Memo to Marta: It's Hardware or Bust in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, as I know it, is a tough town that demands great results. From the Lakers to the Dodgers to the Angels (although they are located in Anaheim), the City of Angels takes pride in teams that know how to win championships in their respected sports.

The Los Angeles Galaxy is no exception to this rule.

I have supported the Los Angeles Galaxy since the early 2000's, when they were in the last few years of playing in the Rose Bowl. At the time, the Home Depot Center was being constructed.

Since Carlos Ruiz scored the game-winning goal against the New England Revolution, I made this declaration, "It is settled. I will become a supporter of the Galaxy." 

It grew on me, and it never wavered.

I associate the Galaxy with a brand of football that brings consistent play and W's. In recent years, that hasn't been the case.

Last year was a year to forget, even with David Beckham as the main man on the team. Ruud Gullit was horrible as a manager, and the wheels fell off early.

Funny how the name was created. I was hoping that this team would be called the Los Angeles Galaxy LFC (with the nickname being "Lady G's.).

Same jerseys, different logos. Simple. 

Instead, I am stuck with a name that deserves a self-imposed palm to the forehead (at least at this point in time).

The Los Angeles Sol ([insert chuckle here]) have snapped up Marta, who is at the top of her game, but personally, I am skeptical about whether or not she can deliver the same results that made Umea IK one of the best sides in Europe.

I have this mindset: it doesn't matter whether you are from Brazil, or Germany, or China, or Japan, or Norway, or even North Korea if you don't have the talent to win games and championships.

Heck, you could be the best player hailing from planet Neptune (I was going to use Pluto, but it isn't a real planet anyway), and it wouldn't matter if the wins don't arrive in bunches.

I have high expectations for the local teams I follow. And that means I have high expectations for the Los Angeles Sol.

If they have the moxie to topple the likes of the Washington Freedom and the rest of the league for the title, only then will those expectations have been met. I couldn't care less if Marta rains the goals and wins all the accolades she can at this league. If it doesn't equate to us hoisting the trophy, it means nothing.

Marta, welcome to Los Angeles, and the Sol. The bar has been set.

It's time to prove that you are what soccer fans in this tough town came here for: a Player of the Year worthy of giving us a WPS Championship.