Tues August 16 vs CLUB MOTAGUA @HDC 2-0 W
A good start to our CCL campaign against the Hondurans with goals from Cristman and Landon. The Yanks don't seem to take these games seriously though as the HDC was just about two thirds empty. In other news, we have just signed Robbie Keane and got rid of the useless Juan Pablo Angel in the process, not in time to make his debut tonight though.
Sat August 30 vs SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES @HDC 2-0 W
The hype surrounding this game was all about Robbie Keane's MLS debut, he scored along with Magee to send the smurfs home complaining that they actually deserved to win and that the MLS refs are biased towards the Galaxy and their superstars. I read that on the Big Soccer forum. Refs weren't biased up in San Jose were they? Plus I have lost count of how many times we get dodgy decisions against us at the HDC, certainly more than go in our favour anyway.
The other G's mob.
Thurs August 25 vs LD ALAJUELENSE @HDC 2-0 W
Another win in the CCL, can't remember where this lot are from so I'll say Costa Rico for the sake of arguing. Goal from Omar and Magee again (He's on fire don't you know?)
Errrr......
Fri September 9 vs COLORADO RAPIDS @HDC 1-0 W
Another 1-0 win thanks to a Landon Donovan goal.
It's getting like Chelsea under Mourinho's first season with all these 1-0 victories, not complaining though, still top of the West.
Owen and friends again
Sat September 17 vs VANCOUVER WHITECAPS @HDC 3-0 W
Another great game against the worst team in the west. 7-0 on aggregate for the season, can we play you every week?
Two Magee goals (I told you he was on fire) and and Robbie Keane effort are enough for the 3 points.
With Eric and Mike (Thor)
Wed September 28 vs MONARCAS MORELIA @HDC 2-1 W
After losing our 2 away games in the CCL this was a must win against the Mexicans to stay alive, we gave up a dodgy goals but came back through Magee and Juninho in stoppage time to send the noisy visiting fans home empty handed.
Even the Miss Galaxy court are Galaxians
Sat October 1 vs REAL SALT LAKE @HDC 2-1 W
This was a close one, but the win was enough to give us the supporter shield for the second year in a row. For all my English friends, the supporters shield basically means that you finish with the best record in the league, but it counts for fuck all. You still have to compete in the play offs and win the MLS Cup in order to be crowned champions which means technically the team that is the 10th best on the last day of the season can still go on to be MLS champions. Crazy huh?
Mark and me with the Supporters Shield.
Sun October 16 vs CHIVAS USA @HDC (Home) 1-0 W
Chad Barrett the "goatbuster" struck again as we did the double against our hated rivals and renters and paraded the supporters shield in front of them and Juan Pablo Angel.
I had high hopes for Angel at the start of the season, his goal scoring record in the MLS spoke for itself, but he came to us and didn't fit in. He seemed lazy, slower than me and useless in the air. Don't get me wrong, I bear him no ill will, I was just glad to see the back of him.
Bring on the play offs!!!!!!
Me and Owen with a Miss Galaxy court member.
Western Conference Semi Final:
Thurs November 3 vs NEW YORK RED BULLS @HDC 2-1 W (3-1 on aggregate)
After a ill tempered 1-0 win up in NYC (Magee again), the stage was set for a nervous 90 minutes. We were missing Juninho who was red carded after that dick Marquez threw the ball at Landon after the final whistle in the first leg.
NY scored first when Luke (Mini me) Rogers leveled the tie after 15 minutes.
It was nearly all Galaxy after that and when Magee headed to ball home from a Beckham corner you could see the stuffing knocked out of the Red Bulls.
Beckham was brought down in the NY box late in the second half, Landon converted the pk and we were into the Western Conference Final.
Western Conference Final
Sun November 6 vs REAL SALT LAKE @HDC 3-1 W
I brought along my mate David and fellow Wedding Present guitarist Graeme visiting from Scotland along for this game. I remarked to David that he has probably been to more Galaxy games than Man United matches by now (his third so far), that raised a good chuckle from Graeme.
During the game.
