LAFC announced today that forward Carlos Vela was voted the MLS Player of the Month presented by EA SPORTS™ by members of the media for the months of September-October of the 2019 MLS season. This is the third honor this season for Vela after winning the MLS Player of the Month award in March and April.
The Black & Gold’s captain finished September and October with seven goals over five matches. Vela led the league in goals, breaking the MLS single-season goalscoring mark with 34 goals this season. LAFC finished atop the Supporters’ Shield standings (21-4-9; 72 points) and secured a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.
CARLOS VELA WINS 2019 MLS GOLDEN BOOT
After missing the first two matches in September, Vela scored in his return to the field in a 1-1 draw at Philadelphia Union on September 14. He then scored a penalty kick at the death to salvage a 1-1 draw when hosting Toronto FC on September 21.
On September 25, LAFC defeated the Houston Dynamo and clinched the Supporters’ Shield at Banc of California Stadium with a 3-1 victory, with Vela converting another penalty kick for the first goal of the match. The 30-year-old forward then scored in the 70th minute to help LAFC to a 1-1 draw at Minnesota United FC on September 29, tying the MLS single-season goalscoring mark.
Vela capped his tremendous month with a hat trick in LAFC’s 3-1 home victory over the Colorado Rapids on MLS Decision Day presented by AT&T on October 6. He broke the goalscoring record in the 28th minute with a long-range rocket before giving LAFC a 2-0 lead with an outstanding bicycle kick in the 31st minute. Vela capped the day with his third of the afternoon in the 51st minute, and he is now tied for second in MLS history with a goal in nine consecutive regular season matches.
As part of every MLS Player of the Month award this season, EA SPORTS FIFA 20 will release a special FUT item to honor the winning player, this month recognizing Vela for his tremendous September and October performance. Vela can be unlocked via a special Squad Building Challenge now live in FIFA 20 Ultimate Team.
MLS Player of the Month presented by EA SPORTS is voted upon by a panel of select national media members in a process conducted by MLS Communications.
LAFC will next host either Minnesota United or the Galaxy in the Western Conference Semifinals in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs on Thursday, October 24 at Banc of California Stadium (7:30 p.m. PT, ESPN, ESPN 710 AM, 980 AM ‘La Mera Mera’).
