CARSON, Calif. --
The LA Galaxy announced today the establishment of the Wall of Legends to honor those individuals or groups who have significantly contributed to the growth and success of the club. On Sunday, October 26 at 9:30 a.m., the Galaxy will honor the first members of the Wall of Legends in a ceremony to be held on the Southwest Concourse of The Home Depot Center.
In a special selection process unique to the inaugural class, the first honorees to be chosen are former President and General Manager Doug Hamilton, as well as former midfielders Mauricio Cienfuegos and Cobi Jones.
As one of the nation's leading and most successful organizations, the LA Galaxy have been represented by the best and brightest players and staff in Major League Soccer history. Whether on the field or in the front office, these individuals have been an integral part of the success of the Galaxy.
Through the Wall of Legends, the LA Galaxy honor members of the organization who displayed the qualities the club embodies: passion, innovation, excellence, leadership and integrity. In recognition of all their contributions, the Galaxy will be unveiling a commemorative plaque in honor of each that will be hung on the Western Wall outside of Event Suite #6 on the Southwest Concourse.
This unique landmark will not only be a tribute to those who have dedicated so much to the club, but will also be a historical point of interest for all fans visiting The Home Depot Center.
2008 Wall of Legends Honorees:
Doug Hamilton
President and General Manager (2002-06)
Under Hamilton's direction, the club reached unprecedented heights both on and off the field, highlighted by capturing their first "Domestic Double" in club history, by winning the 2005 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup championships. In each of Hamilton's four seasons, the club qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs - the crown jewel among those appearances winning the MLS Cup twice (2002 and 2005). Hamilton, who joined the Galaxy in January 2002 after serving as the Miami Fusion's (MLS) Executive Vice President & General Manager, was a three-time MLS Executive of the Year recipient, an award which has since been named after him in his honor.
Mauricio Cienfuegos
Midfielder (1996-2003)
A founding member of the LA Galaxy, Mauricio Cienfuegos began his MLS career in Los Angeles after being the third player assigned to Los Angeles for the inaugural 1996 MLS season. An eight-year MLS veteran, he appeared in 206 MLS games with 198 starts. Cienfuegos scored 35 goals and tallied 80 assists with the Galaxy and ranks in the top three for goals (3rd) and assists (2nd) in the club's all-time record books. With No. 10 in the lineup, the Galaxy was a dominant force in MLS capturing all three major regional championships, including the 2002 MLS Cup Championship, 2001 U.S. Open Cup and 2000 CONCACAF Champions' Cup. In addition, the Galaxy advanced to the league semifinals six times (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002) and played in four MLS Cups (1996, 1999, 2001 and 2002). An instrumental figure in MLS history, Cienfuegos was named to the MLS Pepsi Best XI in 1996, 1998 and 1999. Always a fan favorite, Cienfuegos was voted to participate in the MLS All-Star Game in each of his first six years with the club. He has also garnered several team awards winning the club's 1997 Most Valuable player, plus the 2001 and 2002 Humanitarian of the Year awards.
Cobi Jones
Midfielder (1996-2007); Assistant Coach (2008-current)
Known for his speedy play and dreadlocks, Cobi Jones is one of the most recognizable and dangerous players in club history. Jones began his MLS career in Los Angeles after being the second player assigned to the Galaxy. An eight-time MLS All-Star (1996-2003), Jones ranks as the Galaxy's all-time leader in every major statistical category, including games played (306), goals (70) and assists (91). He captured all three major regional championships, including the MLS Cup (2002, 2005), U.S. Open Cup (2001, 2005) and the CONCACAF Champions' Cup (2000). During his MLS career, Jones has appeared in a total of 11 championship finals including five MLS Cup finals ('96, 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2005), four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup finals (2001, 2002, 2005 and 2006) and two CONCACAF Champions' Cup finals (1997 and 2000), winning an impressive total of five championship titles. He has also garnered several team awards winning the club's Budweiser Scoring Champion every year from 1998-2001, in addition to the 2003 and 2006 Humanitarian of the Year awards. After retiring in 2007, Jones was named an assistant coach for the club.
Following Sunday morning's ceremony, fans will have a chance to visit and view the Wall of Legends, with stadium gates opening to fans at 10:30 a.m. For tickets to Sunday's game against FC Dallas or for more information about this game, please call 1-877-3-GALAXY or visit the club's official website at www.lagalaxy.com.