We had a bit of rain, ate chicken curried pasties, drank quite a bit and watched tha Galaxy trounced the normally awkward RSL, to almost make up for losing the final to them 2 years ago. It was nice to avenge our defeat in Utah early in the season though. The Galaxy were pretty rampant in this one and could easily have scored more if it weren't for Nick Rimando making a few good saves and us finishing poorly.
On to the final, the entire season hangs on one game and Houston awaits us.
After the RSL game
MLS CUP 2011:
Sun November 20 vs HOUSTON DYNAMO @HDC 1-0 W
We ended the season as we started it at the Home Depot Center, in the middle of an all day down pour. It was another truly miserable day, only saved by my awesome free Volkswagon poncho and the free flowing beer that we consumed.
Before the final in the Monsoon part deux.
The game itself wasn't much of a spectacle, we were pretty poor and Houston were even worse. I think they only managed one shot on target all day which is pathetic for a cup final. We did have most of the possession and were the better team. Robbie Keane had the ball in the net, but it was harshly ruled offside as TV replays proved he was level when Landon passed him the ball.
10 minutes later though Beckham flicked on a Franklin pass and Keane held off a defender before threading the ball through to Landon who slotted in past Hall and just inside the far post. We went mental and the HDC was rocking at the final whistle as we were crowned champions.
A 1-0 win was a fitting end to our 1-0 win riddled season, we had a great time following the Galaxy home and away this year, roll on next season.
With or without Beckham, I can't help feeling that we'll be a better team next year.
Owen with the "Cup"
Landon Donovan and David Beckham with the MLS Cup.
Coach Bruce Arena with the MLS Cup.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
LA Galaxy Fans Q&A Number Ten. SCOTT MITCHELL
The latest victim, who was a complete straggler in completing his Q&A (But not the worst) is Scott Mitchell. Scott is another of the many fine people we have met on our travels supporting the LA Galaxy, he is a mellow chap, a great sport and him and his lovely wife Michelle are two of the nicest people you could ever meet. They even named their first born son after me.
(That last sentence "might" not be true)
Q1. How did you first get into the Galaxy and what was the first game you attended?
I’ve played soccer since I was 6. I’ve always been interested in going to professional games, but never quite made it out to a game. The first Galaxy game (and first pro soccer match) I ever went to was Galaxy v. Chelsea in 2008 (Beckham’s first game). Getting the tickets was kind of a fluke.
At work, they were auctioning off tickets to 2 Galaxy games, one on a Saturday and one on a Tuesday. The Beckham move had been announced, but no info about when he would start playing. My gut told me he would make his debut at the Tuesday game vs. Chelsea, so I bought $20 worth of tickets and shoved them in the box. About 15 minutes later they pulled my ticket and I was the proud owner of 4 tickets in Section 112 Row H (yes, those are the premium seats) right behind the Chelsea bench. They were later selling on Stub Hub for at least $250 per ticket. It was a great game and my brother even caught a ball one of the players kicked into the crowd as a free giveaway (he basically snatched it right before an 8 year old in the row behind us caught it and paid the price with a nasty cut on his shin from one of the armrests).
Q2. Name your favourite five Galaxy players of all time?
1. Donovan Ricketts – I’m partial to goalkeepers….we stick together.
2. Landon Donovan – Mr. Reliable…always there with a good touch and able to get the team fired up when things aren’t going right.
3. Josh Saunders – the best backup goalie around. We’re lucky no other team has tried to pick him up.
4. Mike Magee – always seems to come up with amazing plays right when they are needed. Plus, he stepped into goal without hesitation during that awful game in San Jose…and kept the shutout alive down a man.
5. Bryan Jordan – often overlooked with so much talent on the team, Jordan is a great all around player. Definitely not a superstar, but he can play any position well and has contributed quite a bit lately despite his limited playing time.
I know there have been many other greats in the past, but I like to focus on the here and now. Many other current players could be named here (especially Juninho), but I’ll leave it here.
Q3. What is your normal preparation/routine when attending a Galaxy game?
Leave home in Brea 2 to 2.5 hours before game time. Beers in the parking lot with Michelle, Nada, Carlos, Fredy, Dexter, Amilkar, Andy, and whoever else happens to be coming with any of us. Occasionally throw a BBQ or hooka into the mix. Start walking into the stadium at game time.
Q4. Do you follow any other footy teams?
