LAFC CLUB GUIDE

Los Angeles FC History

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an American professional soccer team based in Los Angeles, California. The team was established on October 30, 2014, as an expansion team of Major League Soccer (MLS), and began play in the 2018 season. LAFC was created to replace Chivas USA, another Los Angeles-based MLS team that had dissolved that year. The team’s establishment was led by a diverse and high-profile group of owners, including sports legends, entertainment figures, and business tycoons.

From the outset, LAFC aimed to build a strong connection with the city of Los Angeles and its diverse communities. The club adopted the colors black and gold, symbolizing the glamour and grit of the city. The team’s crest, featuring a winged LA monogram, was designed to embody the soaring spirit of Los Angeles. The construction of the Banc of California Stadium in the heart of Los Angeles, specifically in the Exposition Park neighborhood, provided a state-of-the-art home for the team and a gathering place for fans. The stadium, which opened in April 2018, quickly became known for its intimate atmosphere and close views of the action on the field.

LAFC made a significant impact in its inaugural season, setting multiple MLS records for an expansion team. Under the guidance of head coach Bob Bradley, a seasoned figure in American soccer, the team showcased an attractive, attacking style of play. LAFC finished the 2018 regular season with a record-breaking number of points for a first-year team and qualified for the MLS Cup playoffs, although they were eliminated in the first round. Forward Carlos Vela, the team’s first designated player and captain, emerged as one of the league’s standout stars, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive prowess.

The 2019 season saw LAFC build on their inaugural success, asserting themselves as one of the dominant forces in the league. The team finished the regular season with the best record, winning the Supporters’ Shield—an award given to the MLS team with the highest point total during the regular season. LAFC set records for points in a season and goals scored, showcasing a potent attack led by Vela, who won the MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after setting a new record for most goals in a season. Despite their regular-season success, LAFC’s playoff run ended in the conference finals, marking a disappointing conclusion to an otherwise stellar campaign.

In the following years, LAFC continued to be a competitive force in MLS, although they faced challenges, including injuries to key players and the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The team remained committed to its attacking philosophy and passionate fan base, known as the “3252” in reference to the number of seats in their supporters’ section. LAFC’s influence extended beyond the field, as they became known for their community engagement and efforts to promote social justice.

LAFC continues to strive for success in MLS and international competitions. The team has become a symbol of Los Angeles’ diverse cultural landscape and a source of pride for the city’s soccer fans. With a strong foundation, a dedicated fan base, and a commitment to excellence on and off the field, LAFC looks to maintain its status as one of the leading clubs in American soccer. The story of LAFC is still being written, but it has already left an indelible mark on the landscape of MLS and the broader soccer community in the United States.