Fav moments from the MLS Cup celebration
When I first arrived at Legends Plaza, my brain had a flashback to last February when the same space was occupied by a throng of pissed off Galaxy supporters boycotting their club.
The story of the Galaxy’s remarkable turnaround has been covered to death by now, but good lord those times were wild. Outside the Million Dollar Theatre for the launch of the LA kit, a Chris Klein loyalist approached me and was shall we say…verbally abusive.
A toxic black cloud hovered above Dignity Health Sports Park, making Sunday’s MLS Cup celebration seem all the more surreal. With that said, I thought I’d share my own personal favorite moments of the rally.
Will Kuntz Graffiti Challenge
Taking a page out of Sporting KC’s book, the beloved LA Galaxy GM made the bold decision to tag the ticket booth with a “2024” before marching to the stage. Like many of his bold decisions, the gesture was a smash hit.
Kuntz is a bright ambitious executive, but as I’ve come to learn…he’s also a chill dude.
The Galaxy GM has made it a priority to immerse himself with the fanbase by making himself accessible, and over the course of the season I’ve enjoyed watching his popularity skyrocket as more folks have gotten to know the man now considered a club hero.
Joseph Paintsil performing “Blessings”
I know what you’re thinking. A pro athlete signing his own song at a rally, that’s gotta be cringe right?
Bzzz wrongo. Taking the microphone, the Galaxy winger got about five seconds in before the beat to his new single “Blessings” blared as the fans erupted. “You can’t stop” Riqui implored to Paintsil, and as his teammates formed into a hype crowd, a player as fast as the devil with the voice of an angel delivered a banger performance of a R&B song inspired by his good fortune since arriving in Los Angeles.
At one point I had to briefly join in the swaying. Normally I’m a Very Serious Reporter but I couldn’t fight the vibes, the song is catchy as hell.
Joe Tutino’s smooth delivery
Anytime Mr. Tutino speaks is a treat, really.
The longtime broadcaster loves discussing the Galaxy family, but if there’s anyone who personifies the Galaxy family, it’s Joe. Warm, friendly, knowledgable and a true gentleman, the wise elder statesman with a passionate love for the club has captured the hearts of the Galaxy faithful with his comforting voice for decades. He’s also great at whipping up a crowd.
The unscripted chaos
Athletes are notoriously conservative in the public eye. How they speak, what they say, their physical movements, everything is carefully measured to minimize the risk of exposing themselves to ridicule, doubly so in the age of social media.
A victory celebration throws that out the window. When you’ve got a squad of dudes who’ve been celebrating all night and into the next day, many of whom possibly under the influence, the fellas are naturally going to let their guard down a bit.
What followed was an abundance of shenanigans. After Greg Vanney spoke he was bum-rushed by the players who tossed the manager in the air. The jokes were flowing. Miki Yamane’s celebration was totally insane.
“Give me the f*cking mic…we are f*cking champions” snarled Marco Reus. At one point, Riqui being Riqui took over emcee duties from Joe Tutino. Eager to keep the celebration going, Puig, a dude with an ACL tear, kept dancing long after the celebration ended as a grateful crowd continued to party.
This sign
Boycotts work. Pass it on.