LAFC Ends Club World Cup Run With Draw Against Flamengo, But Bigger Questions Remain | OneFootball

ORLANDO, Fla. — Los Angeles FC closed out its 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against CR Flamengo on Tuesday night at Camping World Stadium. In a match marked by intensity and narrow margins — including five shots off the post — the result capped a frustrating group stage for LAFC, who exit the tournament with just one point from three games.

Denis Bouanga gave LAFC a late lead in the 84th minute after a quick restart from Tim Tillman released the forward into space. Bouanga’s composed finish under the goalkeeper briefly suggested a final act of redemption following the club’s earlier defeats to Chelsea and ES Tunis.

But Flamengo responded almost immediately. In the 86th, Wallace Yan exploited a breakdown in LAFC’s midfield shape — Mark Delgado had gone down in a challenge — and found himself alone in the box before calmly placing a shot past Hugo Lloris.

A Pattern Resurfaces

This wasn’t the first time LAFC let a late lead slip. The collapse mirrored earlier moments in recent club history: against Inter Miami in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, and against Monterrey in the 2023 Leagues Cup — both instances where LAFC held advantages only to concede late and suffer costly defeats.

The equalizer on Tuesday highlighted a persistent vulnerability in the team’s midfield structure. Delgado’s absence from the play underscored LAFC’s lack of depth and difficulty maintaining control in high-leverage moments — a concern that’s grown louder among fans and analysts alike.

Denis Bouanga vs. Monterrey (Celso Oliveira / Pitchside US)

What Comes Next for Cherundolo and LAFC's Front Office?

Steve Cherundolo in Los Angeles (Celso Oliveira / Pitchside US)

Head coach Steve Cherundolo had previously stated intentions to return to Germany with his family at the end of the season, but multiple internal sources have suggested that Tuesday’s match may have been his final appearance on the touchline. The club returns to MLS play this weekend, but a transition could be imminent.

General Manager John Thorrington also faces increasing scrutiny. Much like the final months of the Bob Bradley era, murmurs of a “mutual parting” are growing. But even if a coaching change occurs, the underlying platform — tactical identity, squad profile, and structural limitations — will remain largely intact unless addressed more broadly.

A Roster in Flux

With several key contracts set to expire by the end of 2025, LAFC is approaching a pivotal moment. The club’s three Designated Player slots are currently filled by Olivier Giroud, Denis Bouanga, and Javairô Dilrosun. Giroud’s impact has been minimal, and with Liga MX clubs reportedly showing interest in Bouanga, change may be coming sooner than expected.

Dilrosun, acquired from Club América, is only under contract through July — another decision point on the horizon.

The Road Ahead

LAFC still has two domestic competitions to play this year. But after entering 2025 with global expectations — and a Club World Cup platform to showcase its growth — the tone has shifted. The remaining months of the season are likely to shape not just the club’s immediate future, but its long-term direction.