Why LAFC's 2022 run is drawing 2019 comparisons — and why they're wrong

Los Angeles FC head hoach Steve Cherundolo watches at forward Carlos Vela during the first half of an MLS playoff soccer match against the LA Galaxy on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Los Angeles. Comparisons in sports are inevitable. Sometimes they are even necessary to truly paint a picture. And other times they might seem a bit forced in a way of hanging onto a past that’s no longer reality.

The main factor that has this LAFC squad playing on a particular level is MLS Coach of the Year candidate Steve Cherundolo. Taking over the gig as a first-year head coach was never going to be easy, especially trying to live to the standard Bob Bradley created in his time in charge. But Bradley’s run in L.A. ended in a manner that had no more to give. It was his way and that’s it.

Defeating the Galaxy this year was no longer that daunting task. The game was tense and pressure was high as it always is in“Recovery first, no celebrations going on,” Cherundolo said after the win. “This team is hungry, excited and very focused at creating a final here in L.A.” This team caught MLS by storm this year with signings of world stars such as Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini. Yet it has been newcomer Denis Bouanga who has played the hero role and stolen headlines. He scored the Shield-winning goal in that Portland game, and Thursday he had a brace versus the Galaxy and his shot in the 93rd minute led to the rebound for Cristian"Chicho" Arango to bury the dagger.

“Denis did what he has shown from Day 1 here in LA, but he finished plays,” said Cherundolo of Bouanga. “He’s a threat 1v1, in set piece, in combination play. He’s physically and mentally a monster. I personally as a right back would not like to play against him, and I probably would not have looked very good against him either. So I’m glad those days are behind me.”

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