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LAFC: 2020 Preview – Best team in MLS history?

By Matt Coles

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Eduard Atuesta #20 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his goal during the MLS Western Conference Final between Los Angeles FC and Seattle Sounders at the Banc of California Stadium on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Seattle Sounders won the match 3-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Eduard Atuesta #20 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his goal during the MLS Western Conference Final between Los Angeles FC and Seattle Sounders at the Banc of California Stadium on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Seattle Sounders won the match 3-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – APRIL 28: Diego Rossi #9 of the Los Angeles FC moves the ball down the field during the first half of the match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on April 28, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. Final score from pitch, Seattle Sounders 1, Los Angeles FC 1. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – APRIL 28: Diego Rossi #9 of the Los Angeles FC moves the ball down the field during the first half of the match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on April 28, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. Final score from pitch, Seattle Sounders 1, Los Angeles FC 1. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Offseason Summary

Squad Retention

Obviously, the key to Los Angeles FC’s success in 2020 is to continue their form from 2019. It is extremely encouraging, then, that they have retained almost all of their key players from last year, especially their threats going forward. Diego Rossi, Carlos Vela, Adama Diomande and Brian Rodriguez all remain.

The midfield trio of Eduard Atuesta, Mark-Anthony Kaye and Latif Blessing will also look to provide an attacking impetus, while Alejandro Guido is another youngster who could become a bigger par of things in 2020. Tristan Blackmon, Jordan Harvey and Eddie Segura will continue to be the leaders of the backline, with the likes of Danilo Silva and Dejan Jakovic provide depth across the defence.

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Transfers & SuperDraft Picks

LAFC saw both of their first-team goalkeepers leave the building in the offseason, with Phillip Ejimadu’s loan period from Brazilian side Nacional ending following the conclusion of the 2019 campaign. Tyler Miller also left the club, traded to Minnesota United for $200,000 in allocation money.

Walker Zimmerman was the other big-money departure in the offseason. He was traded to Nashville SC in a deal which could increase to $1.1million following the end of the 2021 term. LAFC also mutually agreed to part ways with forwards Rodolfo Zelaya and Joshua Perez, while Lamar Baptista, Javier Perez and Peter-Lee Vassell all saw the options on their contracts declined.

In goal, Dutchman Kenneth Vermeer from Eredivisie side Feyenoord. Bradley Wright-Phillips made the move from the New York Red Bulls on a free transfer, while Danny Musovski also joined up with LAFC to add even more attacking options. The midfield trio of Francisco Ginella, Jose Cifuentes and Bryce Duke have also signed for the Black and Gold.

Los Angeles FC had the 24th selection in each of the four rounds of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft and put all four selections to good use, starting by picking Marshal goalkeeper Paulo Pita in the first round. The club went on to draft midfielders Jack Hallahan and Jorge Gonzalez from Michigan and SIU Edwardsville respectively, before choosing Creighton defender Younes Boudadi in the fourth round.

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