CARSON, Calif. – No goalkeeper holds a place in LA Galaxy lore quite like Kevin Hartman.
The accomplishments that “El Gato” rattled off in a Galaxy kit are unparalleled as the ‘keeper won two MLS Cups, two Supporters’ Shields, two U.S. Open Cups, and an MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award during his 10 years with the club. Hartman was also instrumental in the foundation of the LA Riot Squad, one of the club’s three Supporters’ Groups.
But through all the victories and honors, it was the journey that led to the team's first MLS Cup title that remains the most memorable for the legendary 'keeper.
“The relationships that I built here were so important for me. The friendships. The things that came out of the locker room and the events that tied the two things together,” Hartman told LA Galaxy Insider. “You think of the 2002 MLS Cup championship, after missing out on it in 1999 and 2001 and just being part of such a great group of characters. We felt like we had finally been vindicated that all the years of hard work and commitment had helped us accomplish something so grand and special. That’s the thing that really sticks out for me.
"In 1999, I made a mistake in the final, and the thing that I was most let down by wasn’t myself, but for the people, I played alongside. It breaks your heart for you personally, but for me, it was most disappointing because I had let down so many people that I respected and worked with. To turn around and in 2002, to do something that was impactful for the club. It was the culmination of so much.”
After departing the Galaxy in 2006, Hartman spent six more seasons in Major League Soccer with the Kansas City Wizards, FC Dallas, and the New York Red Bulls. He ended his illustrious career as one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in league history and Major League Soccer's all-time leader in minutes played.
Now the Galaxy's Academy Director for the club's new Girls Academy, Hartman looks back fondly at his role in the league's growth.
“To be a pioneer in the league is something that I’m proud of, you look at the salaries in the league now, and you can’t help but wonder ‘what if’ you came five or 10 years later,” Hartman said. “I think a lot of the stories that come along with being in the league at that point and the difficulties that we had to overcome from hotels, travel, and training on parking lot that being a player in a developing league entails makes you look back more fondly and how proud you are of how to shape soccer in the country. “
