Carlos Vela crowns himself in the MLS for the first time after five years since his arrival in US soccer
The 33-year-old Mexican forward took five seasons to win a title with Los Angeles FC, having arrived in the American league as a franchise player after more than a decade in European football. The Los Angeles team won the final 3-0 on penalties against the Philadelphia Union, after an exciting match that ended 3-3 in extra time.
Los Angeles, Cal., November 7, 2022. Mexican Carlos Vela was crowned with Los Angeles Football Club in the MLS, defeating the Philadelphia Union 3-0 on penalties (3-3, regular and extra time) in the final, where he provided an assist.
"CHAMPIONS, CHAMPIONS!"
LAFC already had the Supporters' Shield trophy in the bag for being the best team in the regular season and confirmed its great moment with the victory at the Banc of California Stadium.
Vela pushed his team forward at all times on the offensive and had a standout performance. He was substituted at 97 minutes for Gareth Bale.
A double from Jack Elliot had turned the game around in extra time, but Bale scored the goal that sent it into penalty shootout.
This is Carlos' fifth season in the MLS.
Thus, Vela joins the list of Mexican or dual-nationality champions of the MLS: Jorge Campos (1998, with the Chicago Fire); Hérculez Gómez (2005, with the Galaxy and in 2016 with the Seattle Sounders) and Tony Alfaro (2016 with the Seattle Sounders).
It is LAFC's first title in its history, an organization that started operations in 2014, but only began playing in the MLS in 2018.
Mexican forward Carlos Vela apologized to the LAFC fans for taking five years to win the MLS title, but he fulfilled his promise by bringing the "damn trophy".
"I remember the first day I arrived here in Los Angeles, I stood here, I promised you that we would do something great, that we would be champions, it took me five years, sorry for taking so long, but here is the damn trophy.
"The best is yet to come, this is the first of many," he said at the party organized by the club.
Vela also lifted the cup and kissed it amid the madness of those present.
The Los Angeles team celebrated at Christmas Tree Lane Park, where there was food, drink and music.
Text: Staff / Agencia Reforma