LAFC 2022 MLS Season Preview: Key players and Prediction

LAFC was unable to make the playoffs, with a 12-13-9 record, and especially with 10 losses away from the Banc of California Stadium.

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After a strong first few years in MLS, LAFC came down to earth with a blip in 2021. Bob Bradley, who managed LAFC since its founding, left in the off-season, mutually parting ways with the club after his contract expired.

LAFC suffered the departure of key players such as Eduard Atuesta, who joined Brazilian side Palmeiras, and Jamal Blackman, who moved to England to play for second-tier Huddersfield Town.

Steve Cherundolo will try to get LAFC back to winning ways and will rely on key players such as Carlos Vela and Cristian Arango who have performed very well for the Californian team since their arrival. In addition, Kellyn Acosta and Ryan Hollingshead are reinforcements who will bring a lot to the team. 

Let's review how Los Angeles FC arrives for the 2022 MLS season

LAFC transfer activity

PLAYERS IN

Kellyn Acosta (from Colorado Rapids, $1.1m)

Maxime Crepeau (from Vancouver Whitecaps, $1m)

Franco Escobar (from Atlanta United, $600k)

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (from Charlotte FC, $400k)

Ilie Sanchez (from Sporting KC, free transfer)

John McCarthy (from Inter Miami, free transfer)

Ryan Hollingshead (from FC Dallas, trade)

PLAYERS OUT

Eduard Atuesta (to Palmeiras, $4m)*

Bryce Duke (to Inter Miami, $100k)

Pablo Sisniega (to Charlotte FC, $50k)

Jamal Blackman (to Huddersfield Town, free transfer)

Raheem Edwards (to LA Galaxy, free transfer)

Danny Crisostomo (to Las Vegas Lights, free transfer)

Alvaro Quezada (to Las Vegas Lights, free transfer)

Tristan Blackmon (Expansion Draft)

Marco Farfan (to FC Dallas, trade)

Jordan Harvey (released)

LAFC key players

Carlos Vela

He is a former MLS MVP, a World Cup veteran, and, when healthy and committed, one of the best players in the league. Carlos Vela only made 20 appearances last season, but still recorded 10 direct appearances in goal, five goals, and five assists. 

If injuries respect the Mexican player, Carlos Vela is a real threat to any MLS team. If you don't have good memory recall his record of 34 goals in 31 regular-season games in 2019 as well as his five goals in five games to lead LAFC to the Concacaf Champions League final in 2020. 

Kellyn Acosta

Kellyn Acosta came to LAFC to fill the void left by Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta's departure to Palmeiras. The experienced player has amassed 48 caps for the USMNT and has over 200 MLS appearances to his credit to date.

Acosta brings a wealth of experience, as well as quality on the ball, defensive cover, and a good dose of versatility.

Cristian Arango

Arango is one of the Colombians who has had the greatest impact in the United States during the last few seasons, becoming the MLS Newcomer of the Year in a matter of six months. He scored 14 goals in 17 games and is one of the great promises of Los Angeles FC.

Arango is a much more organic striker, with the ability to hold the ball and bring players like Vela and Brian Rodriguez into play, who should not be underestimated.

LAFC 2022 season prediction

LAFC enters a new era under Steve Cherundolo that promises much but with the fact that the former USMNT player has not coached in MLS. The Californian team's gamble seems risky but the coach has quality players who can help his inexperience turn it into wins.

LAFC's big performances will be the responsibility of Carlos Vela, Cristian Arango, and Kellyn Acosta. If these three players are fit and injury-free, the Californian team will be back in the playoffs next season.

Prediction: 6th in the Western Conference

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