This, however, is just the countenance of Angel City Brigade. Beneath our visage is a steady core of remarkably varying individuals, each coming from vastly different backgrounds, each bringing their individual spirit, each contributing their own personal energy until it’s combined with everyone else’s under the banners and flags of the Angel City Brigade. J.B. Priestly said it best, “To say that they paid their money to watch twenty-two hirelings kick a ball is merely to say that a violin is wood and catgut and that Hamlet is so much paper and ink.” To say that the Angel City Brigade are merely fans of the LA Galaxy is a half truth. We are, indeed, so much more than that.

Tomorrow, the long wait is over. Tomorrow we will come together at Victoria Street. We will bring our individuality and unite under the banners of Angel City Brigade. Rain or shine, win or lose.

“Fucking remarkable…” I thought to myself as I stood on the bench staring straight up to the top of our section.  Sergio comes and grabs my shoulder right before the song was getting ready to end and points up at HDC’s jumbotron.  On the screen for the entire stadium and FSC audience to see was ACB taking over all but two rows of Section 121 jumping side to side in perfect synchronization.  When I watched the game later that week Christopher Sullivan actually commented on us, saying that we add much to the game and atmosphere, saying that that’s something straight out of Brazil and Argentina’s Barras.

A huge sigh of relief.

The entire week leading up to that moment was churned into some giant stress ball that had me questioning whether or not I even wanted to go to the game.  A stress ball being the summation of front office meetings, penalties made against ACB and later retracted, security claims and overall bad news.   While a minor victory was made in our attempts to see some of the wrongs committed against ACB and our members were won, subsequent weeks would see those victories deflated.

However, one thing was made clear.  We have grown into a beast.  ESPN recently procured a picture of Angel City Brigade’s honorable and enthusiastic “Young Guns” and listed us as a major reason for attending a Galaxy game.  Groups around the league had pledged their support to us when talks of boycotts and protests were under way.  For one weekend it had all come together.  And there before me stood two years of hard work, dedication and major attempts at recruiting not just fans but friends who understood what ACB was about, fans who would carry the torch and represent us in a way the we were meant to be represented.

Talking with some of the original members we all came to one conclusion.  The amount of growth that this group has seen is dumbfounding.  We are hitting goals set for this group about two years earlier than anticipated.  We are the largest supporter’s group in Los Angeles.  Our game day presence is bigger than all of Galaxy’s supporter’s groups as well as Chivas USA’s.  But not only have we grown in numbers, we’ve grown in quality.  Members have consistently stepped up to meet the tasks and challenges that need to be seen to, whether that be merchandising, events, membership cards, game time equipment or simple acts of kindness and friendliness to brand new recruits. We have managed to grow a beast not only formidable inside the stadium but outside as well.  We are establishing a tradition in this group as being the most passionate and loud supporter’s group in MLS.  But we are buttressing it with open hands to other supporters groups around the league.  I have no doubt that by the end of this year we will consistently be filling section 121.

So take part in Angel City Brigade’s early history.  Help us build and grow this tradition till we have the entire north end of the stadium.  Invite people you know and trust to partake in this unique experience.  Flyer your college campuses.  Talk to your glory hunting modern football fanatics who refuse to take heed of American Soccer and prove to them that what we have in they’re own backyard is better than any experience sitting on a couch watching Manchester United obliterate Sunderland.

What I saw at the end of the RSL game was a sea of white bouncing in perfect unity to one of our trademark songs, filling up section 121.  The vision only fed my fire to one day (SOON) see the ENTIRE north end of HDC dancing in perfect unity and singing out in one massive voice.  We can do this.  We will do this.  We need all of you to help with this goal.

We Love AJ, Hopefully you do too!

AJ DeLaGarza

That’s right Angel City Brigade!  AJ DeLaGarza has answered the questions to your must know hearts…everything from growing up in a tiny town in Maryland, to starting his first professional game with the LA Galaxy.  I’d like to thank Sergio first and foremost for setting this up and I’d also like to say thanks to all of the ACB members who posted questions for the future outside back hero of the LA Galaxy. So, without further adieu, I present to you AJ (I’ma make your backline legit F’n) DeLaGarza.

Pox

ACB: What gets you pumped up before and after you walk out of the tunnel for a game?

AJD: The screaming fans really give me the chills while I’m waiting in the tunnels and while I’m walking out onto the field.  The passion that they bring to the game is just remarkable and the commitment that they’ve shown through the years is amazing.

