Joe dishes the dirt

In what could be a turning point in the history of our blog, we now have documented proof that some players read it - or at least have informants who read the material, then deliver hopefully accurate approximations of what we actually write.

Truth be told, I felt rather awkward standing there post-game, realizing the swing the conversation was taking. Billy Witz of the LANewsGroup took the lead. As usual, he'd been tracking the nitty-gritty of the behind-the-scenes Galaxy action. He probed Joe Cannon for more information, and suddenly, a tidbit of info I'd doled out here on the blog took centerstage.

Here it is - the complete, uncut, exchange on the topic. There was a group of us interviewing Joe, including a reporter from Germany's Bild. I wonder if he was confused as heck, or if even Bild knows about the LA Riot Squad.

(Unless otherwise noted, Joe is doing all the talking)

Our fans have been great. They haven’t booed us off the field yet.

Billy Witz: Oh, no?

Well, some have. But not the whole stadium. Some of the Riot Squad at times and other season ticket holders - who surprise, have been more frustrated than most with the year, we’ve heard some things said, during the course of the game. I was on the bench last week for the game versus Real and definitely heard some things said. But at the same time, it’s been a frustrating year for them. If you’re a fan, you’ve got every right to feel that sometimes. But give these guys credit for coming out and giving the effort and sticking with it, because after the SuperLiga game, that was a huge blow and on top of that, the Salt Lake game. Two games where we’re two penalty kicks away – from a SuperLiga title and then we’d be on 20 points, which is 8 points from a league play off spot with four games in hand. Those games are a blow. So give those guys credit and let’s just build on this.

Billy: Didn’t you get into it with some fans after the Real Salt Lake game?

No, I think what happened was a misunderstanding over something I said. I think a couple of them made a comment about me going back to San Jose. I didn’t really put it into its perspective until somebody actually told me the whole story behind what was said. I think it was something that you printed (looks at me) or something.

Me: (to Billy) Is he blaming me?

No, I’m not blaming. (To Billy) She said I rambled, though. I kinda didn’t like that. I don’t mind paraphrasing, but you know. I could get to the point probably a little quicker, but I like the attention.

It’s just something, though, that I’ve always tried to have, a good relationship with the fans. Today, they threw down a scarf from them. It’s a win for them. Like it or not, they’ve been here through this roller-coaster. It’s just as tough for me as it’s been for everyone else in this room. Even the media has been associated with this. So much hype and so much potential in this season – it’s tough. (to no one in particular) Let’s go out tonight and celebrate this one and then starting Monday get ready and do it again.

Me: It’s a Riot Squad scarf?

Yeah. (Joe took the scarf out of his locker, where he'd hung it over the rod, and held it out on display. Great photo op, but none of us had cameras) They threw it to me before the game. I think it was a “no hard feelings”.

Me: Oh, it happened before the game.

Yeah. I think there was a little misunderstanding there. (to me) I’m not going to point any fingers.

Me: It’s my fault?

No, not at all. They thought I wanted to go back to San Jose, but I let it be known that I want to be here.

Me: You did say “someday”.

Maybe. I have family there and who wouldn’t want to come back and live close to your family? But at the same time, I bought a house here. It’s not because I want to leave anytime soon.

Me: Manhattan Beach?

Redondo. I live with Ante Jazic, our left back when he’s healthy. I don’t know where he is now. He’s probably in the Stadium Club, throwing a few back already. It’s good. I’ll be here for a long run, hopefully. Let’s be honest, if we keep winning, good things will happen, so let’s keep winning.