LOS ANGELES -- Had you been lucky enough to be at this past Sunday’s sold-out LA Galaxy versus New York City FC game at the StubHub Center, you surely would have noticed a couple of things.
First, there was that undeniably distinctive level of excitement saturating the air. And second, among the usual Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and Landon Donovan apparel, there was the sheer number of T-shirts and jerseys, from both L.A. and Mexico, proudly boasting Giovani Dos Santos’ number and name.
For the Mexican-American community in Los Angeles, the arrival of Dos Santos has sparked new interest in MLS.
Outside that game, Carlos Bautista, a 29-year-old fan wearing a Mexican Dos Santos jersey, broke into an impossibly wide smile when asked how he felt about Giovani playing for the Galaxy. “I'm very excited,” he stressed, explaining that Dos Santos’s presence was the reason why he was at the game to begin with, and why he would definitely attend future Galaxy games.
It’s no surprise that Dos Santos' addition to the Galaxy has been so well-received in a city where Mexican-Americans make up 32 percent of the population. Look beyond the stadium, and you’ll find the entire city buzzing about being the Mexican international's new home.
It started at the airport, of course, where a large mob of excited fans greeted his arrival at the beginning of the month. It continues now to local restaurants and businesses where people gather to talk and watch fútbol, including Friday's critical California Clasico showdown against the San Jose Earthquakes (11 pm ET, UniMás).
Jose Sanchez, age 26, at Gus’s Lunch Box in Silver Lake, said he had only been to Galaxy games in the past to watch David Beckham play. “I’m an L.A. fan through and through for every sport," he said. "Now that Giovani is playing for us, I’ll definitely be going back to Galaxy games again.”
Long-time Galaxy fans seem to have the same respectful and positive opinion of Dos Santos that his teammates have of him. “He’s a great addition to the team,” said Justin Miller, a Galaxy fan wearing a Keane jersey at this past Sunday’s game. “I can’t complain. We’re very lucky here in L.A. to be able to watch top players from different parts of the world interact with each other.”
At the game, merchandise tents focused on a greater variety of Giovani apparel, while the lines stayed long. Adriana Gonzalez, age 31, had already decided on what shirt she would buy while she waited in line. “I have a Mexican Giovani jersey at home, but now I’m getting a Galaxy Giovani shirt," she said "it’s nice that they have a pink one for the girls, but I’m getting white, just like he’s wearing today.”
It’s evident that Dos Santos, too, feels in his element in Los Angeles, a sentiment he's repeated in all of his recent interviews. That confidence has shown through in his limited time on the field – in every game so far this season, he has either scored or helped with an assist, aiding in keeping up the team’s perfect record thus far. With all the support Dos Santos has in Los Angeles, it’s no wonder he feels at home.
Find your colors. Shop mlsstore.com for Gio dos Santos jerseys and LA Galaxy gear - including hats, scarves, and jackets.