Newcastle United – Sorry, Andy
Q5. Name five footy teams that you hate the most?
Just added to the top of the list – NY Red Bulls
Chivas USA
Real Salt Lake
Arsenal
San Jose Earthquakes
Q6. Describe the best Galaxy performance you attended?
May 8, 2010 away game at Seattle. It was slated to be a fairly even game, but we ended up on top with a 4-0 pounding. The Sounders’ performance was so bad that management refunded all the season ticket holders for that day’s ticket price. It also happened to be the day I met my wife Michelle, and her friends Fredy, Dexter, and Kat, so it has a special place in my heart.
Q7. Describe the worst?
Our 2010 Playoff 3-0 loss to Dallas. I remember a feeling of overwhelming hopelessness watching that game. It just seemed like nothing was going right; they scored early, our passes were off, most of our shots were off target, Hartman did a great job handling the ones that were on target, and our guys were frustrated. Not a good way to finish up a Supporter Shield season.
Q8. Has the Beckham signing been better for Beckham, the Galaxy or the MLS?
I think it’s been good for the Galaxy, MLS, and Beckham, in that order.
The Galaxy have gotten tons of publicity from day 1 which has definitely helped with revenue generation from ticket sales, merchandise, and better TV coverage (it’s nice that nearly all of their games, including home games, are televised nationally…definitely was not the case a few years ago). The team’s game has definitely improved with Beckham present in the middle (I notice a marked difference in games where he’s absent), and it seems that he has shared a lot of knowledge from his many years in top level competition with the younger players. Always good to have that kind of experience on board when it doesn’t come with a hugely inflated ego (i.e. Henry).
MLS has also received a great deal of publicity that was not necessarily present before Beckham’s arrival. Since that time, the league seems to be taking off with new expansion teams, bigger and better TV deals, and the ability to bring more big names to the league since then (Henry, Angel, Marquez, Keane, etc.). It also seems like many of the very talented younger players are a bit more hesitant to leave the MLS to go play in Europe. It’s not totally clear whether these changes are a direct result of Beckham’s presence or a general increase in the number of fans and followers of soccer in general, but I think both play in to it.
Beckham has also benefitted financially from his initial deal with the Galaxy and all of the marketing deals that came along with it. And, let’s face it, he was getting toward the end of his European playing career. It was a great move to come over here and potentially extend his career by a couple of years and highly increase the potential for some kind of show biz career after his playing days are over. The whole controversy with the England national team was a bit of a hubbub over nothing. I wasn’t too upset about him playing for AC Milan in the off season, because representing his country obviously meant a lot to him. That is, until he decided to stay past Galaxy opening day. It kinda sucks that he got injured…I would have liked to see him play in the World Cup.
Q9. Do you follow any other sports and if so, what teams?
Soccer is king! I occasionally watch American football and like the Steelers, but wouldn’t say I go out of my way to watch games or follow everything that’s going on with the team.
Q10. Do you play footy, what position and are you any good?
I’ve played since I was 6 years old. As a youngster I played everything but ended up settling in defense as I got older. Around 12 years old I started playing goalie and have played it exclusively ever since. For the past few years its been predominantly indoor soccer, though I occasionally fill in for outdoor teams. I like indoor much better because of the constant action.
Q11. What's with the rivalry between Galaxy supporters groups?
I don’t get it, but don’t really care. I know people in all of them and they all seem like decent people wanting the same thing. Let’s just get along already. Actually, I’d like start a new group on the south end (our tix are in 142). Trying to think of a good name…..
Q12. Have you ever been involved in any aggro at the match? Galaxy or otherwise?
No, seen plenty though. Nada and some lady got into a pretty heated argument over the PUTO chant because the lady thought it was disrespectful.
Q13. How do you think the MLS compares with other leagues around the world?
MLS is still trying to find its place and figure out what works. Its tough to compete against leagues that have 100+ years of history, but I think we’re catching up very quickly. The talent has improved greatly over the past few years, but I think consistency is still lacking. There have been recent (non-Galaxy) games that I stumbled across on TV and thought, “Holy crap! Is that a bunch of 10 year olds kicking the ball around?” There are certain teams this applies to more than others, but again, I think it will phase out over time.
Q14. Club before country?