ACB: What has your experience in LA been like…the city, the fans, the stadium. Which one stands out the most?

AJD: My experience since I came here has been so much more than what I had ever expected.  I was born and raised in Maryland, which was 21 years of my life.  Living in a city as small as Bryans Rd Maryland which has a population of about 5000 people then moving to one of the biggest cities in the world would be kind of a shock to anyone. But I really love the city (except for the traffic).  So the city of LA probably stands out the most, just because of where I lived for 21 years.  But the fans are second to none in the MLS, and that shows by all of our supporter groups.  They really are the ones that give the stadium life and make it what it is.

ACB: What are your favorite spots in Los Angeles? Any hidden gems?

AJD: There are so many places in Los Angeles that I know I haven’t seen half of what’s out there.  I’m kind of picky with what I eat so when I find a place I usually become a regular. Silvios is a Brazilian restaurant down in Hermosa Beach that is pretty good. I just don’t know what people see in In N’ Out. (I don’t either AJ, it’s all about Tom’s if you’re looking for a good burger!)

ACB: Who is the toughest opponent you have ever had to mark?

AJD: I’ve faced so many players in my first year and they all bring different aspects to they’re game that it’s hard to say who the toughest is. I played against Ven Den Bergh who can put pinpoint crosses into the box from the left flank.  Then there’s players who can use they’re speed to beat you like Mansally and Zakuani.  Lastly, there are players who have some of the best footwork and ball skills to beat you like Kljestan and Pappa.

ACB: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

AJD: I would love to be in Los Angeles still, but I think I will have to weigh my options in Europe if that opportunity presented itself.  If I were in MLS I know that there is nothing that can compare to what the Galaxy has here between the tradition, coaches players and fans that it has created through the years.

ACB: What’s your favorite moment from last season?

AJD: There were so many great moments from last season.  If you had asked me before the season I would have never dreamed of experiencing what I had. Getting to start my first MLS game against DC United in the season opener then getting engaged later on that night was something I will always remember. Obviously making it to the MLS Cup final and getting to play my rookie season was an experience I will never forget.  Then there was the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players on the planet like Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry.

ACB: What effect do the fans have on your performance on the field?

AJD: The fans are what really get me going.  Obviously I need to do what I’m supposed to do whether there are 500 fans or 15,000 fans, but my adrenaline really goes when the fans are an active part of the game.

ACB: What did you take from last season to make you stronger and better this season?

AJD: I learned so much from last season and I really tried to take everything last year and use it as a foundation to build on for this season so I could help my team any way I can. I know what I need to work on to become a better player and I will be doing that day in and day out.

ACB: How do you really feel about Ch*vas USA?

AJD: Throws a TV out of the 8th story window at the Marriot where the interview was being conducted AAAHHHHHH I HATE THEM FOOLS!!!! Ok ok, so he didn’t do or say this.  AJ has a bit more class than I do.  Read on.

AJD: Next question! Sike, ok obviously there is a huge amount of passion both from the players and the fans when it comes to this rivalry.  We share the same stadium and before this season we would see one another on more than a couple of occasions. Obviously things are intense, having had to play them five times last year with every game being close and physical and every one of them meaning something.  Having said that though, I would say that the harsh feelings generally stay on the field.

ACB: Since you’re the first entry of our special blog (toot-toot), you will be the first player to pick your own player chant for your name. What song would you like?

AJD: HAHA I’ve never though about that and my name is so odd! (At least in my opinion) that I don’t even know a song that would go with my name.  I guess I’ll leave that one up to the fans.  Maybe you guys can do a survey or something.

Just when I thought I was in the clear I received a message from Rudy (the fantastic architect of this website) telling me to write another.  I decided to brainstorm with my new friend / accomplice / landlord who I happened to meet through ACB as to what to write about.  After a series of shots of whiskey (I was, after all, celebrating my acceptance into a Masters in Education Program at the University of Redlands) we came upon the decision to write a “How to Approach AND Join the Angel City Brigade manual.”  That’s right ACB familia! There is now an official “How To” manual concerning the ACB.

What should it be called?  Angel City Brigade for Dumb Dumbs?  Chicken Noodle Soup for your Supporter’s Group Soul?  We ARE!!!  THE BRIGADE!!! (out of touch Anti Nowhere League reference).  Whatever.  Personally I don’t care what it’s called.  I’m far more interested in the idea of NOT intimidating newcomers to the ACB experience.

