Cherundolo Wants to Break the Curse, But Vermes is Eyeing His Fifth US Open Cup Title

When we think about championship finals, we usually picture players in the spotlight, those moments where the stars decide everything with a bit of magic. But for the clash between Los Angeles FC and Sporting Kansas City in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup final, the spotlight’s on something bigger: the battle between the coaches. Steve Cherundolo from LAFC and Peter Vermes from Sporting KC are the minds behind the teams, and this is where the magic happens. Two American soccer legends, both former national team players, now facing off as managers with more at stake than just a trophy.

Who’s going to crack first? Will it be Cherundolo, with his LAFC team hungry for their first-ever Open Cup title? Or Vermes, leading a Sporting KC squad that’s looking for redemption after a nightmare MLS season, aiming to become the most decorated team in Open Cup history?

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LAFC’s Zen Master Trying to Exorcise His Demons

Steve Cherundolo – his name practically oozes calm, but beneath the surface, there’s a burning urgency to win. LAFC has been the perennial bridesmaid, losing finals in gut-wrenching fashion that would rattle anyone. After three straight losses in finals, Cherundolo’s squad finds itself with another shot to break this "cursed drought," and this time, it’s on home turf.

Cherundolo’s coaching style is all about balance, intensity, and tactics. Nothing out of the ordinary there, right? But what makes him so compelling as a coach is his ability to stay cool in the most nerve-wracking moments. Let’s be real, finals are tailor-made for fraying nerves and putting heads to the test. Cherundolo knows that if he lets the ghosts of past failures haunt his players, the outcome could be disastrous.

For him, winning this trophy isn’t just about putting LAFC in the Open Cup history books. It’s about freeing the club from this "almost-champion" narrative. Since their founding in 2018, LAFC has been ambitious, with the financial muscle to build a dynasty, but they’re desperate to prove it on the field. If Cherundolo can lead his team to victory, he’ll finally get to take that deep breath he’s been waiting for.

The Gritty Veteran Who Doesn’t Know How to Lose Finals

On the other side, you’ve got Peter Vermes, the eternal tough guy who’s weathered countless storms at the helm of Sporting KC. Vermes, who’s been coaching the club since 2009, is known for his no-nonsense attitude and his knack for squeezing every drop of potential out of his players. This is his fifth U.S. Open Cup final, and guess what? He’s never lost. Five finals. Five golden chances. The guy doesn’t know what it feels like to come up short in these moments.

For Vermes, it’s not just about bagging another title. He’s battling the narrative surrounding Sporting Kansas City’s disastrous season. They’re out of the MLS playoffs—plain and simple, the year’s been a mess. Vermes knows that this final is all they’ve got left to salvage the season. And let’s face it, nothing motivates a team more than the desperate need for redemption. It’s like their last dance, and Sporting KC is stepping onto the field with that "all or nothing" vibe.

Even with a less star-studded lineup and playing away, Vermes has this uncanny ability to turn bad situations into golden opportunities. And honestly, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Sporting KC give LAFC a lesson in their own stadium. Vermes knows the weight of a final, knows the shortcuts to victory. His grounded, no-frills approach is going to be a serious challenge for Cherundolo, who better not underestimate this old fox.

A Chess Match on the Pitch

The final between LAFC and Sporting Kansas City is going to be won on the tactics board as much as on the field. Cherundolo and Vermes are both master strategists, but their styles couldn’t be more different. Cherundolo, the newer kid on the block, aims for an offensive, intense, and tactically disciplined game. Vermes, the seasoned pro, opts for pragmatism—adapting to the moment and capitalizing on the other team’s mistakes.

If there’s one thing Cherundolo needs to watch out for, it’s Vermes’ talent for exploiting slip-ups. Sporting KC may not have LAFC’s technical quality, but they’ve got the tactical know-how to frustrate the Los Angeles squad.

On the flip side, Cherundolo has to manage the pressure of playing at home. Sure, home-field advantage is great, but it can also be a curse. Expectations skyrocket, mistakes get magnified, and the weight of a loss in front of your own fans can be crushing. Cherundolo will need to strike that perfect balance between staying calm and pushing his players to leave everything on the field.

History’s Waiting, But Only for One

This final will be remembered not just for who wins, but for how these coaches lead their teams to the top. If Cherundolo’s LAFC lifts the trophy, it’ll be the crowning moment for a team that had everything but was missing that final touch. A redemption arc for a squad that’s been used to stumbling when it counts the most.

If Vermes comes out on top, he’ll cement his place as one of the all-time greats in U.S. Open Cup history, guiding Sporting KC to their fifth title and carving his name into American soccer lore. So, will Cherundolo finally break his streak of finals heartbreaks? Or will Vermes reinforce his immortality in yet another epic showdown?