Raul Vargas is a true LA Galaxy original.
From Mauricio Cienfuegos to Robbie Keane and everyone in between, Raul Vargas has equipped them all. The legendary Galaxy kitman has been with the club since the team’s inception in 1996.
Starting off first as a public relations volunteer, Vargas transitioned to his current role midseason in 1996 and has remained the club’s equipment manager since.
ADAM SERRANO: How did you join the team?
VARGAS: I joined the Galaxy because Jorge Campos, he introduced me to the coaching staff and spoke to [1996 Galaxy head coach] Lothar Osiander to give me the opportunity to work with the club. I knew Jorge since 1993 because I used to print jerseys for him back in the days when he used to play for the national team.
SERRANO: What makes the Galaxy special?
VARGAS: This is the most important team in MLS. Everyone wants to beat the LA Galaxy, and that makes it important.
SERRANO: What’s your favorite memory during your tenure with the club?
VARGAS: The first year when we went to the final, unfortunately, we didn’t win, but I will say that the first time that we won MLS Cup was the most special. We had been to the final three times before and came out empty handed. What I remember most is when Winston Griffith’s shot hit the crossbar in extra time. I thought we were going to lose in the final again.
SERRANO: What’s your favorite MLS Cup memory?
VARGAS: 2002 MLS Cup. It was the first one, no matter if we won the CONCACAF Champions League or two Open Cups, the MLS Cup is what is the most memorable thing.
SERRANO: Who is your favorite Galaxy player of all-time?
VARGAS: Everyone has a special place in my heart.
SERRANO: What win sticks out in your mind the most?
VARGAS: Like I said, this is the most important team in MLS, and there are a lot of games that the Galaxy has been involved in. I remember one game in particular in Chicago that took us to MLS Cup in 2001 when Mauricio Cienfuegos scored in extra-time.
SERRANO: What is your greatest accomplishment with this team?
VARGAS: There’s a lot of things to be done in my job. It never ends. There’s always something new every day. The most amazing part of this position is that every day is different. Every day is you need to do something new.
