Los Angeles FC
Los Angeles FC: Champions of the 2022 MLS Cup and 2024 U.S. Open Cup.
Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an American professional soccer club based in Los Angeles. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference. It was established on October 30, 2014, and began play in the 2018 season as an expansion team. The team plays its home matches at BMO Stadium, a soccer-specific stadium located in Exposition Park.
- Galaxy Home Stadium
- Dignity Health Sports Park
Lore & Background
The managing owners of the club are Brandon Beck, Larry Berg, and Bennett Rosenthal. Los Angeles FC also has a variety of other part-owners, such as Will Ferrell, Nomar Garciaparra, Mia Hamm, Giorgio Chiellini, and Earvin 'Magic' Johnson. The club's inaugural head coach was Bob Bradley, who served from 2017 to 2021 before being replaced by Steven Cherundolo. During their second season in 2019, Los Angeles FC won the Supporters' Shield with club captain Carlos Vela earning the MVP Award. The club won their first MLS Cup in 2022, which completed a league double with their second Supporters' Shield. In 2020 and 2023, Los Angeles FC were also the runners-up in the CONCACAF Champions League. In 2024, Los Angeles FC won their first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
In Their Own Story
The lights hummed over BMO Stadium as the sun dipped below the downtown skyline. On the pitch, blue and gold clashed against white and navy, the roar of the crowd vibrating through the turf. A veteran goalkeeper wiped sweat from his brow, knowing this wasn't just a game; it was territory. In the stands, generations argued over who truly owned the city's soul, united only by the thunderous kick of the ball echoing off the concrete walls.
Reader's Guide
The club within its short history has been home to notable players such as Gareth Bale, Olivier Giroud, Hugo Lloris, Son Heung-min, Giorgio Chiellini, and Carlos Vela.
Did You Know?
- LAFC was founded on October 30, 2014, after MLS awarded a new expansion team to Los Angeles following the dissolution of Chivas USA.
- The club's first MLS game was a 1–0 win against Seattle Sounders FC on March 4, 2018.
- LAFC won the Supporters' Shield in 2019 with a record-setting 72 points.
- In the 2022 MLS Cup final, Gareth Bale scored an equalizer in the 128th minute, and LAFC won the penalty shootout 3–0.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Los Angeles FC?
They debuted within the league during the 2018 season as a fresh expansion team. Their presence sparked the Battle of Los Angeles against the older Galaxy organization.
What defines their rivalry with the Galaxy?
This matchup represents a clash between the league's founding legacy and modern ownership styles within the same city. It is considered one of the most watched fixtures in American soccer due to the intense passion from both fanbases.
Where do the Galaxy play their home games against LAFC?
The historic Galaxy team hosts these matches at Dignity Health Sports Park, maintaining their traditional home ground since the rivalry began. This venue serves as the fortress for the club's legacy during Battle of Los Angeles fixtures.
How does the competitive history compare between the two?
The Galaxy possess a superior trophy cabinet containing several league titles from earlier years. However, LAFC stepped in as serious challengers right from their first match.
Why is this rivalry important to the region?
It draws intense passion from fans across the metropolitan area by pitting two distinct identities against one another. The feud quickly became a major fixture in Southern California shortly after LAFC's entry into the league.
More in Great Rivalries
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