GOAL takes a look at some of the biggest storylines surrounding the Black and Gold heading into 2025
LAFC were a team who shined in 2024. They clinched a U.S. Open Cup title, and the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Ultimately, though, they fell short of expectations – or at least the standard both fans and the rest of MLS have held them to in recent years.
Now, months on, the have had a relatively quiet offseason, at least by their standards. As a result, a looming question hovers over the team: How do they overcome 2024 and start things on a clean slate?
In 2024, Steve Cherundolo's side was coming off their second-straight MLS Cup appearance, where they fell just short against the Columbus Crew in 2023 after their 2022 victory over the Philadelphia Union. Of course, their goal in mind was to make it three-straight appearances.
Of course, that didn't happen. LAFC nearly crashed out in the opening round of the postseason to the Vancouver Whitecaps, and lost to the Seattle Sounders thereafter. It was a disappointing end to an odd season, where they were successful in terms of results, but still, something never clicked, and they fell stagnant.
They signed superstar forward Olivier Giroud to bolster their attack, but he went goalless in 14 MLS matches. Cherundolo also tried a change in formation, a move of caution that likely hindered the building of any momentum whatsoever throughout the latter stages of the campaign. It was a debatable decision by the manager for those who follow the team.
"I always feel like, if you're a championship-level team, over a long period, you have to be the protagonist," MLS Apple TV analyst and commentator Keith Costigan told GOAL.
It first starts with asking how to unlock Giroud, who will become their most important attacker in 2025 after the departure of Mateusz Bogusz to Cruz Azul. Then, it's about determining if winger Denis Bouanga can retain his 2023 and 2024 MLS form that saw him become a member of the league's elite players. If those things happen, they're on track.
With the team now focusing on 2025, the stakes are higher. They have a CONCACAF Champions Cup run to look to in addition to their goal of winning a second MLS Cup, as well as a spot in the Leagues Cup.
However, with a lot of roster turnover this offseason, what are the realistic expectations for this squad? Is silverware on the cards? Or do they need to keep the checkbook open, and continue building to compete?
Those are among GOAL's five big questions for the this offseason.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGettyWill their 2024 playoff performance carry weight?
LAFC’s 2024 season ended in disappointment despite securing the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and winning the U.S. Open Cup. Their postseason performances were underwhelming, barely edging past Vancouver in Round One before a frustrating elimination against the Seattle Sounders in the Conference Semifinals. Despite boasting an attacking-heavy squad, LAFC played with unnecessary caution, failing to capitalize on their advantages.
"You have to want the ball," Costigan noted when discussing the team's approach. "And at times, I thought LAFC wanted the opposition to have the ball, and that for me, is what made them a more difficult watch than we're used to seeing."
Looking ahead to 2025, the club enters with a revamped squad and a sense of urgency following their playoff collapse. Key players such as Timothy Tillman, Denis Bouanga, and Cristian Olivera have personal motivations, with hopes of securing spots in their respective national teams for the 2026 World Cup, while others will look to emerge into the XI, as well.
How LAFC channels last season’s disappointment will define their campaign – if they fail to move on, another frustrating year could be on the horizon.
AdvertisementImagnWill roster movement and transfer business pay off?
The most notable move this offseason for LAFC was the transfer of Bogusz to Liga MX side and CCC rival, Cruz Azul. The Poland international secured $10M, but left a major hole in their front line as a result. Of course, they still have Giroud, but no true heir for Bogusz has been added to the roster, since.
MLS veteran Jeremy Ebobisse, who has one cap with the USMNT, was brought into the club from the San Jose Earthquakes, but he's not expected to fill the boots of the Polish forward.
In the midfield, the traded for Mark Delgado from the LA Galaxy, bringing in the 2024 MLS Cup winner while also bringing in Brazilian defensive midfielder Igor Jesus from Portuguese side Estrela da Amadora on a U22 initiative deal. The 21-year-old is expected to fill the hole of Eduard Atuesta, who left the club after his loan from Palmeiras expired at the end of the 2024 season, while Delgado will be a role player taking the spot of Ilie Sanchez, whose contract ran out last year.
The club also bolstered its defense, bringing in FC Dallas defender Nkosi Tafari for $300K in General Allocation Money and an International Roster Spot. The 27-year-old will immediately compete for a spot in their XI, alongside the likes of Aaron Long, Jesus Murillo and Maxime Chanot in Cherundolo's (assumed) back-three system. Most important, though, was the acquisition of Columbus Crew star Yaw Yeboah.
The wingback should, theoretically, be the perfect player in Cherundolo's system. A versatile attacker and defender, the Ghanaian is an electric addition to their roster and the club should be ecstatic that he opted to join them over re-signing in Columbus this offseason.
Yet it still appears as if LAFC still need to do more to reach their intended goals.
It's hard to see LAFC competing with the league's best if they can't find a way to replace Bogusz. Ebobisse has been a solid MLS forward, but expecting him to replicate Bogusz’s 15-goal output seems unrealistic. Meanwhile, Giroud, at 38, isn’t a reliable long-term solution. Leaning on that duo to shoulder the scoring burden feels like a gamble.
Getty ImagesCan they get the best out of Giroud?
When LAFC signed France's all-time leading scorer on a free transfer last summer, there were high expectations for the then-37-year-old. Despite his age, he was coming off a 17-goal and nine-assist season across all competitions from AC Milan in the Italian Serie A. However, his first months in MLS were anything but that.
He went goalless in 10 regular season matches and was blanked in front of net in four playoff appearances, too. He recorded three assists during the campaign and bagged a goal in the Open Cup, but overall, it was an incredibly disappointing start to life for him stateside.
That said, it might not have been his fault.
A true poacher of a striker, Giroud thrives from service and close-range passes in the box that allows him to navigate tight spaces. In the back-five system that Cherundolo had implemented throughout the latter half of the season in 2024, the were essentially driving the ball wide before cutting back and attempting to go through the middle.
They weren't crossing or trying to find Giroud in the spaces that he has thrived under for nearly 20 years. As a result, his being blanked in front of net wasn't a surprise – the club didn't play to his strengths. So now, heading into 2025, they cannot afford to not build their attack around him.
With the likes of both Bouanga and Olivera on the wings, and wingbacks who can deliver the ball into the box with pace, theoretically, it should be a dream of a setup for the Frenchman. To get him at his best, he needs service at his feet or a cross in the air that he can get a head on, with runners around him in both scenarios.
If they can get the ball at his feet in the box, he can hold it up and either turn and shoot, or, play an incoming runner for a one-two to register a shot on net. In an aerial ball scenario, he can get a head on it, and then an additional runner can be there for a potential follow-up crashing the net in case the ball spills or is deflected into space.
LAFC have a generational striker in their squad – it's time to play to his strengths.
@GettyShould Champions Cup be a priority?
The CONCACAF Champions Cup should be LAFC’s immediate priority. With the new league rule limiting teams to two domestic continental competitions, LAFC are unable to defend their U.S. Open Cup title, leaving CCC and MLS as their main focus until the Leagues Cup begins.
Given their talent, coaching staff, and recent pedigree, a deep run in the CCC is both a realistic and necessary objective. Managing squad rotation accordingly, such as resting key players in league matches when needed, will be crucial to maximizing their chances.
Their CCC campaign kicks off soon with a Round 1 matchup against the Colorado Rapids, with the first leg on Feb. 18 in Colorado and the second leg at home on Feb. 22. With Giroud and Hugo Lloris, two players who have won at the highest levels, LAFC has the experience and depth to make a serious push. If they are to take the next step as a club, competing for continental silverware must be the top priority.
