LAFC’s Steve Cherundolo Signs Contract Extension Following Back-to-Back MLS Cup Appearances
LAFC have signed head coach Steve Cherundolo and his staff to contract extensions following back-to-back MLS Cup appearances in his first two seasons in charge.
Cherundolo has raised the standard at BMO Stadium by guiding the team to a domestic double in his first season, winning MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield with 67 points from 34 regular season games.
In 2023, the team fell just short in its pursuit of back-to-back MLS Cups in their 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew, despite finishing third in the Western Conference.
Cherundolo, since taking over in 2022, has compiled a 51W-15D-28L record in 94 games in charge across all competitions.
LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said, “In two years with LAFC, Steve has proven to be one of the top coaches in our league. When we hired Steve, we were confident that his leadership qualities and unique blend of international and domestic experience would be the perfect fit for LAFC, and he has more than delivered on our high expectations.”
“I am also thrilled to reward the great work of the technical staff and continue to work with Ante [Razov], Mark [dos Santos], and Oka [Nikolov] in 2024 and beyond. We are also excited to have Enrique work with the first team as an assistant coach after contributing so much to this club as a coach at all levels, including LAFC2 last season,” Thorrington added.
Cherundolo has helped LAFC become one of the highest-scoring teams in MLS, boasting one of the best defenses in the league, conceding just 38 goals in 2022 and 39 in 2023.
Cherundolo said, “I am excited to continue our journey together after two emotional, invigorating, and successful years.”
“I am proud and grateful to share the sideline again with an incredible coaching staff. I would also like to thank John, his staff and the owners for their tireless work and support for our team. Together with our phenomenal fans, we remain hungry and prepared for more,” Cherundolo added.
Cherundolo and LAFC will aim for a better 2024, as the team reached three finals in MLS Cup, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and Campeones Cup but came away empty-handed.
With Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga leading the way, LAFC will soon begin preparations for their 2024 MLS campaign as they take on Seattle Sounders in their first game of the season, a rematch of the 2023 Western Conference semifinal.
