Joseph Lowery
Where we left off last year
2024 season: 64 points, 1st in the Western Conference, 3rd in MLS
If you want me to be specific here, we left off with playoff disappointment.
Falling to the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference semifinals wasn’t how LAFC pictured their 2024 season ending. Still, it’s foolish to let falling short in the playoffs overshadow what was another largely excellent season for the Black & Gold. Topping a very competitive Western Conference? Check. Winning the U.S. Open Cup? Check. Finishing with the best xG differential in the entire league, according to FBref? Check.
There were some major downs to go with those ups. Getting worked by the Columbus Crew on multiple occasions still smarts, Steve Cherundolo’s inability (or unwillingness) to coach more effective possession principles into this team, and Olivier Giroud going cold after signing as a Designated Player in the summer all certainly fit into the “down” bucket.
But make no mistake: LAFC, along with the Seattle Sounders, are the model of consistent excellence in the West.