YES, though I do like watching the US and support them as much as possible.
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 sounds good. They could probably build up a better more reliable fan base down there.
Q16. Favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Seattle. The fans (everybody in the city seems to be a fan) are so into it, but all very nice to visiting fans.
Q17. Least favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
San Jose. Feels like the crappy wooden bleachers are going to collapse with the ACB/Riot Squad/Galaxians/unaffiliated jumping around. And the cops give you a bunch of crap for wearing the other jersey. Hopefully, they get their new stadium built soon.
Q18. If you could change anything about the Galaxy organisation what would it/they be?
They’ve been doing much better lately, but better enticements/treatment of season ticketholders would be nice. We’ve been invited to several player signing events in the past couple years and Bryan Jordan has been there at least 3 times. I love the guy, but how about getting some variety, and maybe even Beckham or Donovan once in a while.
Also, they need to do more to alter the agreement between HDC and CSUDH. The limited capacity for a playoff game is a joke (couldn’t they do some kind of offsite parking and bus fans in if needed) and the recent crackdown on tailgating is ridiculous. There are always groups that cause problems at these things, but the majority of the people are just there having a good time.
Q19. What changes would you make to the MLS?
The whole playoff scheme is something the league needs to work on. If they’re going to do it, they need to do it right so that it’s truly the best teams from the whole season competing for the title. And they need to make sure there’s enough of a break in between ALL of the playoff games. It seems ridiculous to have 2 days off between the conference finals and semifinals, then 2 weeks off until the Cup game. In the long run, it would be nice to get enough teams participating to put a relegation scheme into place.
Q20. What's the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you at the match?
I’m sure there have been a couple moments when I had a few too many, but this one sticks out in my mind (and I hadn’t even had a beer yet). I had bought tickets and food to make carne asada for a group of 25 or 30 before a game. I spent an hour packing everything up, remembering every detail down to the plates, plastic ware, and BBQ tools. We show up, start unloading the bountiful feast, I fire up the BBQ and start searching for the meat. It was nowhere to be found….8 lbs of carne asada was sitting at home in the fridge. Luckily, some folks were still on the way and stopped at the store, but could only find unmarinated meat. We ended up with Corona and lime marinated beef tacos…not too bad. On the bright side, my family and I got to eat carne asada for the next week.
Q21. Funniest thing you has seen at the match?
Magee playing goal in San Jose. He did a great job, but it was very entertaining to watch somebody with no GK training wearing a shirt 3 sizes too big. It was something out of a pee wee soccer match. And it was at San Jose, so the setting could very easily have fooled anybody.
Q22. Finally, how do you see the season ending for the LA Galaxy this year?
Supporters Shield, destroy everyone in the playoffs to win the trophy at home. (Andy, This was written a month ago)
***Sure Scott***
Great job Scott, it was well worth waiting for.
Also, I know I do tease you quite a lot about being a Newcastle fan, but to your credit at least you chose to support a proper team and didn't jump on the ManU/Chelsea/Liverpool/Arsenal bandwagon.
(That last sentence "might" not be true)
Q1. How did you first get into the Galaxy and what was the first game you attended?
I’ve played soccer since I was 6. I’ve always been interested in going to professional games, but never quite made it out to a game. The first Galaxy game (and first pro soccer match) I ever went to was Galaxy v. Chelsea in 2008 (Beckham’s first game). Getting the tickets was kind of a fluke.
At work, they were auctioning off tickets to 2 Galaxy games, one on a Saturday and one on a Tuesday. The Beckham move had been announced, but no info about when he would start playing. My gut told me he would make his debut at the Tuesday game vs. Chelsea, so I bought $20 worth of tickets and shoved them in the box. About 15 minutes later they pulled my ticket and I was the proud owner of 4 tickets in Section 112 Row H (yes, those are the premium seats) right behind the Chelsea bench. They were later selling on Stub Hub for at least $250 per ticket. It was a great game and my brother even caught a ball one of the players kicked into the crowd as a free giveaway (he basically snatched it right before an 8 year old in the row behind us caught it and paid the price with a nasty cut on his shin from one of the armrests).
Q2. Name your favourite five Galaxy players of all time?
