LAFC labels Carlos Vela a 'luxury' after hat-trick against Colorado Rapids
LAFC’s Carlos Vela kicked off the 2022 season with a bang. The forward scored a hat-trick against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday at Banc of California to earn his side their first win of the year.
After a lackluster 2021 campaign, the Mexican international seems to have returned to his best form. New LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo maintained a cautious outlook, however, carefully avoiding unrealistic expectations.
“We will have to wait and see what it does. But I think we all know what he can do. And he showed it again today and he worked very hard in preseason to get to where he is today. That is a message that I’ve been very clear with him and our communication has been great,” Cherundolo said.
“He knows that to be able to play like that, he needs to put in the work and he did. And I'm very happy for him and the group that we're all rewarded for it.”
Vela first joined LAFC in August 2017 as the first Designated Player in club history. Since then the forward has led the Western Conference side to win the MLS Supporters’ Shield, and individually received the Landon Donovan league MVP and Golden Boot.
In 2019, shocked audiences by recording 34 goals and 15 assists in 31 regular-season appearances. But his form soon slowed down as the player faced lengthy injury spells.
The past two years, Vela was limited to nine goals in 27 appearances.
Now, it seems the player is back to his best.
Vela’s teammates rejoiced in the striker’s impact. Midfielder Ilie Sanchez, who made his LAFC debut on Saturday, called Vela 'a luxury to have him in the team.'
“He makes the difference for us. It’s a luxury to have him in the team,” said midfielder Ilie Sanchez.
“When you work defensively and you get a hold of the ball, you have the opportunity to create chances, and to have someone like Carlos Vela finishing those chances is what makes this team different. We really have to take advantage of the quality he provides. We are happy to have him with us and I’m enjoying him as a teammate. It really helps to have him in the locker room as a leader.”
Newest LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau added to the excitement.
“Super happy for Carlos Vela,” said Crepeau. “After the season he had last year, we will know that injuries in professional sports, it can hit you a little bit. So the way he responds, that’s the type of person he is. It’s been a little bit of short time that I'm with him, but every time I got to learn how he is and such, he’s a great human being and he deserves this.”
LAFC hosts the Portland Timbers next as the 2022 MLS season is underway.