By Salvador Perez
Staff Writer
On March 2, 2019, the LA Galaxy and Dignity Health Sports Park revealed the legends plaza, a plaza to honor LA Galaxy legends. The plaza is located outside the stadium gates. In the near future, it will be home too many statues, but the inauguration statue was given to soccer legend David Beckham.
With the creation of the Legend Plaza fans will be able to gather around the stadium’s main entrance where the statues will be located. The plaza will include areas for people to sit and enjoy the game.
“This city has always felt like home to me, from the moment I stepped foot LA it felt like home,” said Beckham. “We were welcomed on the field and off the field with open arms and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.”
“The legends plaza at Dignity Health Sports Park continues our commitment to be the first soccer-specific stadium in major league soccer, “said LA Galaxy president Chris Klein. “Legends Plaza is a way for our club to honor the history of our club and the many great players that have worn the LA Galaxy jersey. For years to come, legends Plaza will be an ideal place for fans to gather before and after matches at Dignity Health Sports Park.”
Many people would disagree with the decision of Beckham being the first to receive the statute, arguing that Landon Donovan, Alexis Lalas, Louise Hernandez, and Cobi Jones just to name a few, deserved the first statute.
There is no doubt that these players will receive a statue, but why is Beckham the first?
Not only did Beckham change the MLS and soccer in the U.S., but he also won back-to-back MLS cups in 2011 and 2012. Before the Galaxy, he earned the title of legend. With Manchester United, and Real Madrid he won a lot of silverware. He won the Premier league a staggering six times through 1995-2003, the champions league in 1998, the FA Cup twice.
“I think David Beckham was a good first choice for the statue, said LA Galaxy fan Cristobal Montoya. “I think he had a big impact on the league, not just the Galaxy. If I had to choose another player instead of Beckham the only other player in mind would be Landon Donovan.”
Landon Donovan is likely to be the next in line. Donovan won the gold cup with the US national team four times, three-time MLS player of the year, US open cup, six-time MLS cup champion, and the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. men’s national team.
“The highlight of my career was to win two championships with one of the greatest players that have ever played the game,” said Galaxy and Ireland soccer legend Robbie Kean who with a bit of humor and some seriousness raised his hand for the next statue.
“The new Legends Plaza is amazing, I think it was good that they built this because it’s a good spot to hang out with my family or friends before the game,” said LA Galaxy fan Rosa Quintanilla.
