CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy, in the thick of the MLS Cup Playoffs race, take on the visiting Seattle Sounders in an important Western Conference clash on Sunday at StubHub Center (ESPN, 1 p.m.).
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The last thing the five-time MLS Cup champions need is a distraction as they battle for a postseason berth, but sometimes that can be a good thing. That’s why Galaxy coaches and players are looking forward to Thursday’s meet-and-greet event with Season Ticket Members.
Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with an open training session in the main stadium. Following the training, Season Ticket Members can enjoy a "Town Hall” style Q&A with Chris Klein, Bruce Arena, and LA Galaxy alumni.
“It’s always great to see our season ticket holders and see how they think the season’s going, the kind of comments they have,” said Arena, who celebrated his 65th birthday on Wednesday. “For the most part there will be some good and some bad, but it’s great to have the interchange with our most important supporters.
“We don’t do it that often, so it’s great to have this opportunity.”
Arena said he actually looks forward to getting fans’ input.
“They’ll ask any typical questions of fans,” he said. “They have the right to ask any kind of questions as long as it’s respectful. It’s always interesting to hear them.
“To give them a little bit of insight inside the team, that’s great. It’s a day we all look forward to.”
Galaxy defender A.J. DeLaGarza, 28 and in his eighth season, said fans sometimes can ask unusual questions, although he hasn’t had to field many of those lately.
“We have some pretty reasonable fans, I guess,” he joked.
And for those who wonder what A.J. stands for – Adolph Joseph, in case anyone is interested – DeLaGarza will tell them to Google it on the Internet.
“I have to get my Google rankings up,” he said with a grin.
Galaxy striker Alan Gordon, who turns 35 in October and is in his 13th season, said he’s fielded some “classic” questions.
“Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh,” he said. “I wish I had a better memory. Some of the better ones are when fans come up to you and say, ‘Man, how’d you miss that goal the last game? It was right there.’ Yeah, thanks for reminding me, buddy. They don’t really know they’re giving you a back-handed compliment.”
Gordon said he’s signed everything, including body parts. DeLaGarza said children love to have their forehead signed, “But they’ll wash it off five minutes later,” he added with a grin.
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Gordon pointed out exchanges with fans are well worth it.
“I enjoy going and seeing the kids,” said Gordon, the father of three children. “The kids are what it’s all about. They’re very excited.
“I really cherish seeing how excited they are. That makes me happy.”
