For the second time in four years, LAFC are winners of the MLS Supporters’ Shield.

The Big Picture

The Black & Gold claimed the honor as 2022 regular-season champions after a dramatic 2-1 win Sunday at the Portland Timbers, staving off a late-season charge by the Philadelphia Union. They also won in 2019, setting a then-record for single-season points (72) that got broken by Shield winners New England Revolution a season ago.

LAFC had already locked up the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed for the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs – and now this Shield triumph ensures they'll have home-field advantage throughout the postseason, including in MLS Cup on Nov. 5, should they make it that far.

Path To Silverware

First-year head coach Steve Cherundolo took over for now-Toronto FC head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley, overseeing arguably the most lavish roster in MLS history. They’ve weathered just two losing streaks all season, and won 11 of 13 games at one point.

LAFC seemingly made transfer-related headlines every week this summer, headlined by bringing in forward Gareth Bale and center back Giorgio Chiellini after they left Real Madrid and Juventus, respectively. They also signed forward Dénis Bouanga as a Designated Player, all while re-signing captain Carlos Vela to a DP deal.

Before then, LAFC went about acquiring MLS-experienced players during the offseason. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, defender Ryan Hollingshead and midfielders Ilie Sanchez and Kellyn Acosta are all emblematic of that approach. Career years from left back Diego Palacios, midfielder Jose Cifuentes and striker Cristian Arango have been hugely impactful too.

Past Winners

Here's a full list of Supporters' Shield winners since the league's inaugural season in 1996.

*LAFC still have one regular-season game remaining.