There you have it, that’s my thesis and I’m sticking to it.  I’ve heard from people who I’ve met in person as well as people who have commented on the Angel City Brigade Board that people often feel intimidated by ACB’s close nit organization and physical presence in the stands.  Listen, it’s true.  ACB is an anomaly in today’s day and age.  We all walked into this experience as strangers and are now brothers, sisters, best friends etc.   This close bond of friendship and family can be VERY intimidating to people who have not been with the group in the first two years of it’s existence.  All of us, new and old members MUST remember this.  We are all representatives of this group.  Therefore it is our duty to represent ACB in the best light possible at ALL times.  Thus far our members have done this to the best of they’re ability.

That said here is my Guide to Joining the ACB.

-So you’re interested in joining the Angel City Brigade?  Here’s what you do.

1. Join our boards!!!!!  I can’t stress that enough.  Please start an account in our new and improved forums.  Read through the pages.  Get a feel for what our members are like.  Remember, the Galaxy usually only play once a week and only half of those games are home games.  This makes the time in between the games important in fostering a relationship with other members.  I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that I feel like I’ve known members of the ACB for decades rather than two years.  This is due to the fact that I’ve essentially communicated with them everyday for the last two years via our message boards.  Most of our members go by they’re screen names so when you meet us in person you can ask “Who the hell is MotorJohn?  Pox?  Doughboy?  Pibe?  Skulls? Tubby? MDM? Brownie? B-Nasty” etc… trust me, we’ll know who you’re talking about (even my girlfriend calls me Pox). Once you join our forums it is a must that you introduce yourself in the introduction thread.  You’ll be greeted warmly, I promise.  I also urge you to Private Message myself or any of the moderators or active members of the board.  Simply tell us who you are and that you plan on coming to the next home game.  We’re all nice I swear it.  I’m sure we’ll all tell you that we’ll have a beer or some morsel of food waiting for you in Lot 13.
   After you’ve joined our forums and introduced yourself it’s time to face real life, which leads us to step two.
2. Meet up with us in Lot 13.  By this time you’ve introduced yourself on our message boards.  You’ve figured out a few names in the ACB message boards and now it’s time to meet these strangers in real life.  I can’t stress this enough.  WE ARE GOOD PEOPLE!  ACB was founded on the fact that we are an all inclusive group.  No matter what your background or who you are you will be welcomed.  We are NOT a firm/ hooligan group.  What we are is a group of fanatical supporters who strive to support the LA Galaxy through passion, songs and tifo, through thick and thin.  We love LA.  We breathe the LA Galaxy and we strive for our colors.
3. Attend ACB Gatherings and BBQ’s.  We try and have them semi-regularly.  These activities range from benefit shows / fundraisers to soccer games and BBQ’s in the park.  We also watch away games at the Off Campus Pub directly across the street from the Home Depot Center.  I suggest attending these gatherings, as they’re a little more intimate in the sense that there are only about twenty to thirty ACB members there as opposed to two hundred at a typical Lot 13 tailgate.  That way it gives you, the future ACB draft pick, a chance to have a more normal conversation with members and allows you to get to know them better.  That and you’ll have fun.

If anybody has anything to add to this feel free to in the comments section.

Cheers,

Pox

P.S. Here’s a tidbit to warm your offseason hearts courtesy of the English Media and Steven Goff of the Washington Post/ Soccer Insider that can be found and read at http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/ but most importantly LANDON DONOVAN!!!!

From the Times of London…..

Their latest success may have been aided by Sunderland’s generosity but that should not detract from Everton’s growing sense of confidence in a season that had threatened to go off the rails. The addition of Donovan, an intelligent, thoughtful footballer whose lively movement off the ball was epitomized by Everton’s second goal, has clearly helped in this respect.

From the Guardian…..

Chants of “USA, USA” marked the American’s first goal for Everton, showing there is still a football ground on Merseyside where that is acceptable.

From the Sun…..

While it opened Donovan’s account following his short-term signing from America, the biggest surprise was he did not end up with a hatful against a backline as slapdash as this. Having said that, George McCartney does deserve praise for a wonderful goal-line clearance after Donovan had rounded Craig Gordon.

From the Daily Star…..

The American’s 19th-minute strike sent Goodison Park wild as he finally found his mark for David Moyes’ men.

From the Daily Mirror…..

They have not yet reached the promised land of a European place, but at least Everton saw the Landon they were promised. Landon Donovan scored his first goal for the Goodison club to set them on the way to a comfortable win over sorry Sunderland, to leave his manager David Moyes purring over a polished display from the American.