Before the clever banners, before the iconic gas mask logo, before the chants inspired by early 90’s rap hits—there was a keg and a challenge.
Following the Galaxy’s crushing defeat to the hated San Jose Earthquakes in the 2001 MLS Cup, Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman was looking to help grow LA’s home field advantage.
El Gato challenged a die-hard fan at the team’s annual end-of-year dinner that if he could gather 100 fans to create a new supporters group, he’d buy the new group a keg at the home opener.
When the 2002 season began, more than 100 fans had joined the Galaxy’s second-ever supporters’ group, and a new type of MLS fan was born.
“That was how we were born. We identify differently than other groups, and we wanted to be able to be more edgy and different. We were born from our love of beer and the LA Galaxy,” said LARS capo Andrew Alesana.
Given their unique origin story, that passion for beer remains a trademark of the organization known by many as a “drinking club with a soccer problem.”
"Beer was very important to the foundation of LARS,” president Scott MacKay admits.
Besides their passion for adult beverages, the Riot Squad are also known for their unique and sometimes irreverent supporters culture. Whether its humorous tifo for Galaxy players or awarding a growler of local beer to their man of the match after each game, LARS pride themselves on providing a brand of support that is distinctly Los Angeles.
“We represent the city of Los Angeles through our diversity, our passion, and our carefree attitude,” MacKay said. “We try to support our team and also find interesting ways to do that with our tifos and online presence. We have a history of doing things differently to support the Galaxy. Whether that is Chivas dolls or having mariachi bands in our section, we always do things that fit into our personality and support the Galaxy.”
Added Alesana, “We believe that everyone is envious of LA or hates LA. We take that to an extreme. If you hate us, then we just ignore that you’re even looking at us. We know that everyone in MLS is envious of our club, and It’s okay that teams hate us because we’re still going to do our thing.”
LARS may have a huge presence in the stands, but they’re also beginning to make their presence felt in the community as well.
In recent years, the Riot Squad have become a frequent participant in LA Galaxy Foundation events. More work in the community is planned this year as the group celebrates their 15-year anniversary.
But no matter if the members of LARS are helping out in the community, at a match or playing in their own Champions League, the group brings their fun loving attitude to everything they do.
“Everyone in LARS is here for all facets of the Galaxy,” Alesana said. “We’re there to support the team; it’s a little bit different than other groups. We’re just supporters who want to back our team, drink a little bit, sing and have fun.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him onLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