1. Donovan Ricketts – I’m partial to goalkeepers….we stick together.
2. Landon Donovan – Mr. Reliable…always there with a good touch and able to get the team fired up when things aren’t going right.
3. Josh Saunders – the best backup goalie around. We’re lucky no other team has tried to pick him up.
4. Mike Magee – always seems to come up with amazing plays right when they are needed. Plus, he stepped into goal without hesitation during that awful game in San Jose…and kept the shutout alive down a man.
5. Bryan Jordan – often overlooked with so much talent on the team, Jordan is a great all around player. Definitely not a superstar, but he can play any position well and has contributed quite a bit lately despite his limited playing time.
I know there have been many other greats in the past, but I like to focus on the here and now. Many other current players could be named here (especially Juninho), but I’ll leave it here.
Q3. What is your normal preparation/routine when attending a Galaxy game?
Leave home in Brea 2 to 2.5 hours before game time. Beers in the parking lot with Michelle, Nada, Carlos, Fredy, Dexter, Amilkar, Andy, and whoever else happens to be coming with any of us. Occasionally throw a BBQ or hooka into the mix. Start walking into the stadium at game time.
Q4. Do you follow any other footy teams?
Newcastle United – Sorry, Andy
Q5. Name five footy teams that you hate the most?
Just added to the top of the list – NY Red Bulls
Chivas USA
Real Salt Lake
Arsenal
San Jose Earthquakes
Q6. Describe the best Galaxy performance you attended?
May 8, 2010 away game at Seattle. It was slated to be a fairly even game, but we ended up on top with a 4-0 pounding. The Sounders’ performance was so bad that management refunded all the season ticket holders for that day’s ticket price. It also happened to be the day I met my wife Michelle, and her friends Fredy, Dexter, and Kat, so it has a special place in my heart.
Q7. Describe the worst?
Our 2010 Playoff 3-0 loss to Dallas. I remember a feeling of overwhelming hopelessness watching that game. It just seemed like nothing was going right; they scored early, our passes were off, most of our shots were off target, Hartman did a great job handling the ones that were on target, and our guys were frustrated. Not a good way to finish up a Supporter Shield season.
Q8. Has the Beckham signing been better for Beckham, the Galaxy or the MLS?
I think it’s been good for the Galaxy, MLS, and Beckham, in that order.
The Galaxy have gotten tons of publicity from day 1 which has definitely helped with revenue generation from ticket sales, merchandise, and better TV coverage (it’s nice that nearly all of their games, including home games, are televised nationally…definitely was not the case a few years ago). The team’s game has definitely improved with Beckham present in the middle (I notice a marked difference in games where he’s absent), and it seems that he has shared a lot of knowledge from his many years in top level competition with the younger players. Always good to have that kind of experience on board when it doesn’t come with a hugely inflated ego (i.e. Henry).
MLS has also received a great deal of publicity that was not necessarily present before Beckham’s arrival. Since that time, the league seems to be taking off with new expansion teams, bigger and better TV deals, and the ability to bring more big names to the league since then (Henry, Angel, Marquez, Keane, etc.). It also seems like many of the very talented younger players are a bit more hesitant to leave the MLS to go play in Europe. It’s not totally clear whether these changes are a direct result of Beckham’s presence or a general increase in the number of fans and followers of soccer in general, but I think both play in to it.
Beckham has also benefitted financially from his initial deal with the Galaxy and all of the marketing deals that came along with it. And, let’s face it, he was getting toward the end of his European playing career. It was a great move to come over here and potentially extend his career by a couple of years and highly increase the potential for some kind of show biz career after his playing days are over. The whole controversy with the England national team was a bit of a hubbub over nothing. I wasn’t too upset about him playing for AC Milan in the off season, because representing his country obviously meant a lot to him. That is, until he decided to stay past Galaxy opening day. It kinda sucks that he got injured…I would have liked to see him play in the World Cup.
Q9. Do you follow any other sports and if so, what teams?
Soccer is king! I occasionally watch American football and like the Steelers, but wouldn’t say I go out of my way to watch games or follow everything that’s going on with the team.
Q10. Do you play footy, what position and are you any good?
