Looking Back at The Supporters Holiday Party

While the blog staff was not there, Galaxy Account Executive Chris Thomas was there and has agreed to share his story with you guys.

This Saturday, the Los Angeles Riot Squad and the Angel City Brigade teamed up as LAX United to host a first annual Holiday Party. The event took place at the supporters groups' favorite haunt, the Off Campus Pup (located right across the street from The Home Depot Center) and the party provided an opportunity to reflect on what was an eventful and successful year for the club and their supporters.

The event was more than just a night of holiday merry making, the party was all for a good cause too. The groups raffled off cool prizes, including a Galaxy signed ball, a Galaxy signed jersey, a VIP ticket package to next season's home opener, a Blackberry and gift certificates for supporters group merchandise. Along with the proceeds from the raffle, the groups collected toys for the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots drive. Through the party, the supporters raised well over $300 and donated over 150 new and unwrapped toys.

Entertainment for the party was provided by DJ's and local band the Fighting Tigers. There was also a potluck and various light hearted competitions between the two groups, including a surprisingly heated game of foosball won by the Riot Squad, and of course, LA Galaxy chants.

Many thanks must go to the Riot Squad's Jeff Skinner who organized the event and had to drive home with his pickup truck completely full of children's toys. This will be one of many off season activities for the Galaxy's most die hard fans and they cannot wait for next season to begin.

Tristan Bowen Named in U.S. U-20 Team

Galaxy forward Tristan Bowen has been included in the United States Under-20 National Team that will train from December 16-23 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. This is the first training camp of new two-year cycle and is made up exclusively of players born in 1991 or later, making them eligible for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

Click here to see the full squad.

Bowen signed with the Galaxy in November 2008 and made his MLS debut on June 20 at San Jose, coming on as a late-game replacement for Chris Klein. A veteran of the U.S. Under-18 and Under-20 National Teams, Bowen also spent time last season on loan with Hollywood United of the PDL and Miami FC of the USL First Division.

Galaxy Adult Fantasy Camp: A First-Hand Account

James Rotondi is a New York based actor, musician, critic and journalist who contributes frequently to The Huffington Post. He is also a soccer fan who made his way to The Home Depot Center last week for the fifth annual Galaxy Adult Fantasy Camp.

He wrote about his experience for The Huffington Post and you can read all about it here. This is just part one of his journey, so be sure to check back in the coming days for James' views on the camp's conclusion.

Club Statement on Potential Loan Move for Landon Donovan

The following statement is from the Galaxy regarding the current speculation on a potential loan move for the club's captain Landon Donovan.

We are aware of Everton’s interest in Landon Donovan, as they are one of a number of clubs who have contacted the Galaxy about the possibility of a short term loan agreement for Landon. The Galaxy, MLS and Landon’s representative will work together to determine if and whether an arrangement with Everton or any other club would be beneficial to all parties.

Looking Back At The World Cup Draw (Video)

Last week, we presented you with some text and pictures in color of the event.

Today, we give you video. Enjoy...



Now that you've had some time to think about it, what are your overall thoughts on the draw? Is Group G the Group of Death, or is it Group D? What's the best match up in group play-- U.S. vs England, Brazil-Portugal, or other?

Academy Teams Wrap Up Winter Showcase Today

The LA Galaxy Academy Teams will complete their stay at the 2009 U.S. Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase in Phoenix this afternoon. Both the U-16 and U-18 teams have played two games heading into today's game, with the 16's tallying a 1-1-0 record, while the 18's are 0-1-1 heading into today's game.

Both teams opened the Showcase on Saturday evening with the U-16's getting off on the right foot with a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the New York Red Bulls. The Red Bulls were up 2-0 inside the opening 20 minutes, but Scott Cohen pulled one back for the Galaxy just before halftime. LA was able to carry that momentum over into the second half with Dyllan Stevens scoring the equalizer ten minutes after the re-start. Stevens put the Galaxy in front seven minutes later and they were able to hold on for the win.

It was a similar scene later in the day when the Galaxy U-18's opened up play against FC Dallas. LA once again started slow, falling behind 3-0 after 20 minutes. Christian Alvarado got the Galaxy on the board early in the second half, but they were unable to further cut into the Dallas lead and fell 3-1.

After a day off on Sunday, both teams were back in action on Monday afternoon taking on New Jersey-based club PDA. The U-18's got their first point of the trip, claiming a 1-1 draw thanks to a 67th minute goal from Riley Wolfe. The Galaxy went into halftime trailing 1-0 before Wolfe struck his equalizer.

The U-16's were not so lucky against PDA as they were unable to overcome a 1-0 halftime deficit and lost by the same scoreline.

Both teams kick-off their final game of the Showcase later this afternoon, with the U-16's taking on Texas SC and the U-18's playing an Academy Select team, which is made up of some of the nation’s top youth players from Development Academy clubs.

Former Galaxy Academy player Eric Gonzalez was also in action in Phoenix, playing two games with the U.S. Under-17 National Team in the Nike International Friendlies. Gonzalez came off the bench to play the final 54 minutes of his team's 2-1 loss to Portugal on Friday. A day later, Gonzalez was in the starting lineup for the 1-1 draw against Brazil. The U.S. completed their trip to Phoenix last night with a 3-0 loss to the Netherlands, with Gonzalez on the bench for that game.

A midfielder from Corona, Calif., Gonzalez played for the Galaxy Academy last season before being invited into residency in Florida with the U-17 National Team.

'Tis the Season

On Sunday, the LA Galaxy donated soccer balls to the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier and also spent time with the children, including an impromptu kickaround that went to penalty kicks.

The donation was made in support of Ryan Seacrest’s 12 Days of Giving Campaign on 102.7 KIIS FM.

LA Galaxy forward Edson Buddle, defenders Sean Franklin and Tony Sanneh donated soccer balls, as well as took some time to sign autographs and pose for photos.

Here are some photos from the visit. You can find more photos on our Facebook page-- www.facebook.com/lagalaxy.