By Elizabeth Adams
Features Editor
Congratulations California State University, Dominguez Hills students, you now have something in common with a footballing legend. No not the NFL. The other one.
Even if you’re not a fan of soccer you cannot step on campus without the LA Galaxy’s presence echoing around every corner of the school. As of March 23, that echo became a deafening roar as the MLS club announced their signing of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović.
It would be an understatement to say this is the club’s biggest signing since the 2007 signing of David Beckham because even Beckham had to learn what it was like to live under Zlatan’s shadow; as the two spent a brief period playing together in Paris.
Wherever Zlatan plays he draws some of the biggest audiences. Now, with the striker in Carson, the Galaxy are on the whole world’s radar as they will be lingering to see what Zlatan does.
“This move is just as big as Beckham,” said Juan Urias, psychology major. “ There hasn’t been a move this big in the league since [Beckham].”
Some question how much time Zlatan will actually be playing for the Galaxy but if one thing is for certain, it’s that Zlatan in synonymous with winning. He is one of the sports most decorated champions having won 32 trophies in his career.
If there is one player who can help the Galaxy regain their prestige it’s Zlatan. He was quick to prove it in his debut for the club, a sold-out home game against newly inaugurated crosstown rivals LAFC, where he scored a brace after being introduced in the final 19 minutes of the game.
“Even if you’re just a basic sports fan, or even if you just pay attention to the news, there is no way you haven’t heard about him in all the news outlets and when you hear that you also make the connection to our school,” said Jeremy Gonzalez, communications major. “ It’s also a big motivation for our soccer teams, to be so close to such a big-name player.”
After his memorable debut, it’s no surprise that our campus has begun to see an influx of walking billboards parading around with Zlatan’s number 9 plastered to their backs and the Galaxy logo ironed on their chest as the team reported they had already sold out of his jersey in the team store.
“We had a team meeting after he came,” said Cecilia Santiago, who works at the various team stores located within StubHub. “They told us to expect more people at the games and that more things would sell out.”
So, if you have weekend classes this semester, plan on taking classes in the summer, or will be around in the fall be aware of the Galaxy’s home schedule because the streets of Carson will be flooded with spectators looking to catch a glimpse of Zlatan.
“Each event is evaluated on ticket sales leading up to the event to help determine the level of event security,” said Lt. David Hall, campus police. “The first game involving the new Los Angeles Football Club was a highly attended event and we knew it would be during our planning meeting…I can’t speak for the Galaxy organization, but naturally, I believe they hope for a sellout crowd for each of their home games.”
