Before the clever banners, before the iconic gas mask logo, before the chants inspired by early 90’s rap hits—there was a keg and a challenge.
Following the Galaxy’s crushing defeat to the hated San Jose Earthquakes in the 2001 MLS Cup, Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman was looking to help grow LA’s home field advantage.
El Gato challenged a die-hard fan at the team’s annual end-of-year dinner that if he could gather 100 fans to create a new supporters group, he’d buy the new group a keg at the home opener.
When the 2002 season began, more than 100 fans had joined the Galaxy’s second-ever supporters’ group, and a new type of MLS fan was born.