I’ve played since I was 6 years old. As a youngster I played everything but ended up settling in defense as I got older. Around 12 years old I started playing goalie and have played it exclusively ever since. For the past few years its been predominantly indoor soccer, though I occasionally fill in for outdoor teams. I like indoor much better because of the constant action.
Q11. What's with the rivalry between Galaxy supporters groups?
I don’t get it, but don’t really care. I know people in all of them and they all seem like decent people wanting the same thing. Let’s just get along already. Actually, I’d like start a new group on the south end (our tix are in 142). Trying to think of a good name…..
Q12. Have you ever been involved in any aggro at the match? Galaxy or otherwise?
No, seen plenty though. Nada and some lady got into a pretty heated argument over the PUTO chant because the lady thought it was disrespectful.
Q13. How do you think the MLS compares with other leagues around the world?
MLS is still trying to find its place and figure out what works. Its tough to compete against leagues that have 100+ years of history, but I think we’re catching up very quickly. The talent has improved greatly over the past few years, but I think consistency is still lacking. There have been recent (non-Galaxy) games that I stumbled across on TV and thought, “Holy crap! Is that a bunch of 10 year olds kicking the ball around?” There are certain teams this applies to more than others, but again, I think it will phase out over time.
Q14. Club before country?
YES, though I do like watching the US and support them as much as possible.
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 sounds good. They could probably build up a better more reliable fan base down there.
Q16. Favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
Seattle. The fans (everybody in the city seems to be a fan) are so into it, but all very nice to visiting fans.
Q17. Least favourite away stadium? (MLS or otherwise)
San Jose. Feels like the crappy wooden bleachers are going to collapse with the ACB/Riot Squad/Galaxians/unaffiliated jumping around. And the cops give you a bunch of crap for wearing the other jersey. Hopefully, they get their new stadium built soon.
Q18. If you could change anything about the Galaxy organisation what would it/they be?
They’ve been doing much better lately, but better enticements/treatment of season ticketholders would be nice. We’ve been invited to several player signing events in the past couple years and Bryan Jordan has been there at least 3 times. I love the guy, but how about getting some variety, and maybe even Beckham or Donovan once in a while.
Also, they need to do more to alter the agreement between HDC and CSUDH. The limited capacity for a playoff game is a joke (couldn’t they do some kind of offsite parking and bus fans in if needed) and the recent crackdown on tailgating is ridiculous. There are always groups that cause problems at these things, but the majority of the people are just there having a good time.
Q19. What changes would you make to the MLS?
The whole playoff scheme is something the league needs to work on. If they’re going to do it, they need to do it right so that it’s truly the best teams from the whole season competing for the title. And they need to make sure there’s enough of a break in between ALL of the playoff games. It seems ridiculous to have 2 days off between the conference finals and semifinals, then 2 weeks off until the Cup game. In the long run, it would be nice to get enough teams participating to put a relegation scheme into place.
Q20. What's the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you at the match?
I’m sure there have been a couple moments when I had a few too many, but this one sticks out in my mind (and I hadn’t even had a beer yet). I had bought tickets and food to make carne asada for a group of 25 or 30 before a game. I spent an hour packing everything up, remembering every detail down to the plates, plastic ware, and BBQ tools. We show up, start unloading the bountiful feast, I fire up the BBQ and start searching for the meat. It was nowhere to be found….8 lbs of carne asada was sitting at home in the fridge. Luckily, some folks were still on the way and stopped at the store, but could only find unmarinated meat. We ended up with Corona and lime marinated beef tacos…not too bad. On the bright side, my family and I got to eat carne asada for the next week.
Q21. Funniest thing you has seen at the match?
Magee playing goal in San Jose. He did a great job, but it was very entertaining to watch somebody with no GK training wearing a shirt 3 sizes too big. It was something out of a pee wee soccer match. And it was at San Jose, so the setting could very easily have fooled anybody.
Q22. Finally, how do you see the season ending for the LA Galaxy this year?
Supporters Shield, destroy everyone in the playoffs to win the trophy at home. (Andy, This was written a month ago)
***Sure Scott***
Great job Scott, it was well worth waiting for.
Also, I know I do tease you quite a lot about being a Newcastle fan, but to your credit at least you chose to support a proper team and didn't jump on the ManU/Chelsea/Liverpool/Arsenal bandwagon.
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