Steven Gerrard takes his seat in the front row of a private box at StubHub Center in Carson, California, and settles in to watch his first game as a stateside member of the LA Galaxy. It’s July 4, and the stadium is sold out, 27,000 strong and festive. The LA Riot Squad, one of the team’s more notable supporter groups, has been well refreshed by a truckload of beer Gerrard bought for its tailgate—veteran move, that—accompanied by a hand-signed letter: “I look forward to meeting you at tonight’s match.” Gerrard is more than getting his wish. This isn’t Anfield, and he is essentially sitting in the crowd, separated only by a low block wall.
A steady stream of fans stops by for autographs and pictures; a few of them are already wearing Gerrard’s No. 8 in Galaxy white. “That’s a bit of a gamble,” he says. “They haven’t seen me play yet.” He points to one fan in particular: “He’ll be back wearing his Robbie Keane jersey next week.”
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