MLS
LAFC: What to know about Steve Cherundolo’s squad for the start of the 2023 MLS season
With the new Major League Soccer campaign almost upon us, we take a look at one of the LA teams looking to make their mark.
The break is over and preseason preparations are now hoped to come to fruition. Major League Soccer 2023 is here...
As we ready ourselves for the action, we thought we’d check out the team that is the one in everyone else’s sights, Los Angeles FC. Having won both the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup last season, the players and coaching staff at LAFC will be looking to add to their collective silverware, and coach Steve Cherundolo has a strong group to choose from.
It was Philadelphia Union that were beaten in the MLS Cup Final last season, with local rivals LA Galaxy and then Austin FC defeated along the way. Prior to that the team had won 21 of their 34 regular season games, and Cristian Arango (16) and Carlos Vela (12) proving the be the biggest threats to opposition defenses.
LAFC players under contract for 2023
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, John McCarthy
Defenders: Giorgio Chiellini, Erick Duenas, Mamadou Fall [Loan], Julian Gaines, Tony Leone, Jesus Murillo, Diego Palacios, Mohamed Traore
Midfielders: Kellyn Acosta, Jose Cifuentes, Latif Blessing, Francisco Ginella [Loan], Ilie Sanchez
Forwards: Cristian Arango, Gareth Bale, Denis Bouanga, Mahala Opoku, Nathan Ordaz, Christian Torres, Carlos Vela
That said, you’ll want to keep an eye open...
The history of LAFC
LAFC was founded in October 2014, with a group of investors led by venture capitalist Henry Nguyen, entrepreneur Peter Guber, and actor Will Ferrell. The team was established to fill the void left by the departure of the Los Angeles Galaxy’s main rival, Chivas USA, from MLS in 2014. LAFC’s ownership group was determined to create a team that represented the diverse communities of Los Angeles and to build a world-class stadium in the city.
LAFC’s stadium to be proud of
One of the most significant aspects of LAFC’s history has been the construction of the team’s stadium, Banc of California Stadium. The stadium, which opened in 2018, is located in the heart of Los Angeles and has a seating capacity of 22,000. It is a state-of-the-art facility that has won numerous awards for its design and sustainability features.
Early positivity for LAFC
LAFC’s inaugural season in MLS was a tremendous success. The team finished third in the Western Conference and reached the playoffs in its first year, winning the Supporters’ Shield, which is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record in MLS. LAFC’s star player, Carlos Vela, was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, after setting a new MLS record for most goals scored in a single season with 34 goals.
Growth and success at LAFC
In the following seasons, LAFC continued to achieve success both on and off the field. The team has regularly sold out its home games at Banc of California Stadium, and its fan base has grown rapidly. In 2019, LAFC reached the Western Conference Final but was defeated by the Seattle Sounders. The team returned to the playoffs in 2020, reaching the Conference Semifinals, before being eliminated by the eventual champions, Columbus Crew SC.
LAFC’s impact on Los Angeles
LAFC has had a significant impact on the soccer landscape in Los Angeles and has helped to raise the profile of the sport in the city. The team has developed a strong sense of community among its fans, and its ownership group has been committed to supporting local charities and organizations. LAFC has also been instrumental in helping to bring major international soccer tournaments to Los Angeles, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Who is LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo?
Born in 1979, Steve Cherundolo played a bit himself before getting into management, as a defender. He began and ended his professional career with German club Hannover 96. From 1999 to 2014 he became a club legend, playing 302 games and scoring 8 goals. He was known for his consistency, versatility, and leadership qualities on and off the field.
Cherundolo was also a key player for the United States men’s national soccer team, earning 87 caps and playing in three World Cups (2002, 2006, and 2010). He was named the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2005, becoming the first defender to win the award. After retiring from playing, Cherundolo got into coaching, initially serving as an assistant at his German club and in 2018 being appointed as the head coach of the United States U-15 national team.
After a year with Las Vegas Lights FC, he joined LAFC in January 2022, hitting the ground running en route to records and titles.