CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy’s proud winning tradition began on an April evening in Pasadena thanks to the work of Arash Noamouz.
The Galaxy picked up their first victory in club history in the team’s inaugural contest in April 1996 when Noamouz provided the game-winning tally to give Los Angeles a 2-1 win over the New York / New Jersey MetroStars in front of nearly 70,000 fans at the Rose Bowl.
The tally was a beauty as Jorge Campos launched a long throw to the Iranian defender who sliced through the New York defense before launching a left-footed blast that beat Tony Meola for the game-winner.
“The first game was very special because Jorge Campos joined us a day before the game and we had legends like Cienfuegos, Cobi, Hurtado, and it was very special,” Noamouz told LA Galaxy Insider. “The atmosphere was awesome.
“I remember Jorge Campos threw me to the ball and I cut all the way through the defense to beat Tony Meola. I just took my chance, and it went in. I’ll never forget that moment.”
Upon signing with the club, Noamouz was quickly embraced by the Iranian community in Los Angeles— an enthusiasm that only grew following the team’s opener. Given his notoriety, Noamouz was a frequent participant on local Iranian television shows, often driving from training to appearances.
READ: Where are they now: The inaugural LA Galaxy starting XI
For the former Iranian international who arrived in the U.S. in the early 90s, the reception was deeply meaningful.
“There was a lot of Iranian community around Los Angeles, and they were very supportive of me,” he said. “The support that they gave me meant so much to me. I had such a great time in that city.”
Among those inspired by Noamouz's exploits was future ESPN reporter and Southern California native Arash Markazi.
“I remember being so excited that someone with my name was on the first LA Galaxy team. He instantly became my favorite player for obvious reasons, and I was beyond thrilled when he scored the second goal in club history,” Markazi said. “It was always great seeing or hearing his name whenever he did something for the team. I've never met him, but I always felt connected to him when his name was in the paper. After all, we don't have the most common name here in the States.”
As bright as Noamouz’s stint with the Galaxy started, it was ultimately cut short due to a knee injury that limited the Iranian international to just 15 appearances for the club. Before the chronic knee issue claimed his career, he’d notch one of the organization’s impressive goals in a September victory over the Dallas Burn.
Kickin' it old school. #GalaxyThrowbackpic.twitter.com/yLUyz7oqir
— #GalaxyThrowback (@LAGalaxy) May 3, 2017
After retiring in 1997, Noamouz moved back to his second home of Houston to join the family restaurant business. Under his watch, the business has expanded in recent years with the Iranian opening several Local Table restaurants across the Houston metro area.
Even as his restaurant business grows, Noamouz remains in contact with several members of the 1996 team during annual trips to Southern California.
Although his time with the Galaxy was short, Noamouz says that he wouldn’t trade his experience for the world.
“We got into the finals in the first year of MLS. I think we were the best team in the league and playing with the players that I did was an amazing experience that I’ll never forget," Noamouz said. "That was enough for me. Having that amazing experience was all I needed. It was unforgettable.”
