USMNT record-holder Cobi Jones reflects on legacy as statue unveil approaches Cobi Jones, the U.S. men’s national team’s all-time leader in appearances, is set to have his legacy immortalized with the unveiling of a statue at the LA Galaxy’s Legends Plaza. The ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, will mark the culmination of a journey that began with Jones’ early days as a Black soccer player in Southern California, where opportunities for professional careers were scarce. The statue, which will stand alongside icons like David Beckham and Landon Donovan, symbolizes not only his contributions to the sport but also his role as a trailblazer for athletes of color. Jones’ path to stardom was anything but conventional. Growing up in Southern California, he faced significant challenges as a Black player in a sport dominated by European and South American stars. Without a domestic league or widespread international exposure, Jones relied on sheer determination and athleticism to carve out a career. His breakthrough came when he joined the U.S. Soccer Federation’s club team ahead of the 1994 World Cup, a project aimed at building a competitive squad for the tournament. Though the U.S. team fell to Brazil in the round of 16, the experience laid the groundwork for Jones’ professional journey. After the World Cup, Jones signed his first professional contract abroad, eventually playing for clubs in England, Brazil, and other countries. His career reached its peak during the 2002 World Cup, where he helped the U.S. secure a 2-0 victory over Mexico in the round of 16. Despite his success, Jones remained grounded, often reflecting on the broader impact of his career. “When you’re playing, you’re just like, ‘Woo hoo!’ I’m playing professionally! I’m making money!” he told USA TODAY Sports.#dignity_health_sports_park #la_galaxy #cobi_jones #legends_plaza #rotblatt_amrany
Los Angeles Galaxy Honors Cobi Jones with Monumental Statue at Dignity Health Sports Park On Sunday, the Los Angeles Galaxy celebrated the legacy of one of its most iconic players with the unveiling of a 9-foot-tall bronze statue of Cobi Jones outside Dignity Health Sports Park. The ceremony took place ahead of the team’s matchup against Real Salt Lake, with Jones joining fans, former teammates, and artists Oscar Leon and Omri Amrany to mark the occasion. The statue joins two others dedicated to Landon Donovan and David Beckham, symbolizing the team’s golden era. Jones, a former Galaxy midfielder who played for the club from 1996 to 2007, made 334 appearances and scored 70 goals during his tenure. His contributions were pivotal in guiding the team to two MLS Cup championships in 2002 and 2005. Speaking at the event, Jones reflected on his career and the significance of Los Angeles in the growth of soccer in the United States. “We showed the world that Los Angeles—and the LA Galaxy—is a soccer hotbed. This is the place where soccer can grow and thrive within the United States, and in my humble opinion, the LA Galaxy is the pinnacle of MLS,” he said. Born in Detroit but raised in Los Angeles, Jones graduated from Westlake High School before attending UCLA, where he played for the men’s soccer team. His international career included stints with the U.S. national team, participating in the 1994, 1998, and 2002 FIFA World Cups. He was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 1998 and earned a five-time MLS All-Star designation. In 2002, he helped the U.S. secure a CONCACAF Gold Cup title, further cementing his status as a national icon. After retiring in 2007, Jones remained connected to the Galaxy, coaching the team for two seasons before transitioning to other ventures.#major_league_soccer #dignity_health_sports_park #los_angeles_galaxy #angel_city_fc #cobi_jones
San Diego FC Set to Face Toluca in CONCACAF Champions Cup Clash San Diego FC will take on Toluca in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match at Dignity Health Sports Park on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 2 and streamed via Fubo, with a free trial available for new users. Toluca, a dominant force in Liga MX, secured a pre-seeded spot in the tournament by winning the 2025 Liga MX Clausura. The team has maintained an impressive 11-game unbeaten streak, dating back to their 2-1 victory over UANL in the 2025 Apertura Finals. In the 2026 Clausura season, Toluca has recorded a 7-3-0 record, including five consecutive wins. San Diego FC advanced to the Round of 16 by defeating Liga MX club UNAM in a two-leg tie. The team secured a 4-1 home win in the first leg but lost 1-0 in the second leg, ultimately progressing via aggregate. In Major League Soccer, San Diego has been dominant, posting shutouts in all three of their matches. Their victories include a 5-0 win over CF Montreal, a 2-0 win against St. Louis City, and a 1-0 road win over Sporting KC. The matchup between San Diego FC and Toluca is expected to be a highlight of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Fans are encouraged to tune in for the full action, with the game offering a blend of competitive play and high stakes. Fubo provides access to a wide range of sports and entertainment channels, including national networks like ESPN and FOX, as well as local sports packages. The service allows users to stream live television on multiple devices without a traditional cable subscription. Regional restrictions may apply for streaming services, and users are advised to check availability in their area.#concacaf_champions_cup #san_diego_fc #toluca #dignity_health_sports_park #fox_sports_2
