The Los Angeles Galaxy returned to The Home Depot Center on Sunday to celebrate their double-winning season with their faithful following. After winning MLS Cup 2005 against the New England Revolution thanks to Guillermo Ramirez's extra-time goal, the Galaxy players and coaches were honored by more than 3,000 fans at their home field.
A strong turnout of loyal supporters was let inside the gates at 2 p.m. PT, and was given the opportunity to have their picture taken with both trophies -- the Alan I. Rothenberg Trophy and the Dewar Trophy, awarded to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup winner, won by the Galaxy against FC Dallas earlier in the year. The Galaxy front office had also set up a museum on the main concourse that outlined the team's history from year one to present, and had on display several of the trophies that the team had earned in its 10-year history.
The program began with a highlight video played on the stadium's giant video screen, just the right dose of medicine to get the crowed riled up for their champions. The Riot Squad, one of the Galaxy's fan clubs and one of the most ardent groups of supporters anywhere in MLS, was there in full force, singing and chanting long before the festivities began, and provided several humorous moments throughout the program.
After the highlight video, AEG President Sean Hunter got up to speak and congratulate the fans. AEG, who operates the Galaxy, also operates the San Jose Earthquakes. Hunter didn't get very far in his speech before chants of "Sell the Earthquakes" rose up from the Riot Squad. What celebration in Los Angeles would be complete without some taunting of their fiercest rival -- who the Galaxy knocked off in the Western Conference Semifinal Series on their way to the cup victory.
Then it was Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's turn to speak. The mayor praised the team's efforts throughout the playoffs, and thanked them for bringing a championship back to Los Angeles. But even the mayor was not immune to the taunts of the loyal supporters, who accused him of being a Chivas USA fan while he addressed the crowd. Villaraigosa took it all in stride though with a smile on his face, sending a few quick-witted remarks back at the crowd himself.
Finally, it was time for the team to be introduced. One by one, coaches and players processed from the concourse down through the stands to a stage set up on the field, high-fiving and shaking the hands of fans then entire way. Pando Ramirez, who was the unlikely hero last weekend, received one of the loudest ovations, as Guatemalan flags waved in the air upon the announcement of his name and a long "Paaaaaando! Paaaaaaando! Paaaaaaaando!" rose up from the crowd.
Cobi Jones, who's been with the Galaxy for all 10 MLS seasons, provided the most moving moment. The Galaxy original had a nostalgic tone while describing his long career with the organization, that more than one in the stands thought was a sign of announcing his retirement. However, the Riot Squad interrupted his speech with a "10 more years" chant that changed his mood.
"Thanks for your confidence. Next year we are going to come over for a new title and more joy," said Jones.
Then it was Landon Donovan's turn. The U.S. international proclaimed the title was the completion of the dream of playing in Los Angeles, close to his family.
"Besides that I won championships with San Jose, my career was not complete. Now the dream of coming here and winning with my people and the team I always wanted to play is fulfilled," Donovan said. "I want to thank everyone for welcoming me the way they did."
The day ended with a second highlight reel that culminated in Pando's game wining goal in last Sunday's MLS Cup Final. Afterwards players stuck around to sign autographs and celebrate with the fans. In all, more than 300,000 fans poured through the gates of The Home Depot Center this year to watch the Galaxy -- a real home-field advantage that made the club's fans truly the 12th man for the Galaxy.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. Rene Romano contributed to this report. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
