If there's an Austin FC vs. LAFC match on the horizon, we're talking to Justin Ruderman.
Before he became a regular with MLSSoccer.com doing matchday coverage, Justin was the LAFC beat writer with The Striker, and he still keeps an eye on what the perennial power is doing. We thought, therefore, it was a good time to tap him for a Foreign Exchange contribution (especially since he reached out upon hearing the Ilie Sánchez news to tell us how much we'd love him).
Here are our questions and his answers.
What's your overall evaluation of the offseason moves? Did LAFC's front office do what it needed to do to reset the lineup, or are there still holes in it that concern you?
Both. LAFC is a team with heavy roster turnover every offseason, and it almost always works. This year, their moves have been similar to those that general manager John Thorrington made ahead of the 2022 season (yes, when LAFC won the double) in targeting known MLS commodities.
That season, it was players like Kellyn Acosta, Ryan Hollingshead, Maxime Crépeau, and, of course, Ilie Sánchez who led LAFC to the promised land. Now, the Black & Gold picked up the best backup striker in MLS in Jeremy Ebobisse, did arguably the best defensive business in the league with Nkosi Tafari, and added reigning MLS Cup champion Mark Delgado to soak up reliable minutes in midfield.
That said, there are concerns, particularly in terms of creativity. While talisman Denis Bouanga stuck around, their next three leading goal contributors — Mateusz Bogusz, Cristian ‘Kike’ Olivera, and Kei Kamara — are all out the door. Venezuelan youngster David Martinez and homegrown Nathan Ordaz look ready to fill Olivera’s boots, as Ebobisse does for Kamara, but the injured Odin Thiago Holm has yet to suit up for LAFC. Even when he does, he’s unlikely to replicate the high standards Bogusz produced to earn a club-record transfer to Cruz Azul alongside Omar Campos.
At least the Black & Gold have all three designated player slots filled ahead of the season — a rarity for the club — following the recent acquisition of winger Cengiz Ünder on loan. Unfortunately, the tip of the attacking DP spear, Olivier Giroud, has yet to score his first MLS goal. LAFC need him to get going. (Note: It won't happen Saturday; he's listed out with injury.)
LAFC's one of those annoying "contender for multiple trophies every year" teams ... what are your early predictions for how they'll fare in all they're eligible for this season?
Close but no cigar is the vibe I get from LAFC this season. That was the story for the club in 2023 and nearly again last season if not for a diluted U.S. Open Cup triumph. However, the first team will not participate in that competition this year, leaving only four possible trophies.
LAFC are currently four games away from their third Concacaf Champions Cup final in five years but have drawn Inter Miami in the quarterfinals, making their first title look unlikely. These difficult opponents, especially from the MLS Eastern Conference and Liga MX, are my concern in the CCC or Leagues Cup.
While Western Conference teams get a slight advantage (assuming the East is better) in the Supporters’ Shield race, Seattle Sounders look primed to take that mantle should it be a team from out West. All this to say, a five-game run to MLS Cup with only one Eastern Conference opponent in the final seems the best opportunity for Black & Gold silverware.
This will be LAFC's first 2025 match playing against Ilie Sánchez ... does the team miss him, or have they found a suitable replacement?
Again, both. Off the field, he is dearly missed as a leader within the locker room, club, and broader LA community. As I’m sure Verde fans have quickly learned, he is a world-class leader and incomparable person. That cannot be easily replaced.
On the field, fans are happy with Igor Jesus as Ilie’s defensive midfield replacement. While the Brazilian does not carry the experience of a 34-year-old, LAFC opted for the limitless energy of a talented 22-year-old. Thus far, it looks like Thorrington made the smart choice.
(Yes, Justin appreciates "smart choice" jokes as much as we do!)
If there's an Austin FC vs. LAFC match on the horizon, we're talking to Justin Ruderman.
Before he became a regular with MLSSoccer.com doing matchday coverage, Justin was the LAFC beat writer with The Striker, and he still keeps an eye on what the perennial power is doing. We thought, therefore, it was a good time to tap him for a Foreign Exchange contribution (especially since he reached out upon hearing the Ilie Sánchez news to tell us how much we'd love him).
