In the early 2010s, the LA Galaxy were far and away the premier franchise in MLS. Three MLS Cup titles in four years is a run of success that hasn't been replicated since, and playing significant roles in that winning stretch was Sean Franklin and AJ DeLaGarza. Fan favorites amongst the Galaxy diehards, the defensive pair were lauded for their tenacity, versatility, and reliability — features any manager would want on their back line.

DeLaGarza recently signed a one-day contract with the Galaxy to announce his retirement, which gave him the opportunity for a proper farewell to the fans, one that he wasn't able to give upon being traded to Houston in 2017. He joins Franklin in the MLS alumni, who retired in 2018.

Franklin spent six seasons with the Galaxy, winning two titles in addition to rookie of the year in 2008. His goal against Real Salt Lake in the 2013 playoffs is still remembered amongst fans of the Galaxy and otherwise.

The duo join the Urban Pitch Podcast to discuss AJ's recent retirement and signing a one-day contract with the LA Galaxy (01:15), Julio and Brigitte's statuses as LAFC fans and the El Trafico rivalry dynamic (03:19), Sean winning rookie of the year with the LA Galaxy and coming up in MLS together (08:11), the locker room dynamic with the LA Galaxy teams in the late 2000s-early 2010s (13:56), their current relationship with the LA Galaxy and their thoughts on the current team (17:00), how MLS has grown since they came into the league (21:46), Julio's status as "The First to One" guy and the intensity of LA Galaxy fans (24:30), their favorite moments with the Galaxy (29:10), thoughts on Angel City FC (32:50), Sean's retirement advice for AJ (35:20), AJ's memorable NYC experience (41:11), Favorite boots they've ever worn (43:45), and another memorable night out for AJ (45:04).

Cast

Hosts: Ramsey Abushahla, Julio Monterroza, & Brigitte Flores

Producer: Roy Cho

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