Leaving A
Legacy

After eight complete seasons of LAFC football, The 3252 continues to cement its place within professional sports, creating a name recognized across nations and growing roots into the city they call home. But behind the new legacy lies a story of commitment with a promise dating back to the team's inception. 

The union's relationship with both owners and players has been close since their first game, as they’ve been recognized throughout BMO Stadium as the embodiment of LAFC support. With several cases of players jumping into The North End after goals or on-field salutes, there is no better display of their relationship than when players gather after the game to perform a long-lasting tradition with fans.  

After each win, and as some have already made their way out of the stadium, The 3252 remains as players return to the field with a megaphone. The “Man of the Match”, a player recognized by the union after each game, begins to chant “Sha la la la la la la... L-A-F-C” alongside other LAFC players, a chant that starts off silent, but would later explode with cheer as The 3252 chants along with the team. Its cases like these that make coming to games so memorable for fans, as they truly feel a lasting relationship with the team. 

“We feel the love and the support from the players, but also from management, the people above, coaches... you feel the support, and that's a big difference.” Said Black Army member Libby Bravo.

Throughout the union's nine-year run, their history built alongside the team is something unlike any other team in Los Angeles. It's built on the foundation of trust and genuine connection between fans, players, and ownership and as several legendary players stepped in and out of the locker room, they've truly elevated MLS support culture to the next level.  

“You know, and the thing is, especially with, as our saying goes, you know, en las buenas y en las malas. In the good and the bad. Because we definitely had our ups and we definitely had our downs, but in the end, we're still going to support,” said member of The Krew Jordan Barron. 

While the connection between the team and its fans is usually displayed with excitement and celebration, the 2025 season faced a different case, one that involved a collective effort surrounding a nationwide issue. During the summer of 2025, the city of Los Angeles experienced a wave of protests surrounding ongoing issues involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The subject itself was heavy as LAFC was just one of two L.A. sports teams to post an official statement surrounding the protests to their social media pages.

“LAFC believes that the true strength of our community comes from the people and cultures that make up the tapestry of this beautiful and diverse city. Today, when so many in our city are feeling fear and uncertainty, LAFC stands shoulder to shoulder with all members of our community. We are with you Los Angeles” Via LAFC on X.

Amidst the ongoing protests, on June 7, 2025, LAFC was set to face Sporting KC, and what started as a regular season match ultimately became an outlet of expression for The 3252. As the game kicked off, the usual loud and energetic environment of The North End was replaced with silence throughout most of the match in protest of the ongoing ICE raids. Banners and flags filled the section, displaying messages like “Abolish ICE” and “Immigrants are the heartbeat of Los Angeles” and remained there throughout the more than 90-minute game. It was during this match where something rarely seen before -- both the fans and their messages were displayed on the stadium screen. During a period where many remained silent, the game marked a crucial moment between the team and its fans as they stood in solidarity with the people who make up the city.

“It continues to reflect something that LAFC said from day one when they sent out their initial thank you, here's how we built the support. It was one by one, block by block, street by street. And when something like that, that they said in 2018, continues to resonate in 2024, 2025, 2026 because of everything that's going on in this city, it makes you feel like the club is listening,” said Defenders of the Banc host J.R. Lebert.

As The 3252 make their way throughout the 2026 season, they continue to build their legacy as an organization built for the people by the people. Through eight seasons, one MLS Cup, and a dynasty left behind by some of the league's greatest faces, they’ve stood alongside LAFC throughout its entire history and will continue to do so for generations to come. Long after trophies are lifted and records are broken, what's left behind is a community built from the ground up, one where future generations can come back to that patch of grass in Exposition Park and continue the legacy of those who stood block by block, street by street, Shoulder To Shoulder.