ESPN+ and Major League Soccer Debut New Series “We Are LAFC”

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Major League Soccer and ESPN+ have released a 10-part documentary series called We Are LAFC. The new series takes fans behind the scenes to watch the creation of the Los Angeles Football Club. All 10 episodes are now available to stream on ESPN+.

What’s happening:

  • ESPN+ and Major League Soccer today released We Are LAFC, a 10-part all-access documentary series that brings fans into the heart of one of the most highly anticipated soccer projects ever.
  • We Are LAFC follows the creation of the Los Angeles Football Club and offers fans an unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the history of the team.
  • The show chronicles the birth of the club, its historic debut season in MLS, and its run to the MLS Cup Playoffs.
  • We Are LAFC is available exclusively on ESPN+.
  • A Spanish-language version – SOMOS LAFC – is also available.

About the series:

  • From the opening scenes, the series provides an intimate look into the hearts and minds of LAFC’s players, coaches and team executives. Journey from the boardroom to the locker room, from tactical meetings to closed training sessions, and from the pressure of matchday to the release of life off the field.
  • LAFC personalities include:
    • Head Coach Bob Bradley
    • EVP of Soccer Operations & General Manager John Thorrington
    • LAFC captain and Mexican National Team star Carlos Vela
    • Lead Managing Owner Larry Berg
    • Hollywood producer Peter Guber
    • Actor/comedian Will Ferrell among others

The 10 episodes highlight the following LAFC moments:

  • Birth of a Club: An all-star ownership group launches the club, while former U.S. National Team coach Bob Bradley molds a roster that features star forward Carlos Vela.
  • El Trafico: LAFC makes an immediate impact on MLS and journeys 12 miles south for the club’s memorable first game against crosstown rival LA Galaxy.
  • Home at Last: LAFC opens its state-of-the-art new home as owner Will Ferrell launches a falcon during pregame and Bob Bradley’s team goes down to the wire against Seattle.
  • New Blood: With Vela and others away for the World Cup, LAFC’s General Manager John Thorrington and Coach Bob Bradley integrate two important new players into the club.
  • El Trafico II: The second installment of “El Tráfico” builds to a dramatic – and heartbreaking – climax.
  • Oh Captain, My Captain: LAFC captain Laurent Ciman makes an unexpected exit, and Vela steps in to fill a leadership void. The club heads to Canada, where Bob Bradley must game plan against his son, Toronto FC star Michael Bradley.
  • Success and Struggle: LAFC’s practice makes perfect with goals against San Jose. But in Chicago, a poor performance causes strong reaction from Bradley.
  • Clinched: The club regroups for a clutch performance in Colorado, and with a playoff berth clinched, the boys play a prank on one of the club’s veterans.
  • If Not First, Third: With a Western Conference title – and an all-important playoff bye – at stake, LAFC hits the road for a massive “Decision Day” game in Kansas City.
  • The Work Never Ends: LAFC’s inaugural playoff run does not go as expected in a bizarre game against Real Salt Lake. Undaunted, Bradley preps for 2019.

What they’re saying:

  • Russell Wolff, Executive Vice President & General Manager, ESPN+: “Original content on ESPN+ aims to bring fans distinctive insights and get them closer to teams and athletes, including through exclusive, behind-the-scenes access. We Are LAFC is the latest example of the kind of all-access, authentic storytelling ESPN+ delivers, and LAFC and MLS have been great collaborators on the project.”
  • Seth Bacon, MLS Senior Vice President of Media: “We Are LAFC is a reflection of Major League Soccer’s multi-platform partnership with ESPN, as well as the league’s commitment to showcasing compelling stories and delivering great content to our fans wherever, whenever and however they want. ESPN+ is the perfect platform for achieving that goal. This project was a true collaboration between ESPN, LAFC, Mandalay Sports Media and Major League Soccer. We are all proud of the series and we know it will resonate with a wide audience.”
  • LAFC President and Co-Owner Tom Penn: “We faced a unique challenge to create absolutely everything from scratch. So we engaged our most passionate fans and supporters and involved them in each step of the journey. ESPN+ and Mandalay Sports Media did a terrific job of telling the story of our historic beginning.”

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