Carlos Vela makes MLS goalscoring history

Carlos Vela

Mexican front
man Carlos Velas has become the highest-scoring player in a single MLS regular
season, after a hat-trick on “Decision Day” against Colorado Rapids ensured he
would finish the campaign with 34 MLS goals to his name in 2019. That figure eclipses the previous record held by Atlanta United’s striker
Josef Martinez, which was only set 12 months ago. The former Arsenal ace lit up
the Banc of California Stadium with a dazzling array of finishes to end the
regular season in style and cement Los Angeles FC as 2019’s most exciting team
to watch.

Los Angeles FC
have already won their first piece of silverware this season in the Supporters’
Shield, and look like being the clear favorites to claim the MLS Cup in
November too. In fact, most sportsbooks have Los Angeles as almost odds-on
contenders, so it’s a good idea to avail yourself of the raft of free bet
promotions that you can find on Oddschecker to increase your potential winnings should you wish to
have a flutter on them.


The form of
Carlos Vela is one of the main factors in Los Angeles FC’s rise to the top of
the MLS. He showcased all of his technical ability against Colorado, scoring a
long-range left foot effort, converting an acrobatic scissor kick and a cute
first-time finish from a cross-field pass. The Mexican has really taken to life
on America’s west coast like a duck to water, averaging almost a goal a game
since joining from Real Sociedad in 2018, becoming the team’s first designated
player in club history, according to Sportstownfc.


Leaving
European football certainly appears to have rejuvenated Vela’s career and
mindset. The Cancun-born ace admits that he feels more at home in Los Angeles, which is unsurprising given that he’s much closer to
his roots. When quizzed earlier in the 2019 MLS season whether a move back to
Europe was on the cards if his good form continued, Vela admitted it would
“have to be something very specific” for him to consider leaving Los Angeles.


Even Los
Angeles FC coach Bob Bradley said that LA has enabled Vela and his family to
“enjoy themselves” and still maintain “privacy”. It’s a balance that Bradley
certainly believes is “working well for him” and the rest of the roster. Vela’s
cheeky persona and undoubted ability has elevated the performances of those
around him, helping Los Angeles FC to set a single-season record points total
of 72. Nevertheless, Vela won’t be happy with his year’s work until the team
has its first MLS Cup in the trophy cabinet before the year is out.

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