In 1996, after the success of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Major League Soccer was set up to represent the USA's elite soccer teams. The league is split into two sections- the Eastern (7 teams) and Western Conferences (6 teams). The MLS plans to increase to 16 participating teams by 2010.The MLS season runs from April to end October with each team playing 30 league games in their respective Conference. 8 teams qualify for play-offs - the two top teams of each Conference plus the four highest point scorers.
American soccer has seen its fanbase and attendances soar year upon year and the performances of the National squad in recent years have earned American soccer the respect of the more cash rich, traditional soccer nations in Europe.
In 2002, La Galaxy became CONCACAF Champions Cup Winners and the first ever team from the USA to qualify for the FIFA World Club Championship.
LA Galaxy attracted much media attention last season by signing David Beckham away from Real Madrid . The contract is thought to be worth $50 million over five years, which Beckham has reportedly already given back to the club in the form of tickets and replica merchandise sales. Aside from the club's desire to recruit a world-class player, the President said that he wanted to 'build a bridge between soccer in the US and the rest of the world'.
At the beginning of the season, Beckham's presence at the Galaxy resulted in all-time record highs for MLS TV ratings on ESPN and the best ever attendance at an MLS match.
The home of the LA Galaxy since 2003 is the superb purpose built, all-seater stadium, the Home Depot Center. The stadium is host to many national and international matches including the FIFA 2003 Women's World Cup. It is also the headquarters of the US Soccer Federation's National Teams.
Even before the arrival of David Beckham, LA Galaxy was by far the most supported MLS club, with stadium attendance averaging 25 000 spectators.
The Home Depot Center also plays host to rugby, boasting 9 training pitches amongst its many sporting facilities.
People to Watch: David Beckham Landan Donovan Eddie Lewis
Steve Cronin
Academy:
Unlike other MLS clubs, La Galaxy puts youth development programmes on the top of their priorities. Various youth and community initiatives culminated in the establishment of the Galaxy Foundation and in 2004, the club demonstrated their commitment to the development of soccer in the USA by unveiling the Premier Development Program which offers free places to young talented players across the state of California.
Transport Access : The Home Depot Center is located in Carson. The stadium is easily accessible by road from all the major freeways in the area. Carson is in between Manhattan Beach and Long Beach, a short distance south of LA.
The closet airport is Los Angeles (LAX).
Out and About: One of the most talked about cities in the world, Los Angeles conjures up images of Hollywood movie glamour. It doesn't disappoint. Stroll down the Walk of Fame on Hollywood boulevard where you can also visit the historic Chinese Theatre and many landmarks that made Hollywood the movie metropolis that it is today. Beverley Hills and its most famous street, Rodeo Drive is the place to celebrity watch whilst Santa Monica and Venice offer a more laid-back, beach vibe. The views from the hills outside LA make fabulous scenic driving routes of the city and its valleys, such as Topanga Canyon and San Fernando valley. Try out Mulholland Drive for great scenic views. If culture is your thing, the Getty Museum is unmissable. A world-renowned hommage to art that sits on a natural ridge in the Santa Monica mountains, the museum is also an extraordinary example of Modernist architecture.
The Los Angeles region is also home to a number amusement parks including Disneyland and Universal Studios.
