Monday Kicks: Galaxy whitewash Whitecaps & more

*I thought I should get that headline out of the way before the season began. The Galaxy won 2-0 today in a weather-delayed game in Arizona on first half goals by Chris Birchall and Juan Pablo Angel.

It's the first shutout for the Galaxy in preseason, although it helps that the Whitecaps major attacking threat is former Chivas USA striker Atiba Harris (ahem).

Details here.

And here's part deux of the behind-the-scenes-look at the Galaxy's camp:

*The Columbus crew have signed midfielder Josh Gardner, a member of the Galaxy's MLS Cup-winning 2005 team and a first-round draft pick the previous year, you'll recall, to a multi-year contract. He played 21 Galaxy games over three seasons before spending the last four years in the USL with the Seattle Sounders and Carolina Railhawks.

"I am humbled by my journey to get here, but it is a great opportunity to come to a team that has such great tradition," Gardner said. "I look forward to the hard work and to continue that tradition by helping the team achieve its goals."

Now, that's perseverance.

*Pepperdine announced the signings of seven high school seniors to national letters-of-intent today including locals defender/forward Briana Lariviere (Camarillo High) and defender Nikki McKee (Walnut High).

*Tuesday's column will look at the local fan groups who get together in various Southern Cafornia pubs to cheer on their favorite team. There's more than you might think.