A Look Back As Bob Bradley Celebrates One Year In Charge Of LAFC

Bob Bradley will hate this article. But I’m going write it anyways.

Friday marks exactly one year since Bradley was hired as the first head coach in LAFC history. And that’s worth writing about. Because in the time that Bradley has been with the Club, LAFC has accomplished so many things that no other team can claim in its first year.

But I can almost hear it in my head, distinctly in Bradley’s voice, while I type:

“Nobody cares about that stuff. We’re not Barcelona yet, so that’s all just media talk.”

That’s Bob for you. Because he doesn’t think in terms of accolades and milestones. He could care less that LAFC’s 36 points through 21 matches are better than the standard set by Atlanta United last year, and on par with the 1998 Chicago Fire for best start ever by an expansion side in MLS – that was in a time before ties though. Or that his team currently sits second in the Western Conference.

He’s more concerned with how his midfield is connecting passes and controlling games, or that his forwards are getting the ball on the run and on the correct foot to create a chance. Simply put, he’s more concerned with the football. And it’s hard to argue LAFC isn’t one of the most aesthetically pleasing teams to watch in MLS.

Since day one, Bradley has embraced his role as a Club and team builder. On the day he was presented as head coach, he outlined the challenge he was undertaking in succinct fashion.

“What I look forward to most of all is trying to make sure we can put a team that connects with the people and the diversity. A team that excites and represents,” Bradley said. “That is what it is all about.”

With a squad comprised of players from 15 different countries playing an attacking brand of football, Bradley has accomplished much of that goal. In just a year, he’s forged an identity for his side and connected with a fanbase eager to have a team on the pitch they could be proud of.

But I know he won’t be satisfied, or even willing to acknowledge this day.

Never change, Bob.