Major League Soccer is back, and it seems Ashley Cole’s arrival in California has caused quite a stir.
After generating more headlines for his lurking memes than his performances on a football pitch while at AS Roma, Cole has now switched to LA Galaxy.
His first competitive game for his new side came on Sunday night, with the Galaxy hosting DC United in their MLS season opener.
Just like us Brits on the first day of the new football season, there was plenty of excitement ahead of the new campaign in America.
The mere sight of Ashley Cole with his new teammates caused this Galaxy supporter to forget to hold his phone the right way up.
So excited i did it upside down! @AJD_20 @TheRealAC3 @robbierogers @NDJ_Official @OficialGio pic.twitter.com/paO7nC63rA
— Christopher Garibay (@CHRISTopher0210) March 7, 2016
And while the home supporters were keen to make Cole feel welcome ahead of kick off, it wasn’t long before he was the subject of vile taunts from rival fans…
Ashley Cole, I do not like your hair. #DCU -T
— DC United WUFC (@DCUnitedWUFC) March 7, 2016
The significance of one of England’s most decorated defenders making his MLS debut was lost on some people.
Someone named Ashley Cole is trending. She sounds hot.
— ☃️ (@shawist) March 7, 2016
At half time, Galaxy found themselves trailing after a Steven Gerrard error paved the way for an opening goal for the visitors.
Viewers were not impressed.
Ashley Cole when he turns up in LA expecting to relax on a beach but he actually has to play pic.twitter.com/8VYPFoKgbv
— andrew (@Quakes98) March 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/LAGalaxy_Nation/status/706687129842094082
https://twitter.com/sterling_m/status/706695090949885952
Ashley Cole & Steven Gerrard rn pic.twitter.com/n2l592L7ZA
— Phillip Leyva (@philthisisphil) March 7, 2016
Fortunately for Cole, things perked up in the second 45. A much better performance as his side scored four times without reply, and it seemed as if his new supporters had been won over.
Ashley Cole is awesome. #ColeMiners were absolutely right. #LAGalaxy #LAvDC
— Carrie, The Raven of Porto (@newt_ripley) March 7, 2016
(#ColeMiners?)
Ashley Cole is having one hell of a second half defensively. Didn't expect that at all after the first 45. #LAGalaxy #LAvDC
— Joe Tansey (@JTansey90) March 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/Mastercej/status/706703279460192256
Full credit to Ashley Cole, who's had two potentially goal-saving tackles this half. Excellent performance. #LAGalaxy #DCU
— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) March 7, 2016
Ashley Cole was a joy to watch today. Amazing Full Back #LAGalaxyVsDCUnited
— Mike (@chevito6) March 7, 2016
‘A joy to watch’. Clearly, his first half performance had been forgotten. Just as well really…
looooool Ashley Cole! 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Obf90rE1Tu
— B Larsen | Arsenal + Celtics (@BLarsenAFC1886) March 7, 2016
