Sergi Palencia started this season for the Los Angeles Football Club as he ended last season: making a small contribution from the bench. Then, after limited minutes in the first four games of 2024, the fullback became a regular in Steve Cherundolo’s lineup, starting 35 of the 40 games in which his name was on a game-day roster.

After a busy September season of high Open Cup highs and hollow El Trafico lows, Palencia’s efforts across the club’s six games made him internal player of the month.

The 28-year-old Spaniard may not have had a goal or an assist (he hasn’t scored in 2024 but has assisted four times), but his reliable work and competitive edge in multiple positions over that stretch have been noticed by the group. Cherundolo said this on Friday.

“He’s been doing that since he arrived,” said the LAFC coach. ‘It’s not only fair to point to September with him. I think he’s been great all season. Defensive. Offensive.”

Palencia, for his part, is not fond of individual recognition in a team sport. But he won’t deny that he is grateful for the confidence and joy that these awards can bring. However, he is a big fan of passion. And as LAFC attempts to end Major League Soccer’s regular season on a strong note heading into the postseason, the passion required to do so was prevalent.

“I think we’re playing with emotions that are very important to us,” Palencia said. “We are a team that needs this to be our best version. When we play at home, of course we have this because our fans give us this. But beyond that we find passions. We win duels. We enjoy defending. That is the key.”

That was evident last weekend in Cincinnati, as LAFC stayed strong, earning three points days after becoming the only MLS team since 2019 to win four major trophies.

“It was a very intense month, that’s true, and a very successful month,” Palencia said. “With the win in Cincinnati, I think it was huge for us. The draw we played in Houston with all the international boys out also gives us confidence. And of course the final of the US Open Cup, as champion, receiving the first trophy of the season is great.

“We must use this energy until the end.”

LAFC completed a run of eight games in 29 days on Saturday and will need an emotional charge when they take on Sporting Kansas City, the side they beat 3-1 to claim the Open Cup.

“They are ready to push one more time before we shut them down for a few days,” Cherundolo said of his players. “Their training was intensive (on Friday), so we will look for more of the same against SKC.”