LAFC's Championship Dreams: Three Must-Watch Storylines That Could Define Their MLS Cup Playoff Run
LAFC concluded the 2025 MLS regular season with outstanding momentum as they gear up to face Austin FC in an opening round, best-of-three playoff series.
Although they've achieved remarkable success since entering MLS in 2018, LAFC has captured just one MLS Cup—a thrilling penalty shootout victory against the Philadelphia Union in an unforgettable 2022 championship match.
This autumn, they aim to claim another championship with Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga spearheading their attack.
Below are three key narratives surrounding LAFC heading into this postseason.
Will Bouanga and Son Perform Against Elite Playoff Competition?
LAFC struggled with inconsistent performances during the season's opening months, but Son's arrival on a record-breaking MLS transfer worth $26.2 million transformed their fortunes immediately.
Following his debut against Chicago Fire FC on August 9, the South Korean sensation has netted nine goals across 10 appearances. Meanwhile, he has developed a devastating combination with experienced winger Denis Bouanga, combining for 20 goals to close out the regular campaign.
Son's remarkable MLS introduction propelled Bouanga into second position in the golden boot competition. It also secured the summer acquisition sufficient support to earn finalist status for the 2025 MLS Newcomer of the Year recognition, typically awarded to players who started the season in the league.
Nevertheless, questions remain—the pair hasn't defeated any squad that qualified for the Western Conference's top eight. During their stretch of seven victories, two ties, and three defeats since Son's arrival, LA faced only two playoff-bound teams and suffered losses to both San Diego FC and Austin FC.
The Austin defeat, however, occurred while both stars were away on international assignments.
Though their chemistry has been outstanding and establishes them as genuine MLS Cup candidates, they must still demonstrate their capabilities against elite competition, which will intensify if they progress deeper into the playoffs.
Mark Delgado's Pursuit of a Third Championship
LAFC midfielder Mark Delgado possesses extensive MLS Cup playoff experience and seeks to join an exclusive group of legends who have captured the trophy three times. Currently, only 30 players have achieved this feat across the 29 championships awarded.
This marks his inaugural MLS playoff run without Greg Vanney as well. Delgado served a vital function under the former 2017 Toronto FC and 2024 LA Galaxy coach during their championship pursuits.
While his impact might not register statistically like Son's or Bouanga's contributions, he ranked in the 98th percentile among all MLS players for progressive passes per 90 minutes this campaign, logging a career-best 2,583 minutes across all 34 matches.
Beyond his current season performance, he contributes valuable postseason expertise, having participated in 18 playoff contests throughout his career. If he guides LAFC to victory, he would become the sixth player—and first since Darlington Nagbe in 2020—to claim the championship with three different franchises.
Cherundolo's Final Campaign
LAFC's championship hardware has arrived under Steve Cherundolo's guidance, and the American coach will depart the organization following this season's conclusion. Throughout his leadership, he guided LAFC to the 2021 Supporters' Shield, the 2022 MLS Cup, and the 2024 U.S. Open Cup.
Although the organization will seek a capable successor, there's no guarantee the team will maintain consistent performance while adapting to new leadership, making Cherundolo's final matches a crucial window of opportunity.
Overall, he maintains a record of 104 victories, 54 defeats, and 32 draws across all competitions.