Mexican Carlos Vela’s hat trick to break the MLS season goals record with 34 and help the Los Angeles FC beat the Colorado Rapids 3-1 on Sunday in the regular-season finale.
Carlos Vela's 2019 MLS season:
– Supporters' Shield
– Golden Boot
– Most goals (34) in a single season in MLS history
– Most goal involvements (49) in a single season in MLS historyUnbelievable ?#LAFC pic.twitter.com/WcfUG4XKEc
— bet365 (@bet365) October 7, 2019
Ex-Arsenal forward Vela began the match level with Orlando City’s Martinez, who registered 31 goals in 35 games to win the MLS Golden Boot last season.
He broke the record in the 28th minute and added his second two minutes later. Vela then took his tally to 34 early in the second half.
? HISTORY MAKER!
? Carlos Vela broke the MLS record for goals scored in a single season as he bagged a hat-trick in Los Angeles FC's 3-1 win over Colorado Rapids.
? The Mexican forward netted a total of 34 across the campaign – watch them all here ?pic.twitter.com/cvsjTHOaSa
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) October 7, 2019
Los Angeles (21-4-9) set an MLS record for season points with 72, breaking the mark of 71 set last year by the New York Red Bulls. They earned the top seed in the Western Conference and a first-round bye to the playoffs.
In a stellar season, the club claimed their first major trophy last month by winning the Supporters’ Shield.
La Zurda Letal ???
Your 2019 @MLS Golden Boot winner, @11carlosV! #LAFC pic.twitter.com/O2eGfUapmB
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 7, 2019
As a result of Sunday’s action, New York City FC and LAFC will have a bye for the first week of the postseason, while the East will see Toronto FC host D.C. United, the New York Red Bulls visit the Philadelphia Union and Atlanta United take on the visiting Revolution.
Out west, meanwhile, Minnesota United will host the Galaxy, Real Salt Lake will take on last year’s finalists in the Portland Timbers and FC Dallas will head to Seattle to take on the Sounders.