The Galaxy went into the international break following their first MLS win of the season May 31.
Nearly two weeks later, the club is back in action, but also dealing with the emotions of the current times affecting many across the city affected by the immigration raids.
As the Galaxy went through preparation Thursday for Saturday’s game against St. Louis CITY SC, just a short drive away, an immigration raid was taking place near the 91 Freeway.
“As we come on the field, I think everybody gets locked in the training session, we play, it’s our place to be together and to compete,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “This is what we love to do and we get out here and we have focus, we have plenty of things to work on.
“I think when we’re out on the field, I think there’s all of us are just kind of locked in on the work that needs to get done. In terms of off the field, I think everybody’s managing through what’s going on in their own personal way and feeling, you know, the support of each other and the support that we have for one another. I think we all know somebody, probably out there who is affected by what’s going on and so it’s hard from a human level not to have some compassion for families and for those who are impacted by what’s going on.”
“We lean on each other in here and we talk about ourselves and going out and playing like a team and being what our fans want us to be as we show up to compete every day and fight for results and fight to give them the type of excitement and emotion that they want when they come to the stadium.”
The Galaxy have a short month of June with just three games. After Saturday, they will return June 25 for a midweek game in Colorado and conclude the month June 28 in San Jose. Their next home game isn’t until July 4.
While the Galaxy didn’t make an official statement regarding the immigration raids, their supporter groups have.
Angel City Brigade has canceled all viewing parties and the away trip to the June 28 San Jose game has been called off. ACB added that “we stand in full solidarity with those affected by the attacks on our immigrant communities and with those who stand up to defend them. We will continue to create a safe, welcoming space that reflect our values and principles both in the stands and in our communities.”
Galaxy Outlawz have urged people to reach out if they’re in need of “resources or groceries.”
“It’s time to be a community and let’s help each other out,” their social media post read. “Many people are missing work and kids are missing school to stay safe … we are a beautiful diverse city, with many cultures in L.A., let’s work to keep it that way.”
L.A. Riot Squad posted several information resources, including numbers for food and utilities assistance.
“I think all of us understand, in the profession that we’re in, soccer is the most diverse sport in the world,” Vanney said. “Look at the diversity of our team and where everybody comes from …we are certainly empathetic and behind diversity in general and the support of people and our supporters and the humanity of all of it. We’re fortunate enough to be in this sport that brings us together and so from that perspective, we just stick together and we support those around us.”
GALAXY at ST. LOUIS CITY SC
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Energizer Park; St. Louis
How to watch: FOX, Apple TV+
