Steve Cherundolo's time at LAFC is coming to an end. After announcing in April that this would be his final season, the reality is setting in as the playoffs progress.
"Yes, of course it feels real," Cherundolo admitted last week. His future with the club now hinges entirely on playoff results.
If LAFC loses to Vancouver on Saturday or in the Western Conference final, Cherundolo's tenure ends. But two more wins would take him to a third MLS Cup final in just four seasons – a remarkable achievement only one other coach has managed in MLS history.
When asked about his legacy, Cherundolo's response was refreshingly straightforward. "It doesn't really concern me. I'm concerned about winning games, more importantly the next one. You just kind of treat it that way the entire time."
A Legacy Already Secured
Whatever happens in the coming weeks, Cherundolo has cemented his place in MLS history. He's the only coach to win both an MLS title and Supporter's Shield in his first season.
His stats speak volumes. He recorded the most wins (29), most points (96), and best winning percentage through 50 games of any coach in league history. Add a U.S. Open Cup trophy and a CONCACAF Champions League final appearance to the mix.
Perhaps most impressively, by beating Mexico's Club América in a playoff this year, he secured a $10-million bonus for LAFC by qualifying for the FIFA Club World Cup. Not bad for someone whose only previous senior team management experience was a tough 6-23-3 season with Las Vegas Lights in the USL Championship.
"It has been really, really special," said LAFC co-president Larry Freedman about Cherundolo's tenure. "This is a game of inches. So you get a really great football mind and a really good guy, and some great stuff has happened."
A Tough Vancouver Test Awaits
LAFC (17-8-9) faces a major challenge on Saturday against Vancouver Whitecaps (18-7-9). The Whitecaps have lost just once since Thomas Müller joined from Bayern Munich in August.
Müller has been electric, scoring seven goals with three assists in seven games. He's helped Vancouver set franchise records for wins, points, goals, and goal differential.
LAFC counters with their own star acquisition, Son Heung-min. The South Korean captain has nine goals and three assists in ten games, helping LAFC lose just twice in MLS play since his arrival.
Adding to the challenge, BC Place is expected to break attendance records with a sellout crowd. The stadium atmosphere will undoubtedly favor the home team, making LAFC's task even tougher.
For bettors, this matchup presents intriguing value. Vancouver's home advantage and recent form make them slight favorites, but LAFC's playoff experience and Son's scoring touch mean they can't be counted out.
Cherundolo's announcement that he'd leave LAFC at season's end to return to Germany with his family came as a surprise to many. Now that the end is near, the coach admits everything feels rushed.
"Moving means canceling subscriptions, possibly furniture, cars. The whole nine yards," he explained. "Giving everybody enough time to prepare for next season was the right call."
As for what's next, Cherundolo says he's "open for any coaching job" after some initial time off. Even a return to MLS isn't off the table.
For now, his focus remains solely on extending his LAFC journey by at least two more games. If he manages to lead them to another MLS Cup final, it would be a fitting end to a remarkable chapter in MLS coaching history.
