LAFC were on the cusp of another silverware-filled year in 2023 but came up short in their pursuit of glory, losing in three finals.
Despite the heartbreak in MLS Cup, Campeones Cup and the Concacaf Champions Cup finals, there were still some elements of success in 2023 that provided hope for the 2024 campaign and beyond. The team remained solid at the back, conceding just 39 goals (tied for fourth-least in MLS) and finished in the top three of the Western Conference for a second season running.
MVP candidate Denis Bouanga enjoyed an excellent first full season in the league, scoring 20 goals to take home the Golden Boot over Newcomer of the Year Giorgos Giakoumakis and MVP winner Lucho Acosta. Even though Steve Cherundolo’s side lost a few names in free agency, the front office worked to bring in ample replacements so the 2022 MLS Cup winners will remain competitive in the coming season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Black and Gold ahead of their 2024 MLS season.
Transfers in
|
Player |
Former Club |
Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Tomas Angel |
Atletico Nacional |
Free transfer |
|
David Martinez |
Monagas SC |
$3.5m |
|
Omar Campos |
Santos Laguna |
$5m |
|
Hugo Lloris |
Tottenham Hotspur |
Free transfer |
|
Lorenzo Dellavalle |
LAFC2 |
Free transfer |
Transfers out
|
Player |
Club Joined |
Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Tony Leone |
CF Monterrey |
Free transfer |
|
Stipe Biuk |
Real Valladolid |
Loan |
|
Mario Gonzalez |
Sporting Gijon |
Loan |
|
Mohamed Traore |
Phoenix Rising FC |
Free transfer |
|
John McCarthy |
LA Galaxy |
Free transfer |
|
Maxime Crepeau |
Portland Timbers |
Free transfer |
|
Diego Palacios |
Corinthians |
Free transfer |
|
Filip Krastev |
Lommel |
Loan move terminated |
|
Denil Maldonado |
FC Motagua |
End of loan |
|
Kellyn Acosta |
– |
Out of contract |
|
Giorgio Chiellini |
– |
Retired |
Teams like Atlanta United, Columbus Crew, Inter Miami, LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders look to control games with the ball and suffocate teams by dominating possession with continuous passing.
However, LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo has found success with the Black and Gold doing the exact opposite: Controlling games without the ball, soaking up pressure and allowing the likes of Bouanga, Mateusz Bogusz and Cristian Olivera (and potentially Carlos Vela if he re-signs) to do damage with their pace on counter attacks.
LAFC averaged 49.5% possession during the 34-game regular season — the 14th highest mark in the league — but still managed to score 54 goals, the seventh-highest tally in MLS.
Cherundolo’s preferred setup is a standard…
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