Here are our questions and his answers.
What's your overall evaluation of the offseason moves? Did LAFC's front office do what it needed to do to reset the lineup, or are there still holes in it that concern you?
Both. LAFC is a team with heavy roster turnover every offseason, and it almost always works. This year, their moves have been similar to those that general manager John Thorrington made ahead of the 2022 season (yes, when LAFC won the double) in targeting known MLS commodities.
That season, it was players like Kellyn Acosta, Ryan Hollingshead, Maxime Crépeau, and, of course, Ilie Sánchez who led LAFC to the promised land. Now, the Black & Gold picked up the best backup striker in MLS in Jeremy Ebobisse, did arguably the best defensive business in the league with Nkosi Tafari, and added reigning MLS Cup champion Mark Delgado to soak up reliable minutes in midfield.
That said, there are concerns, particularly in terms of creativity. While talisman Denis Bouanga stuck around, their next three leading goal contributors — Mateusz Bogusz, Cristian ‘Kike’ Olivera, and Kei Kamara — are all out the door. Venezuelan youngster David Martinez and homegrown Nathan Ordaz look ready to fill Olivera’s boots, as Ebobisse does for Kamara, but the injured Odin Thiago Holm has yet to suit up for LAFC. Even when he does, he’s unlikely to replicate the high standards Bogusz produced to earn a club-record transfer to Cruz Azul alongside Omar Campos.
At least the Black & Gold have all three designated player slots filled ahead of the season — a rarity for the club — following the recent acquisition of winger Cengiz Ünder on loan. Unfortunately, the tip of the attacking DP spear, Olivier Giroud, has yet to score his first MLS goal. LAFC need him to get going. (Note: It won't happen Saturday; he's listed out with injury.)
LAFC's one of those annoying "contender for multiple trophies every year" teams ... what are your early predictions for how they'll fare in all they're eligible for this season?
Close but no cigar is the vibe I get from LAFC this season. That was the story for the club in 2023 and nearly again last season if not for a diluted U.S. Open Cup triumph. However, the first team will not participate in that competition this year, leaving only four possible trophies.
LAFC are currently four games away from their third Concacaf Champions Cup final in five years but have drawn Inter Miami in the quarterfinals, making their first title look unlikely. These difficult opponents, especially from the MLS Eastern Conference and Liga MX, are my concern in the CCC or Leagues Cup.
While Western Conference teams get a slight advantage (assuming the East is better) in the Supporters’ Shield race, Seattle Sounders look primed to take that mantle should it be a team from out West. All this to say, a five-game run to MLS Cup with only one Eastern Conference opponent in the final seems the best opportunity for Black & Gold silverware.
This will be LAFC's first 2025 match playing against Ilie Sánchez ... does the team miss him, or have they found a suitable replacement?
Again, both. Off the field, he is dearly missed as a leader within the locker room, club, and broader LA community. As I’m sure Verde fans have quickly learned, he is a world-class leader and incomparable person. That cannot be easily replaced.
On the field, fans are happy with Igor Jesus as Ilie’s defensive midfield replacement. While the Brazilian does not carry the experience of a 34-year-old, LAFC opted for the limitless energy of a talented 22-year-old. Thus far, it looks like Thorrington made the smart choice.
(Yes, Justin appreciates "smart choice" jokes as much as we do!)
Read Next
When a soccer player and a ball love each other very much: How Austin FC goals are made
It's still early in 2025, but Austin FC's goals are coming from a different place than they have in past seasons.
A successful 'business trip': Reflections following Austin FC's third win in a row
Austin FC got their third straight win on Sunday, and added to its impressive tally of minutes defending a one-goal lead.
At the Whistle: St. Louis City SC 0, Austin FC 1
Mytro Uzuni got his first goal in Verde, and that's all the visitors needed at Energizer Park on Sunday. (It's like 6-3 never happened.)
A born identity: Austin FC, beginning to define themselves five matches in
Playing in St. Louis on Sunday, Verde have a chance to build on a burgeoning identity and get to double-digit points on the young season.