It’s hard to say a team like LAFC, finding themselves heading into the MLS Playoffs as the number one seed sitting atop the Western Conference, is a surprise. After all, this is a squad made up of several world football legends who were considered world class at some point in their careers. A squad made up of supremely talented youngsters and stars like David Martinez, Mateusz Bogusz and a player fighting for the Golden Boot until the end, Denis Boanga. However, when you really look at the season as a whole, this scenario, while expected for the black & gold, is still very much surprising, especially when you consider how the 2024 campaign started for the Los Angeles. Believe it or not, there was a time many wondered if playoffs were even something to hope for this season. Alas, as Macho Man Randy Savage taught us the cream, always rises, to the top.
24 Hours. ⌛
🆚 @WhitecapsFC
🏟️ @BMOStadium
🖥️ @AppleTV with #MLSSeasonPass
🎧 @ESPNLosAngeles#LAFC | @trulyseltzer pic.twitter.com/UpUgG5r2gj— LAFC (@LAFC) October 27, 2024
Humble beginnings
The opening quarter of the season went about as awry as possible for Los Angeles. Despite starting the season with a win over the Seattle Sounders, LAFC faces a literal blizzard that seemed to kickstart a poor run of form. The team won just four matches of their first 11, culminating in that fateful 3-1 blowout loss on the road, at the hands of San Jose Earthquakes. Outside of their own blowout win at home of Nashville SC, there wasn’t a time at the start of the season, where the team looked ready. They felt like a team that had fallen into a pit of despair. Yes, it was still incredibly early in the season, but bad habits and consistent dropped points had people wondering if the team was slated to fight for one of the bottom playoff seeds, if making it to the postseason at all. Then, almost overnight, something clicked. Whether it was a well-placed speech from Head Coach Steve Cherundolo, or whether the players themselves decided enough was enough, something changed, drastically.
Almost overnight, the team found goals, confidence, and went on a run to re-establish themselves as one of the best teams in MLS. With US Open Cup competition play started, LAFC broke off a 13-match unbeaten run across all competitions, that was snapped by current boogie man team, Columbus Crew. It would be one of just three losses over a 22-match, three competition span. Even with the incredibly disappointing Leagues Cup Final loss, it truly felt like LAFC were back in form, and having added reinforcements like Olivier Giroud and the return of Carlos Vela, the side felt ready to push for the postseason.
It wasn’t a dream.
🔝 Best in the West pic.twitter.com/40Jw3qSBAt
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 20, 2024
Drought ended and best in the West
It was the dream finish to the season for LAFC who did what most teams strive to do, go into the postseason playing some of your best football. Despite the impressive run, there was still a sense of disappointment amongst the club. The team had done well to put themselves into final appearances, yet, since lifting the MLS Cup in 2022, all efforts came up short. That is, until the team finally got over the hump, and in historic fashion. A 3-1 win at home over Sporting KC saw the club lift its first-ever U.S. Open Cup trophy, snapping the run of final losses in the process. LAFC followed up their first trophy of 2024, by doing all they could to give themselves the best path for their second. Five matches to close out the MLS regular season, five wins.
Almost poetically, at home, against the San Jose Earthquakes, Los Angles Football Club snatched the crown from the hands of their rivals, retaking their spot atop the Western Conference. Suffering a two goal loss to this very San Jose side was the turning point in the season for LAFC, and it was a two goal, 3-1 win at home that not only saw them close out the season with a win, but after some help from Houston Dynamo, it was a win that saw them finish a rollercoaster season, as best in the West.
Double trouble
Now, the road to the MLS Cup Final for those in the Western Conference, will run through Los Angeles and BMO Stadium, so long as the team keep winning. Should anyone not named Inter Miami come out the Eastern Conference, then LAFC will find themselves once again hosting an MLS Cup Final. First, the side has to get past what will undoubtedly be a difficult Vancouver Whitecaps team.
In truth, Vancouver come stumbling into the postseason. Despite getting past Portland Timbers with a massive 5-0 win at home, it was the team’s first victory since September. Whitecaps had gone winless in their last eight matches leading into the Wild Card matchup with Portland. The impressive win showed just how dangerous this Whitecaps side can be when playing at their peak.
“They are excellent at seizing mistakes of opponents” said LAFC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo when speaking to media ahead of his team’s first round matchup with Vancouver. “I think they are a very underestimated team that has a lot of quality. It’s a tough matchup, but two of the three games are at home, and we’re looking to close it out at home.”
LAFC have won four of the last five meetings against Vancouver, and hold an overall head-to-head record of 10-5-5 (W-D-L). Los Angeles come into tonight winners of their last six matches, including lifting their first-ever US Open Cup, as well as a recent 2-1 win over the Whitecaps. Though, to be fair, it was a very depleted Vancouver side, which only adds to the visitor’s motivations tonight. LAFC are playing their best football, have secured home field advantage all the way up to the MLS Cup Final, and have already gotten that final loss monkey off their back. It all points to a second MLS Cup, now its on the team to go out and do it.
How To Watch
LAFC kickoff their MLS Playoffs road tonight, hosting Vancouver Whitecaps. Kickoff is set for 6:45pm PT from BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca. The match will be broadcast live and can be streamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Those looking for radio can find the broadcast on ESPN LA on 710AM.
Thoughts going into Game one of the playoffs? Leave a comment below!