CARSON, CA - The Los Angeles Galaxy are saddened to announce the passing of Alfredo "Ferro" Gonzalez, 74, a long-time Southern California Soccer Administrator and a member of the Galaxy family since the club's inception in 1996. Gonzalez passed away while napping in his Pico Rivera home on Wednesday night.
"The Galaxy family has lost one of our dearest members," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "Ferro was a wonderful person who always had a smile on his face, especially when he was watching his beloved Galaxy - we will miss him a great deal."
A native of Jalisco, Mexico, Gonzalez spent much of his adult life in Southern California. A pioneer on the local soccer scene in Los Angeles, he was one of the founders of the California Soccer League, widely considered to be the oldest recreational adult league in the area. </p>
In addition to holding a position on the Executive Board of the California Soccer League-South, Gonzalez also served as the public relations representative of the league for more than three decades and was widely considered the "voice of local soccer." He made regular appearances on several local Hispanic radio shows to discuss the sport he loved so much and was adored by all who came in contact with him. </p>
Ferro attended several FIFA World Cups abroad, often re-counting stories of players and important matches to all who would listen, and there were many. He was one of the first local residents to volunteer for the soccer tournament at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup USA 1994.</p>
When the Galaxy was founded in 1996, word has it that Gonzalez was the first volunteer in club history, helping with media relations efforts from day one. When the club captured its first MLS Cup championship in 2002, Gonzalez was awarded a championship ring. </p>
A year later, when the club moved to The Home Depot Center, he moved with them, helping in the press box for nearly every game, including the club's last home match on August 21, 2004 against the Chicago Fire.
Gonzalez is survived by his wife Eloisa and his seven children. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced. </p>
The Los Angeles Galaxy return to The Home Depot Center on Saturday, September 11 at 7:00 pm against the San Jose Earthquakes. The first 10,000 fans 16 and under attending that match will receive a Galaxy soccer ball. For more information or to purchase tickets to that or any other remaining Galaxy home game this season, please call the Galaxy ticket office toll-free at 1-877-3GALAXY.
