Los Angeles Expansion Team Poised for MLS Lift-Off

By MH
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Updated: January 19, 2018

Image Source: LAFC via Twitter

Los Angeles Football Club will kick off its inaugural season as a Major League Soccer team when it faces Western Conference opponents Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on March 4, 2018.

The expansion team was first awarded a franchise back in 2014 and will now see their ambitious project come to fruition. Seen by many as a direct replacement for the now-defunct Chivas USA, Los Angeles FC will play their home matches at the purpose-built 22,000-seat Banc of California Stadium located in the Exposition Park area of the city. Their addition means that the city will once again have two representatives in the MLS, the other being LA Galaxy.

The new team will be coached by former Chivas USA and United States men’s national team boss Bob Bradley who has been out of work since leaving English Premier League club Swansea City. Things did not work out for Bradley in Wales so a return to the comfort zone of the MLS should help him get his career back on track.

Heading up operations is former USA international John Thorrington. The former Huddersfield Town and Chicago Fire player will oversee player and personnel recruitment for the California-based club.

The stadium itself has been designed to create an intimate atmosphere with every seat within 135 feet of the playing area and the closest just 12 feet away. A pioneering safe standing section has also been created where fans groups such as the 3252 Independent Supporters Union will give voice to the action. Those occupying supporter’s membership sections will pay just $20 per match to watch their team. Former Chivas supporters groups such as the Black Army 1850 and District 9 Ultras are also expected to throw their weight behind the city’s newest team.

Only 102 days until #LAFC takes the home field at their new ⚽️ stadium! pic.twitter.com/DPgo9pgGTY

— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) 18 January 2018

With the new season approaching, enthusiastic punters will be keeping an eye on special promotions and free bets available at some of the top bookmakers. When at Champion Bets, they should also check out the great range of tips available for all the top US sports including the MLS. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the LA team’s contenders for top scorer and MVP.

On the pitch, the current roster includes designated players Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi. Mexican Vela has enjoyed a long and illustrious career at both club and international level. He started his senior career at English Premier League team Arsenal before heading to La Liga where he made 183 appearances for San Sebastian club Real Sociedad. In addition, he has earned 63 caps and scored 18 goals for his country. Still only 28, Los Angeles have landed a top player still at his peak.

In contrast, Rossi is just at the start of his career and at the age 19 becomes the second-youngest DP in the history of Major League soccer. The Uruguayan youth international has been drafted in from Montevideo-based Club Atlético Peñarol.