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Ep. 25: Jonathan Bond, LA Galaxy goalkeeper

November 05, 2021

Jonathan Bond has had an exciting first season in Major League Soccer, coming on board with the Los Angeles Galaxy just this year. In this episode of the podcast, the 28-year-old England-born goalkeeper talks about the Galaxy’s team chemistry plus its history and traditions. There’s also the club’s growing tug of war with crosstown rivals LAFC.

Tradition at a top club

The L.A. Galaxy was founded in 1994, and although its 27 years may not seem like a long time in soccer, the world’s most popular sport for over a century now, the club has made its mark within the game.

Bond says that playing for a club that has hosted such famous and accomplished players as David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Landon Donovan, comes with a weight of it’s own.

“There’s definitely an expectation to go out there and win every single week,” Bond said, during our 30-minute conversation.

He also said that “El Tráfico”—or the growing crosstown rivalry with the other MLS club in Los Angeles, LAFC—is one that not only brings hordes of animated fans, but also is one of the most important contests of each season for Bond and his teammates.

He also talks about soccer’s growth in America, as well as how the English Premier League has broadened the game’s reach.

Bond (in pink) with the 2021 L.A. Galaxy team. (photos courtesy of MLS.)

Bond has played internationally for Wales at under-17 and under-19 levels, and has also been called up to the under-21 and senior teams for England.

In future competitions Bond, who was born of one American and one English parent, says hew will continue on with England, after having changed his allegiance permanently in 2013.

Prior to joining the MLS, Bond played within Watford FC’s academy as a youngster, and also played for well-known English clubs West Bromwich Albion and Reading.

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