RANCHO PALOS VERDES, Calif. – As they chase a spot in the 2013 MLS Cup Playoffs, the LA Galaxy received a much needed break on Friday as they participated in the LA Galaxy Foundation Golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles.
An afternoon on the links, bonding with fellow teammates, was sorely needed in the midst of the team’s quest for a playoff berth. But that wasn’t the only benefit. With the team frequently toiling at StubHub Center to ready themselves for vital matches, the chance to interact with fans and important sponsorship partners all to help the LA Galaxy Foundation was a welcome escape.
“It was fun today. We got to see a lot of guys on the team in different situations,” said Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Perk. “Having a social outing is always fun. Golf is one of my things and I think that everyone had a great time.”
Added club President Chris Klein: “Any money that we raise for our Foundation is going to go to some amazing causes that the LA Galaxy supports. They did a great job putting on this event, which is something that we can build on for the future.”
The event wasn’t without some “controversy,” however, when the tournament winners were announced.
A group from ticket vendor Barry’s Tickets won the competition, but Klein’s fivesome edged a group led by LA midfielder Juninho due to a tiebreaker. Klein’s group defeated Juninho’s squad based on their birdie on the fifth hole, which was deemed one of toughest on the course.
Although the club President’s victory may have signaled some alarm bells some, that wasn’t the issue that LA midfielder Michael Stephens had at the end of the day.
“I was surprised that Perk didn’t win, so there might have been some cheaters out there,” Stephens said jokingly. “Somebody must have been putting in some fake scores if they beat him because I’ve played with him and if he played any of these people here then he’d crush them.”
Perk’s response?
“In this format, it’s a team game, so you can only do so much,” said Perk. “But, I had a great time and played with a lot of great guys. We’re not out here to win; we’re just out here to have fun.”
As for his American flag pants that were a hit on the links as well as on social media? Perk admitted that he was simply interested in flashing his unique fashion sense.
“Maybe I come from a different school of thought, but I thought in golf you wear nice pants,” said Perk with a smile.
No matter what you were wearing or how you shot, it was simply just a fun day out on the links.
“We had a great time and it was great to meet our fans and our sponsors,” added Stephens. “It was just a fun day.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
