Carlos Vela scores record-setting goal as LAFC win 2-0 against Salt Lake
Carlos Vela scored his 24th goal of the season breaking the record of most goals & assists in a season and LAFC became the first team to clinch a playoff spot after a 2-0 against Real Salt Lake in Utah.
Both teams came into this game having won their last three matches and it was being labeled as one of the games to watch of the week. From the start both teams played with playoff level intensity and fans were in for a very interesting game.
The first half of play was a very back and forth match as both teams created opportunities for goals the clearest one came by the foot of LAFC forward Adama Diomande as he took the ball from midfield into the 18-yard box and sent a shot that ricocheted off the right goal post and Diego Rossi caught the rebound but the second opportunity was blocked by a Salt Lake defender.
Just before the end of the half Salt Lake Midfielder Damir Kreilach sent a floating pass over LAFC defenders to Jefferson Savarino who sent a blazing strike towards goal but LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller, was able to deflect the ball and send it out for a corner kick.
The second half of play did not start off well for LAFC as defender Walker Zimmerman was sent off in the 47th minute after receiving his second yellow card of the game. Although a man down LAFC did not slow down and in the 62nd minute they were awarded a penalty kick after Carlos Vela was brought down inside the box.
The captain himself took the penalty kick and gave LAFC the 1-0 lead, and with his 24th goal of the season he broke yet another record, this time it was the most goals & assists in a season record that was set by Sebastian Giovinco in 2015. Vela now stands just 7 goals shy of the record for most goals in a season set last year by Atlanta forward Josef Martinez who had 31 goals in 2018.
In the 82nd minute Diomande then scored his 8th of the season and the final nail in the coffin giving LAFC the final 2-0 win in the Rio Tinto Stadium.
With that win, Bob Bradley’s team becomes the first team this season to clinch their spot in the playoffs and is now 13pts ahead of the eastern conference leaders Philadelphia Union, en route for the Supporters Shield.
