LAFC‘s midfield struggled with possession through September when Ilie Sanchez started. As a substitute, the 2nd-ever captain for the Black and Gold is impacting the team’s possession stats and overall team turnaround as of late in league play.
When asked about Ilie Sanchez a few weeks ago, LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo insisted that the Spaniard remained the team’s captain despite no longer being a regular starter for the Black and Gold. The question of how to bench a captain became a puzzle Cherundolo had to solve early in the season as LAFC’s midfield struggled to control games. In the five matches before the current winning run, the team went 0-3-2, losing crucial points at home to Houston Dynamo and Austin FC, 3 of which he played extended minutes from the start.
“I knew I had to take the shot, and fortunately, it went in”
Ilie SaNCHEZ – LAFC CAPTAIN
As September unfolded, it became clear that the Black and Gold often lost control of the midfield when the Spaniard started in his natural “6” position—a role in which he had excelled in 2022. Opponents dominated possession, limiting the squad’s ability to dictate the flow of play. However, when Sanchez came off the bench, the team retained the ball better and stabilized play, which proved missing ingredients for Cherundolo’s players in closing games, starting with the matches vs. Austin FC at home. This shift has played a pivotal role in the Black and Gold’s recent winning streak.
Why LAFC Struggles When Ilie Sanchez Starts
Ilie is not solely to blame for the midfield struggles in 2024. Like past team’s midfielders, his extensive minutes in the black-and-gold jersey have taken a toll on his body. This year, despite logging over 2000 minutes in league play alone, his defensive presence and ability to transition the ball in Steve Cherundolo’s 4-3-3 formation began to falter. As a result, LAFC’s midfield would lose control in games, leading to opponents’ possession dominance.
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In contrast, the team’s midfield performance improved when Tim Tillman got healthy and new signing Lewis O’Brien—who once caught Wayne Rooney’s eye as a potential star at DC United—took on more responsibilities. These changes have helped the team regain ball control and become more competitive in the final third of the field.
Ilie Sanchez’s Impact on the Black and Gold’s Possession
Here’s a look at how LAFC’s possession numbers fluctuate depending on whether Ilie Sanchez starts or enters as a substitute:
| Game | Sanchez Role | Opponent Possession (%) | LAFC Possession (%) | Resulting Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Crew (1H) | Starter | 62% | 38% | Team struggles to control possession |
| @ Columbus Crew (Leagues Cup Final) | Starter | 66% | 34% | Midfield control weak, opponent dominance |
| Houston Dynamo (1H) | Starter | 68% | 32% | Poor ball retention |
| @ Houston Dynamo (1H) | Starter | 68% | 32% | Similar issues, low team possession |
| @ LA Galaxy (1H) | Starter | 64% | 36% | Team fails to control the midfield |
| Austin FC (Home) | Substitute | 45% | 55% | Improved possession after Sanchez entered |
| @ FC Dallas | Substitute | 43% | 57% | Team retains the ball better with Sanchez subbed in |
Steve Cherundolo’s Tactical Shifts Pay Off
Coach Steve Cherundolo’s substitution patterns have been a critical factor in Los Angeles’s improved form. Against Vancouver, they brought on two offensive weapons: MLS veteran Kei Kamara came in for Olivier Giroud and Nathan Ordaz for center-back Marlon Santos, shifting the team’s offensive approach while maintaining midfield stability (Ilie had entered the game for attacker David Martinez early on only to see the team concede a goal, just 3 minutes later).
The late subs worked: In the 93rd minute, Nathan cleared two Canadian defenders, hockey-assisted Kamara, which passed perfectly for Ilie to take his shot and score a goal worth a massive 3 points on the road.
Overall, these in-game tactical adjustments have proven crucial for the incumbents’ quest to be the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs for a third consecutive time. The team will now face the San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Stadium, with the Galaxy and Houston Dynamo match in the background, potentially impacting LAFC’s playoff positioning and Western Conference Final hosting hopes.
Ilie Sanchez’s Press Conference: Team Focus on Possession and Playoffs
After scoring the critical goal, Ilie spoke about the intensity of LAFC’s match against Vancouver. He praised the team’s ability to maintain possession and win second balls, which allowed them to control the first half. Sanchez also noted how Vancouver adjusted in the second half, briefly unsettling LAFC’s strategy. Despite the adjustment, LAFC adapted and secured a vital win.
Sanchez credited his teammates for their excellent positioning. “When I received the ball, I knew I had to take the shot, and fortunately, it went in,” he said. This teamwork exemplifies the club’s approach, especially during critical moments of the season.
Looking ahead to Decision Day, he emphasized the importance of everyone’s contributions, stating that “everyone was able to contribute, which makes this win special.” He believes LAFC is in a strong position for the playoffs and the race for the top seed in the Western Conference. Sanchez concluded by thanking supporters and promising the team would give their all heading into the playoffs.
Cover: Celso Oliveira / Territorio MLS