Los Angeles head coach Steve Cherundolo announced that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season, but called for his players to make the most of his last campaign. 

Cherundolo's side tasted victory last time out, edging out the San Jose Earthquakes in a 2-1 win at BMO Stadium last Saturday.

Cherundolo decision to depart comes after a difficult week wherein LAFC saw their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign come ended following a wonderful second-leg comeback from Inter Miami, who overturned a one-goal deficit to progress to the semi-finals.

Speaking after LAFC's win over San Jose, Cherundolo gave an honest response.

“It was a difficult week for us. So winning this is really important — probably more important than the performance — but I was also happy with the performance,” he said.

The American was also full of praise for his side for their adaptability and application following a challenging few days.

“I think having only two days to rest and some travel, only one training session yesterday, to play in a different system is not easy to do.

“So compliments to the guys applying those things they learned yesterday in training into the next match against a team full of confidence and a very dangerous team."

In a statement released on Friday, Cherundolo confirmed his decision to leave.

"It is an honor to be the head coach of LAFC," Cherundolo said. "After much reflection and discussion with my family, we made the decision that at the end of this year we will return to Germany.

"I love Los Angeles and LAFC, but this move is in the best interest of my family, even as it will ultimately take us away from a team, city, organization and fan base that I am proud to represent. I am looking forward to continuing our work with the players, coaches and staff to make the 2025 season a success as we keep fighting to win trophies."

Portland Timbers, meanwhile, climbed up to fourth place in the Western Conference with a 4-2 win over Sporting Kansas City, putting them level with San Diego FC and Colorado Rapids on 14 points.

Portland head coach Phil Neville expressed his frustration and called for higher standards despite the Timbers picking up a two-goal victory over Sporting KC last Sunday.

In what was a very hard-fought and physical affair that saw 25 fouls in total awarded, with the Timbers picking up four yellow cards, Neville hailed his side's resilience, particularly the performance of goalkeeper James Pantemis.

"My players showed great resilience. James [Pantemis], I thought, won us the game with his goalkeeping," he said.

"They’re all competing really well, every single one of them. Every single one of them is raising the levels of performance."

But Neville was quick to mention that his side still have some work to do if they are to continue their ascent up the table.

"We're not going to accept this season just being okay. We want to challenge that, and it's the only way we're going to be successful. And we've got a long way to go."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portland Timbers – Kevin Kelsy

Kelsy scored his first MLS career brace in Portland’s 4-2 win over Sporting Kansas City on Sunday.

He is now just the fifth different Timbers player to record a multi-goal game since the start of last season, tied for the most different players with two or more goals in a match in that time.

Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga

Bouanga's 86th-minute goal for Los Angeles FC on Saturday ended a nine-match goalscoring drought in MLS play for the forward (regular season and playoffs).

He had never gone more than five straight MLS matches without a goal before this run.

Bouanga's goal was also his first of the MLS season and his 17th game-winning goal for LAFC, with only Carlos Vela recording more match-deciding goals (19).

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

Only two points separate the two sides in the West ahead of Saturday's clash and a draw might end up being the likeliest result.

LAFC have lost only one of their last seven matches against Portland in all competitions (W4 D2) dating back to 2022, though the Timbers won all three of their matches against LAFC in 2021.

LAFC, though, are on a horror run on the road. They have lost seven of their last eight away matches in all competitions dating back to last year's playoffs. Prior to this, they had lost only three of their previous 16 on the road in all competitions (W11 D2).

Portland, meanwhile, are unbeaten in five straight matches (W3 D2) after opening the season with two losses in three (W1).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portland Timbers – 37.2%

Draw – 26.3%

LAFC – 36.5%