MLS Preview: LAFC

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Hooligan Soccer

·10 febbraio 2025

MLS Preview: LAFC

Club History

Los Angeles has always been an US soccer mecca, with the demographics and size to support multiple professional clubs. From 2005 through 2014, in addition to the MLS-founding LA Galaxy the city hosted Chivas USA, a subsidiary of the hugely popular Mexican club C.D. Guadalajara. Chivas played their final match on Oct. 26, 2014. Four days later, the MLS announced a new team would grace the City of Angels: LAFC.

It would take four years before LAFC took the pitch, during which time the club built a new stadium in downtown Los Angeles, founded a youth academy for player development, hired coach Bob Bradley and tirelessly worked to build their fanbase. Their grassroots outreach and community-focused initiatives have resulted in one of the most vibrant and dynamic supporter groups in the MLS. BMO Stadium is recognized as one of the most electric atmospheres in MLS.

OneFootball Video

It doesn’t hurt that the team has been outstanding since year one. In their seven years in the league, they have only failed to qualify for the postseason once, won the Supporters Shield twice (2019, 2022), won the US Open Cup once (2024) and the MLS Cup once (2022). Savvy recruitment focused on young dynamic players and sharp coaching have produced a dynamic, exciting team that plays electric soccer.

Ownership

LAFC has three managing owners: Brandon Beck, Larry Berg and Bennett Rosenthal. Additionally, there are some big-name part-owners that include:

Actor/comedian Will Ferrell
USWNT legend Mia Hamm
L.A. Dodger baseball player Nomar Garciaparra
L.A. Laker all-star Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Notable Players

Carlos Vela (Mexico) – Forward LAFC’s first superstar and former captain. Won the 2019 MLS MVP . Leads the club in all-time goals (93) and assists (54).
Diego Rossi (Uruguay) – Forward Key player during LAFC’s early years. Won the 2020 MLS Golden Boot before moving to Europe.
Eduard Atuesta (Colombia) – Midfielder A vital part of the midfield during LAFC’s dominant 2019 season.
Denis Bouanga (Gabon) – Forward Current DP & MLS Golden Boot winner in 2023.

Other Facts

BMO Stadium (Source)

LAFC’s primary rival is the LA Galaxy, with their matchups known as “El Tráfico“.
Their black and gold color scheme symbolizes strength and prestige, while the winged LA logo is inspired by the city’s rich history.
Their supporter groups are collectively known as “The 3252” The number refers to the official capacity of their stadium section. The sum of the numbers = 12, a reference to their role as the “12th man” of the team.
The club shares BMO Stadium (pictured above) with Angel City FC of the NWSL.
Only the second club in MLS history to win two Supporters Shields in their first five years (D.C. United was the first).

2024 Season Recap

Record: 16W – 10D – 8L. 4th in the Western Conference; 7th overall The team made it to the Western Conference Finals but lost to Real Salt Lake in a tight contest.
LAFC also competed in the CONCACAF Champions Cup but fell in the quarterfinals to Monterrey.
Denis Bouanga continued his strong form, leading the team with 17 goals and 9 assists.

Who to Watch in 2025

It’s been a somewhat tumultuous transfer window. The club parted ways with Carlos Vela, veteran midfielder Ilie Sánchez and Polish international Mateusz Bogusz. They still have an open DP slot (the rumor is they are courting Atlético Madrid’s Antoine Griezeman).

Mark Delgado (United States) – Midfielder A veteran player who came from rivals LA Galaxy, he also spent seven seasons with Toronto FC.
Olivier Giroud (France) – Forward (DP) The big man only scored twice in 19 games. Given his DP status, folks will want to see more.
Odin Thiago Holm (Norway) – Midfielder On loan from Celtic, where he’s struggled to earn minutes.

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