Los Angeles Soccer Membership’s (LAFC) newest striker buy has undoubtedly garnered consideration. Kei Kamara has signed with a record-tying eleventh MLS facet, Los Angeles FC, for the 2024 season. The membership introduced the deal on Friday, including that in addition they have an settlement for an possibility for 2025.
With the signing of the league’s all-time main scorer comes a substantial amount of anticipation and thriller across the 2024 marketing campaign. With an enormous aim repertoire and a plethora of expertise beneath his belt, 39-year-old Kamara could be an asset to Steve Cherundolo.
“Kei is without doubt one of the all-time best aim scorers in MLS historical past and an amazing complement to our assault. Kei has a protracted historical past right here in Southern California, so we all know it’ll carry a way of pleasure for him to signify LAFC”, John Thorrington, co-president and normal supervisor of the membership stated.
Mission to overhaul Donovan
Kamara had been a free agent after leaving Chicago Fireplace final fall. He has 17 years of expertise in Main League Soccer and has appeared in 418 common season video games.
“I’m going to play one other season within the MLS”, he stated in October 2023. “I’m not executed but, undoubtedly. I believe that is my final sport for the membership, so I’ll be transferring on. I’ll play one other season.
“I’ve loved myself and representing this membership and the issues that we achieved this yr taking part in with a few of these youthful gamers … it’s been wonderful for me and one thing I’m going to carry dearly to my coronary heart.”
After stalwarts like Chris Wondolowski and Landon Donovan, the striker sits third all-time with 144 objectives scored within the league. Having performed within the league for nearly twenty years, his presence on the pitch is related to greater than merely objectives; it additionally signifies management and tactical acumen.
This 39-year-old Sierra Leonean is aiming to catch as much as Landon Donovan, who’s at present in second place on the MLS scoring statistics. Donovan completed his epic Main League Soccer profession with 145 objectives scored. Wondolowski, a former striker for the USMNT and the San Jose Earthquakes, overtook him in 2018.
Viable various till Giroud arrives?
With Denis Bouanga on the helm of the assault and Kamara as a goal striker, LAFC has a formidable attacking drive. Furthermore, when Olivier Giroud departs AC Milan this summer season, they’ll allegedly signal the famend French striker.
For the Italian facet, the 37-year-old veteran has been sensational this season, contributing to 14 objectives and 9 assists in all competitions. Upon his arrival in Los Angeles, he’ll attempt to recreate that. Nevertheless, till then, LAFC will contemplate Kamara as a viable various.
Mateusz Bogusz has been a mainstay in head coach Steve Cherundolo’s beginning lineups this season. He has usually stepped in as an alternative choice to Bouanga and Cristian Olivera within the entrance three. Tomas Angel and Nathan Ordaz are two different alternate options for middle forwards.
The Black & Gold have created historical past by making it to the MLS Cup twice, profitable in 2022. They’ve two wins, two losses, and one tie as of Matchday 6 within the Western Convention.
Picture credit: IMAGO / Sports activities Press Picture : IMAGO / Sportimage
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