LAFC’s 2025 Season Kickoff: What to Expect from the Black and Gold

Season Opener and Schedule Overview

LAFC 2025 MLS regular season will begin with a home match against Minnesota United FC on February 22, 2025 at BMO Stadium presented by BMO, with kickoff scheduled for 1:30 p.m. PT. This game marks the start of their 34game regular season schedule, which includes 17 home and 17 away matches. The schedule includes notable matchups, such as the first road game against the new Southern California expansion team, San Diego FC, on March 29, and rivalry games against the LA Galaxy on May 18 in Carson and July 19 at BMO Stadium.

Additionally, LAFC will face a rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals against the Seattle Sounders on March 8 (away) and May 14 (home) All matches will be broadcast live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with select games also broadcast on FOX/FOX Deportes and FS 1. The schedule will feature a balance of tough rivalries, cross-conference challenges and high-profile games that will set the stage for an exciting season.

Preseason Preparations and Coach ella Valley Invitational

LAFC preseason is designed to prepare the team for the rigors of the 2025 season. The team will participate in the Coach ella Valley Invitational, where it will play a friendly against the Chicago Fire on February 5 in Indio, California. Additional behind-closed-doors preseason matches include games against Calgary FC (January 20), San Jose Earthquakes (January 25) and Portland Timbers (January 29), including a match against the USL Championship’s Phoenix Rising on February 2. These games give head coach Steve Cherundolo, who announced he will step down after the 2025 season, a chance to test strategy and incorporate new and younger players.

The pre-season also includes the Concacaf Champions Cup, beginning with a two-leg round one matchup against the Colorado Rapids on February 18 and 25. These early competitive matches will be crucial to building team cohesion and momentum ahead of the MLS season opener.

Roster Dynamics and Key Players

LAFC’s squad for 2025 features experienced leadership and emerging talent. Star winger Denis Bouanga, a former MLS Golden Boot winner, remains the team’s offensive pillar, known for his speed, vision, and excellent finishing. The arrival of Cengiz Under on loan from Fenerbache has bolstered the attack, and the Turkish winger has already provided an assist in the opening game. Young players like David Martinez and Mateusz Bogusz provide depth to the team, and Bogusz would excel as a false nine in 2024.

Former France captain and veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris anchors the defense, although the backline faces uncertainty due to Aaron Long’s season-ending Achilles injury and potential contract decisions for players like Jesus Murillo and Sergi Palencia. The potential addition of Antoine Griezmann as a Designated Player could take LAFC attack to new heights, and potentially form a strong front three alongside Bouanga and Olivier Giroud, who joins in 2024 after a stellar stint at AC Milan. The team’s ability to strike a balance between star power and youth development will be crucial to their success.

Tactical Evolution and Coaching Transition

Under Steve Cherundolo leadership, LAFC have moved from an absorb-and-react style to a more balanced approach that emphasizes possession and attack. This tactical evolution is evident in 2024, with players like Timothy Till man and Eduard Atuesta providing stability in midfield. The announcement of Cherundolo departure at the end of 2025 has added excitement, as the team aims to send him off with another title.

Their 6-5-1 record against rival LA Galaxy shows their ability to navigate high-stakes matches, though they emphasize preparation for the unpredictable nature of the derby. The team’s defensive adjustments, such as the five-back setup used after Long’s injury, demonstrate Cherundolo adaptability.