How Sebastien Ibeagha helped LAFC, and why the club moved on

Following the 2022 MLS Cup trophy celebration for LAFC, the party transferred to the locker room. While most of the team danced and drank champagne, Sebastian Ibeagha sat smiling in the background, quietly reflecting on the circumstances that led to him being named to the starting XI for the biggest game in club history.

"I didn't get the confirmation until I walked into the building today," Ibeagha he said a few minutes later.

Game-time decision

Ibeagha appeared only twice in the final six regular season for LAFC, and didn't play in their Western Conference semifinal against the LA Galaxy. In the West final against Austin FC, he came on at the half for an injured Chiellini and helped keep the shutout. 

It was Chiellini's injury status that left Ibeagha unsure about his role coming into the final. But he looked prepared throughout the afternoon. And although the Philadephia Union scored three times, Ibeagha helped his side stay in the game at times.

Perhaps the subdued nature of his celebration also reflected someone trying to absorb every detail, unsure of whether club general manager John Thorrington would prioritize his return.

"I don't know," Ibeagha admitted then. "I'm a free agent so we'll see what happens. We'll see what John offers and go from there."

On Monday, exactly one month after winning the 2022 MLS Cup, we discovered that the club's offer was not enough to retain Ibeagha in LA. 

The Striker's Jon Arnold first broke the news that FC Dallas was set to sign the 30-year-old defender to a two-year contract, a deal Ibeagha would not get with LAFC as a reserve. 

That said, Ibeagha leaves his name printed in Black & Gold history as a member of the 2022 Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup winning team. But how important was he to LAFC, and what should FC Dallas expect? 

Let's dive into the journey of Ibeagha with the Black & Gold.

The beginning

Following a season-ending injury to Eddie Segura that forced then-manager Bob Bradley into some imperfect lineup choices, LAFC acquired Ibeagha from NYCFC on August 6, 2021 in exchange for $150,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM). It was a move made out necessity for the Black & Gold, who was relying on an 18-year-old Mamadou Fall to anchor the backline.

Ibeagha partnered alongside Fall and Jesus Murillo for the rest of the season in a three-man backline, in an attempt to bring experience and solidity to a unit that struggled without Segura. He typically wasn't on the field a full match, but when Ibeagha played a full 90 minutes, LAFC recorded a perfect 3-0-0 record.

Ibeagha started eight games total and brought a balance of MLS experience and dependability. LAFC missed the playoffs, but Ibeagha left a good impression and the club ultimately picked up his option.

Taking his chance

In 2022, LAFC named Steve Cherundolo as the club's new head coach, giving Ibeagha hopes of a fresh start and potentially a larger role. Cherundolo, a former USMNT defender, emphasized defensive solidity, but his 4-3-3 formation only allowed room for two starting center-backs after Bradley had deployed a 3-5-2 which gave Ibeagha more chances to play.

When the regular season kicked off, Ibeagha was the fourth option at center-back behind Murillo, Fall, and newcomer Doneil Henry, and would not appear for LAFC's first seven matches.

Ibeagha's first minutes of action in 2022 came in the U.S. Open Cup against USL side Orange County SC, a match that ended in a 5-1 victory for LAFC.

And after injuries to Henry and Murillo, Ibeagha's window opened up. Coincidentally, Ibeagha's first start of the year also came against the Philadelphia Union on May 7th at Banc of California Stadium, a match that finished as a 2-2 draw.

When Murillo returned to the team, Ibeagha had delivered solid performances and remained in the starting lineup alongside the Colombian. Fall was relegated to the bench due to some inconsistent showings from the 19-year-old.

Ibeagha's high-level play was so convincing that the club ultimately waived a struggling Henry. Between May and July, Ibeagha made 12 consecutive starts in all competitions, registering a 6W-4D-2D record, including three shutouts.

However, Ibeagha's window of opportunity would close down during the summer after LAFC made a splash signing for one of the best Italian defenders of all time.

Back to the bench

In June, LAFC announced the signing of legendary Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini on deal using Targeted Allocation Money. While Chiellini was getting acclimated to the team and gradually ramping up his fitness levels, Ibeagha started five more games between the Italian's arrival and his debut.

Once Chiellini was ready to play, Ibeagha was sent back to the bench with Murillo staying on as the Italian's partner in defense. In addition, Segura made a full recovery from his long-term knee injury and started to see regular minutes.

Through little fault of his own, Ibeagha was back to being the fourth option at center-back behind Chiellini, Murillo and Segura. He only made six appearances during the last 15 games of the regular season.

The only time ibeagha played was down the stretch when Cheillini was either injured or required a breather.

The importance of Ibeagha

Although Ibeagha wasn'tt seen as a first-choice option, his importance as a capable and always available reserve for LAFC was crucial.

That became obvious to those inside the dressing room at halftime of LAFC's conference final against Austin FC.

With Segura already ruled out for a leg injury suffered in training, Murillo and Chiellini started the game. At the break, Chiellini felt some calf discomfort, and Cherundolo trusted Ibeagha enough to turn to him rather than try and push Chiellini further.

Both Segura and Chiellini's injuries persisted looking toward MLS Cup. And aside from Murillo and Ibeagha, the only other healthy center back was 18-year-old Tony Leone, who had been promoted to the first team from the LAFC Academy.

Ibeagha played the entire 120 minutes of the 3-3 thriller against the Union and limited Philadelphia's scoring chances. The familiarity of playing alongside Murillo in 2021 and at the beginning of 2022 paid off wonders for Ibeagha at the end, but it was Ibeagha's individual defensive efforts that earned him praise from all his teammates and coaching staff.

What's next for the LAFC backline?

With Ibeagha's departure to FC Dallas have only Chiellini, Murillo, and Leone as center backs on the roster. Fall is also under contract with the Black & Gold, but is currently on loan with La Liga Villareal CF, so his return is not guaranteed. Barring an unexpected termination of the loan, his earliest return would come in the summer.

Segura is a free agent, though LAFC are trying to retain the Colombian center-back.

A 38-year-old Chiellini, an 18-year-old Leone, and a 28-year old Murillo will not be enough to repeat the success of the 2022 season. The club could sign another reserve-caliber player within MLS to provide depth, or make a bigger splash with a starting-caliber international player.

With a full preseason under his belt, will Chiellini could potentially be able to log more minutes than in his games in 2022. But with LAFC also playing in CONCACAF Champions League, they will need depth regardless.