SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 26: Bob Bradley, Manager of Swansea City looks on during the Premier League match between Swansea City and West Ham United at Liberty Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

A star-studded ownership group launches a new vision on the West Coast.

Major League Soccer continues to move forward in its progression, and expansion is certainly a key part of those plans. 2018 introduces the division’s newest team, and Los Angeles Football Club will have to contend with high expectations thanks to some of the moves in-place already.

LAFC’s decision for a head coach was a statement of intent all on its own, bringing on former US national team manager Bob Bradley. At the MLS level, the 59-year-old’s work has been extremely impressive at a variety of different locations.

Bradley led the Chicago Fire to the MLS Cup title in 1998, marking the only occasion in league history that an expansion side have captured the trophy.

All our matches in one place. Print out the #LAFC 2018 regular season schedule. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/0pjuVsrXV0 — LAFC (@LAFC) January 6, 2018

Successful runs with the Metrostars and Chivas USA led to even bigger opportunities. After his stint at the helm of the USMNT, Bradley managed Egypt and was also briefly in-charge of Swansea City.

The New Jersey native brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Los Angeles, but the real reason expectations should be high for fans is the players that have already been signed.

Strong at the front and at the back

Recent expansion franchises New York City FC and Orlando City SC each made quite a splash with their first designated players (David Villa and Kaká). LAFC were no different when it comes to this trend, adding Mexican international Carlos Vela.

The talented forward will bring quite a bit to the attack with his pace and skill on the ball. Los Angeles also signed Diego Rossi and Benny Feilhaber.

However, the club did not ignore the back-line. With defenders like Laurent Ciman and Walker Zimmerman, the team will have balance in the line-up.

Excitement should be present, as it normally is for a brand-new squad. But LAFC and Bob Bradley have begun to build with smart pieces. Considering what the likes of Seattle Sounders and Atlanta United accomplished in their maiden campaigns, fans should be looking for a run at the playoffs and will definitely be expecting it.