LAFC 2023 Season Preview

The Black and Gold enjoyed an incredible season last year, lifting both the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup, becoming the first team to win the double since Toronto FC in 2017. Since then, there has been a lot of changes with the team, beginning with LAFC’s home venue being renamed BMO Stadium. Also, a number of key players, including Gareth Bale, Cristian Arango, and Cristian Tello have departed as part of a roster overhaul.

It’s LAFC, so that means 4-3-3 and possession dominance, with a fast and hard press as soon as they lose the ball. In that regard, nothing much changed last year between Steve Cherundolo and the Bob Bradley era. Where Cherundolo did make a difference was in defensive solidity. Across the regular season, LAFC conceded just 38 goals thanks to their ability to sit deeper and soak up pressure, becoming far quicker and more decisive on the counter when required. This duality meant LAFC didn’t have to compromise their attacking flair when seeing games out, ultimately allowing them to seal the Shield and go all the way in the Playoffs. Some of the personnel may have changed, but expect more of the same principles in 2023.

It doesn’t get much better than a double winning season, so you could say the only way is down from here for LAFC, though banishing the ghost of 2020 and adding the Concacaf Champions League to their collection might be a reasonable next target.

Whether they now have the depth or enough MLS-proven quality to sustain another Shield run or go all the way through the Playoffs again is a tough question to answer. However, they have too much quality there to say LAFC won’t at least be in the mix for both.

With so much change in terms of Arango, Bale and co. leaving and big money replacements, coming in, LAFC needs some stability. As captain and the long-time face of the franchise, Carlos Vela should be the man to provide it. While at 33 and with a history of injuries, Vela isn’t going to be the player he was three or four years ago, however, he still has magic in his boots and proved many times over that he can be counted upon when the Black and Gold needed him last year. Also, more than just his on-field contributions, it will be up to Vela to set the standard and teach the new arrivals what it means to play for this LAFC team who is once again loaded and ready to defend its title.