Establishing Orlando City UK in November 2015, we’ve been delighted to see many more UK-based MLS accounts appear online over the past few years.
With Orlando City SC facing runaway Western Conference leaders Los Angeles FC on Saturday, we saw it fit to speak to Wolverhampton-based LAFC supporter, @UKLAFC.
Undoubtedly one of the most passionate and active Twitter handles in the UK MLS community, UK LAFC is the February 2018 creation of West Bromwich Albion supporter Matt Sidaway – @UKLAFCsid.
With similar objectives to ourselves at Orlando City UK, UK LAFC operate to foster a community of Los Angeles FC supporters in the United Kingdom.
Travelling to the City of Angels to enjoy Los Angeles FC’s 2-0 victory over fellow Californian side San Jose Earthquakes in September 2018, Matt Sidaway was lucky enough to be treated to behind-the-scenes access at Banc of California Stadium.
Not only that but LAFC also recorded and uploaded a three-minute YouTube video – From The UK With Love | UKLAFC – to document his trip to see Los Angeles FC play live.
It was the ultimate souvenir for a supporter and an amazing surprise.
From The UK With Love | UKLAFC (Credit: LAFC)
With his passion growing for Los Angeles FC by the week, his UK LAFC Supporters’ Group now extends to offer clothing merchandise such as t-shirts, jumpers and jackets as well as accessories like a scarf, pin badge and stickers too.
Orlando City UK caught up with Matt to tell us more about UK LAFC and just why he loves supporting the soccer team he reminds people is actually based in Los Angeles, not Carson!
West Bromwich Albion are your UK team. So why Los Angeles FC?
I had been watching MLS for a few years, especially during the English summer break, but didn’t take to any teams.
I went on holiday to Los Angeles the year before Los Angeles FC joined MLS and went to a LA Galaxy game, but still didn’t feel a connection to the club.
I then heard about LAFC and started looking into them. I found the whole expansion and their fans very exciting and started following their progress until their first season.
It didn’t take many games for me to get hooked.
What is your favourite thing about Los Angeles FC?
For me, it is their supporters and the culture of the club.
But also how they prefer to utilise young and exciting talent which goes against the MLS ‘retirement league’ stereotype.
How did the process of forming UK LAFC come about? How can people join?
As I became more obsessed with the club and its fans, I wanted a way of interacting more with them and making it easier for other UK-based fans to find me and join in the conversation.
It has now grown into something I never intended it to be.
People can join in through @UKLAFC on Twitter or on UKLAFC.com where you will find how to connect with the other UK-based fans.
Do you think there is good access to following Los Angeles FC in the UK?
Yes, if you don’t mind being up at some horrible hours to catch the games!
More and more seem to be televised, but as a last resort they are all streamed on Bet365 but with no commentary.
The MLS app is also great for videos, full highlights and additional content for those that can’t stay up for a 3.30am kick-off.
How difficult does the Pacific Time Zone make watching Los Angeles FC games?
On the odd occasion that the kick-off time is early in LA, it is brilliant as we then get it at prime viewing or drinking time in the UK.
But more often than not it tends to be from 12.30am or at worst, 3.30am.
From your visits to LA, tell us something about Los Angeles FC we wouldn’t know
I was lucky enough to be given a tour of Banc of California Stadium before a game and was amazed to see the ‘VIP’-type bar that doubles up as the players’ tunnel and press conference area.
I find it hard to imagine the players lining up in there ready to walk out.
They also have a section referred to as the ‘best seats in the house’ which offers a framed view of downtown (see picture below).
As nice as it was to see those parts of the ground, I was far happier in the safe standing North End alongside the 3252 Supporters Group during the game.
What is your favourite memory following Los Angeles FC?
It would be too obvious for me to say it is when I was actually at a game against San Jose Earthquakes, so I’m also going to say watching us beat Montreal Impact 3-5 away from home last season.
Only because I was in Budapest on my stag do so watching it with a big group of mates and a few beers made a massive change to watching it in bed on my own.
It also sparked some of them to continue following us. Hopefully in the future, when dates and kick-off times work out well for us, the UK LAFC lot are going to get together to watch a game. So that’ll be even better.
Los Angeles FC’s Supporters’ Section is one of the most raucous in all of MLS. Which other MLS fanbases do you rate for atmosphere?
Apart from LAFC, I have only witnessed LA Galaxy’s home support and San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders’ away fans first hand, so it’s pretty hard to say for sure.
It definitely wouldn’t be Galaxy and it’s harsh to judge away crowds, but Sounders and Atlanta United come across quite well on TV when at home.
Do you feel the ‘bigger’ sides in MLS get away with things the ‘smaller’ clubs don’t?
I’m not really sure what to believe to be honest.
The same accusations are made in every league. Smaller teams in the Premier League are always complaining about the top six getting away with things.
But I would say that I think there seems to be slightly more bias going on in Major League Soccer compared to the Premier League.
LAFC are romping towards the Supporters’ Shield. Will you win MLS Cup?
We have been very impressive so far this season and it will be great to win the Supporters’ Shield. However, anything can happen in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
It’s anyone’s to win at that point, but you have to see Los Angeles FC as favourites at the moment.
And… what is your score prediction for Orlando City SC vs Los Angeles FC?
I fancy us to bounce back after last week’s 0-2 loss to Minnesota United… I’m saying a 1-3 win for LAFC.