Tactical evolution of Steve Cherundolo’s LAFC playoff rotation

LAFC transitioned from the aggressive ball-control style of Bob Bradley to a more flexible, counterattacking system under Steve Cherundolo. While Bradley acted as a demanding perfectionist, Cherundolo operates as a "vibes guy" who allows for more freedom. This change in leadership style changed how the team manages pressure during an exhausting schedule of 53 games in 41 weeks. The squad now frequently cedes possession to wait for opportunities in transition. You already know that Cherundolo’s tactical approach favors a counterattacking style over Bradley’s intense pressure. Cherundolo beat out candidates like Juan Carlos Osorio and Jaime Lozano to secure the role. He gained experience in Germany and developed talent at the Las Vegas Lights. In 2022, he became the only coach in league history to win both the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup in his first season as an MLS manager. He also became one of only three coaches to lead a team to the MLS Cup final in each of his first two years. At 44, he is the youngest coach to achieve that feat. The team finished the 2024 season as the top seed in the Western Conference and won the U.S. Open Cup. Cherundolo will step down after the 2025 season to return to Germany with his family.

Struggles in the 2026 CONCACAF tournament

The 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 revealed recent struggles with the rotation and finishing. In the first leg against Alajuelense on the 11th at BMO Stadium, the team dominated metrics but fell short. Bran scored a mid-range shot in the 44th minute to give the opponent a 1-0 lead. Buanga equalized in the 11th minute of the second half after he received a sharp pass from Son Heung-min. The team’s inability to convert 28 shots into more than a single goal despite controlling 76% of the possession shows a growing concern regarding the clinical finishing of the current attacking unit in this competition. Son Heung-min, aged 34, faced intense pressure from opposing center-backs and midfielders. The star has not scored a field goal since his penalty in the season opener. He recorded seven shots on target but could not overcome the physical defense. The team’s clinical finishing remains poor.

Roster depth and injury concerns

Roster depth remains a significant issue for the club. The team is not as deep as the squad from the previous season, according to Cherundolo. A relentless schedule forced this lack of depth, requiring the team to travel more than 63,000 miles. Injuries have forced frequent changes to the rotation. In the 4-3-3 formation, the team uses inverted wingers like Denis Bouanga to cut inside and target the box. The squad relies on the aerial strength of target men like Olivier Giroud to hold up the ball. During the 2024 season, the team achieved 14 wins, 5 draws, and 5 defeats. However, the 2025 season saw them lose trophies in the CONCACAF Champions League and Campeones Cup to Mexican clubs. The squad also lost the 2025 Leagues Cup to Mazatlan in a penalty shootout. Only Carlos Vela and Ilie Sanchez appeared in all 34 regular-season games.

Will the team overcome the isolation of their star player in the upcoming away leg in Costa Rica? The club now travels to Costa Rica for the second leg of the series.