Team Spotlight: The Rise of LAFC

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) has quickly become one of the most exciting and dominant teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). Since their inaugural season in 2018, LAFC has not only captured the attention of soccer fans across the globe, but they’ve also brought a fresh and electric energy to the sport in Los Angeles. From their rise to prominence to their current standing, LAFC's journey is a testament to the power of teamwork, strategy, and a city that lives and breathes soccer.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into LAFC’s history, the standout players who have defined their success, their tactical style under the current coach, the challenges they face, and what lies ahead for this dynamic team.

A Brief History of LAFC

LAFC’s journey to MLS stardom is a relatively short one, but it’s been a meteoric rise. The team was founded in 2014 and began playing in 2018, bringing fresh energy to Los Angeles, a city that was already home to the LA Galaxy, a team with a storied history in the league. LAFC came onto the scene with a commitment to play attacking, entertaining soccer and to build a fanbase that could rival the best in the league.

From the outset, LAFC made a statement, breaking records and capturing hearts with their style of play and fan culture. In their debut season, they finished 3rd in the Western Conference and reached the playoffs, an impressive feat for a new team. But it was in 2019 that they truly shined, finishing at the top of the overall MLS standings with a remarkable 72 points. Their regular-season success set the tone for their continued rise in the league.

Their crowning achievement came in 2022, when they clinched their first MLS Cup, a victory that solidified their place among the league’s elite teams. With a rapidly growing fan base and a roster filled with talent, LAFC's future in MLS looks incredibly bright.

Star Players and Their Impact

One of the biggest reasons behind LAFC's rise to the top is the collection of world-class players they've brought in over the years. The club has become known for attracting top talent, particularly from international leagues. Let’s take a closer look at the key players who have helped define LAFC’s success.

Carlos Vela: The Captain and Star of LAFC

Without a doubt, the most recognizable face of LAFC is Carlos Vela. The Mexican forward has been the club’s heartbeat since its inception. Vela's vision, creativity, and scoring ability have made him one of the best players in MLS history. In 2019, he set an MLS single-season record with 34 goals, and his performances have consistently raised the standard for the team.

His leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in shaping LAFC’s identity. Vela is more than just a player; he’s a symbol of the club's ambition and passion for success. His ability to make a difference in critical moments, such as scoring a goal in the final moments of a game or setting up a brilliant assist, has made him a fan favorite and a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Other Notable Players:

• Diego Rossi: Another player who has made a significant impact on the club is Diego Rossi. The Uruguayan winger, who was with LAFC from 2018 until his departure in 2021, was an explosive offensive threat for the team. His combination of pace, dribbling ability, and finishing made him a constant contributor to the team's success, and he formed an exciting partnership with Vela.
• Eduard Atuesta: The Colombian midfielder is often considered one of the most technically gifted players on the roster. Atuesta’s ability to control the tempo of the game, distribute the ball effectively, and contribute defensively has been crucial to LAFC’s success in the midfield.
• Kévin Cabral: A more recent addition to the squad, Cabral has injected fresh energy into LAFC's attack. The French winger’s pace and creativity have helped provide the club with another dangerous weapon on the field.

Tactical Style Under the Coach

LAFC’s success is not just due to individual brilliance but also the tactical style employed by their coaches. The club has gone through a few managerial changes, but their philosophy has remained clear: to play fast, attacking soccer that keeps their opponents on their toes.

Under coach Steve Cherundolo, LAFC has continued to evolve while maintaining their high-pressing, possession-based game. Cherundolo, a former USMNT defender, has instilled a balance between solid defense and exciting, fluid offense. The team is known for creating chances through quick transitions and exploiting wide areas, often leading to counter-attacking goals.

Cherundolo’s tactics also emphasize flexibility, which has been key in helping the team adapt to different challenges throughout the season. Whether it’s a high defensive line or a more compact setup, LAFC can adjust their shape based on the opponent, making them a hard team to predict.

Key Tactical Features of LAFC’s Play:

• High Press: LAFC often presses their opponents high up the field to force mistakes and regain possession quickly.
• Possession-Based Play: The team controls the ball efficiently and works to break down defenses through short passes and quick movement.
• Wide Play: The wingers stretch the defense, allowing space for the central players to operate.
• Fast Transitions: When possession is regained, LAFC transitions quickly into attack, using pace to catch their opponents off guard.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite their immense success, LAFC faces challenges that could impact their ability to maintain dominance in MLS.

Depth of Squad

While LAFC has a talented starting lineup, depth has sometimes been an issue. Injuries to key players like Vela and Atuesta have tested the team’s squad depth, and the club must ensure they have the right players in place to handle the rigors of a long MLS season.

Maintaining Consistency

One of the biggest challenges for LAFC is maintaining consistency over a full season. While they’ve performed well in regular-season campaigns, they’ve sometimes faltered in the postseason. As one of the top teams in MLS, LAFC needs to ensure that their tactics remain sharp and that their players remain healthy for the entirety of the season.

International Competitions

LAFC's future success could also be impacted by their performances in international competitions, particularly the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Competing on the international stage will require adjustments in their tactical approach, squad rotation, and management of player workloads.

Looking Ahead:

The future is bright for LAFC, as they have the potential to dominate MLS and further elevate the club's global profile. With a strong academy system, a passionate fanbase, and top-tier international players, LAFC is poised to continue their rise as one of the league's powerhouses. If they can address their depth issues and maintain their competitive edge, the club will undoubtedly continue to be a force in both MLS and international competitions.