The risks to LAFC playoff survival
Denis Bouanga's upcoming absence for the Africa Cup of Nations threatens LAFC's 1.94 points per game average as the club seeks postseason stability. John Thorrington must secure new Designated Player signings to address roster depth following Aaron Long's season-ending injury.
The Bouanga offensive gap
Denis Bouanga’s impending absence for the Africa Cup of Nations puts LAFC’s playoff survival in jeopardy. The winger scored two goals in the 4-1 win over Austin FC, which marked his 100th goal across all competitions for the club. This performance helped LAFC reach an eight-game winning streak across all competitions. The team holds fifth place in the Western Conference with 40 points, having achieved a record of 11 wins, 6 losses, and 7 draws. Without Bouanga, the attacking load shifts to Mateusz Bogusz, who scored in three of his last four games, and Kei Kamara. Cherundolo relies on these explosive attackers to punish opponents when they provide space. This season, Bouanga has recorded 17 goals across 28 appearances, including a hat trick against Seychelles in September. If the winger departs for international duties, the club’s ability to maintain its 1.94 points per game average faces a massive test. Can the squad sustain this offensive production without their primary catalyst?
Thorrington and roster depth
John Thorrington must prioritize a winter Designated Player search to prevent the roster from becoming too thin for the postseason. The club experienced heavy minutes and a congested schedule following the FIFA Club World Cup. Aaron Long’s season-ending Achilles injury created a vacancy in the defense that Nkosi Tafari has filled by starting eight straight matches. While the club added Son Heung-min in August and Mathieu Choiniere in July, other signings like Ryan Porteous and Andy Moran still await immigration papers. The front office needs to bolster the roster beyond the current additions to avoid a late-season collapse. The squad’s playoff survival relies entirely on the front office’s ability to stabilize the roster before the talent drain from international duties hits. You should recognize the pressure on the front office to find high-quality reinforcements before the next window opens.
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Son Heung-min | Midfielder | Active |
| Mathieu Choiniere | Midfielder | Active |
| Ryan Porteous | Center back | Awaiting papers |
| Andy Moran | Midfielder/Winger | Awaiting papers |
The front office sought help for every position on the field except goalkeeper. The management successfully integrated Son, who provided an assist to Choiniere during a 2-0 win at New England. However, the lack of immediate depth in the defensive line and midfield remains a concern for the coaching staff. Thorrington, the 2024 MLS Executive of the Year, must manage a team that feels the effects of early departures and injuries.
The semifinal climb
LAFC advances to the Western Conference semifinals against the Vancouver Whitecaps after a dominant series win over Austin FC. The Black & Gold took the best-of-3 first-round series 2-0, following a 2-1 win in Los Angeles on October 29. In the 4-1 victory at Q2 Stadium, Son Heung-min scored in the 21st minute by beating Ilie Sanchez with a nasty stepover, and then he fired a shot past Brad Stuver from just outside the 6-yard box. Denis Bouanga netted two goals in the first half to build an insurmountable lead. Hugo Lloris stopped a penalty kick attempt by Myrto Uzni in the 39th minute to preserve the advantage. Jeremy Ebobisse, who entered the match in the 88th minute, scored just five minutes later to finalize the score. The team outshot Austin 17-7 and held the opposition to only four shots on target. The match featured 27 total fouls and eight yellow cards. Dani Pereira converted a penalty for Austin. Austin, the No. 6 seed, entered the postseason with little hope of a comeback.
