New York, Oct 27 (EFE).- Carlos Vela returned this Sunday with Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and the Californian team celebrated the Mexican’s return with a 2-1 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first round of the playoff. of the MLS.
In this best-of-three series, LAFC took advantage in this round thanks to a penalty goal from Denis Bouanga and another goal from Uruguayan Cristian Olivera after a magnificent collective play from side to side by the team coached by Steve Cherundolo.
The Whitecaps achieved their goal in the 94th minute with the seal of Ryan Gauld and with no time to reach the tie.
Aside from the victory, the most celebrated moment tonight at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles was the entry in the 86th minute of a Vela who had not played a game since December 9, 2023 in the MLS Cup final that LAFC lost to the Columbus Crew.
On September 16, LAFC announced the return of Vela, who was the heart and soul of the Los Angeles team since its founding in 2018 and who had stayed away from the playing fields and with some uncertainty about his future as a footballer. after not renewing at the end of last year.
35 years old, Vela won one MLS Cup (2022) and two MLS Supporters’ Shield (2019 and 2022) with LAFC. Furthermore, in 2019 he had a sensational campaign in which he won the league MVP and was also the competition’s top scorer.
In the other game this Sunday, Orlando City beat Charlotte 2-0 with goals from Uruguayan Facundo Torres and Argentine Martín Ojeda.
In addition to the defeat, Charlotte suffered a very important loss for the next game due to the expulsion for a direct red card in the 91st minute of the Spanish Pep Biel.
There are four qualifying rounds left to play their first games: this Monday the Cincinnati-New York City and the Seattle Sounders-Houston Dynamo will be played, while on Tuesday the Columbus Crew-New York Red Bulls and the Real Salt Lake-Minnesota United will take place.
In addition to the 1-0 in the series for LAFC and Orlando City, Inter Miami also dominates their playoffs after a match against Atlanta United and the LA Galaxy against the Colorado Rapids. EFE
