Carlos Vela leveller boosts LAFC bid to win the 2022 Supporters’ Shield
The former Mexican international scored a second-half goal to give Los Angeles FC a 1-1 draw in Minnesota.
Los Angeles FC ended a five-game losing streak when playing on the road with a 1-1 draw against Minnesota United at Allianz Field on Tuesday night. Carlos Vela came to the rescue in the second half, scoring a stunner with his left foot from outside the box to find the back of the net and secure a much-needed away point for LAFC.
“We are happy with the point on the road,” said LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo after the game. “Something we haven’t accomplished in a while after losing points on the road. The performance, especially in the second half, was very good. The room for improvement is possessing the ball a little more.”
LAFC can’t drop any more points
The ‘Black & Gold’ were the first team in MLS to clinch a playoff spot but are now fighting with Philadelphia Union to win the 2022 Supporters’ Shield. They are neck-and-neck and both sides have three games left in the regular season, but Philly have a two-point advantage in the race to win the title.
Los Angeles FC are no longer the owners of their own destiny in their bid to win the second Supporters’ Shield in franchise history because of the points they dropped on the road in the past five matches. They need to win their next three games and hope the Union drop points.
Vela had another outstanding game at Minnesota, creating clear chances for his teammates to score the opener, but they were not precise and failed to find the back of the net in the first half. The former Mexico international scored his ninth goal of the campaign and has provided 11 assists in 29 appearances.