LAFC ended the regular season on decision day by defeating the Rapids with Carlos Vela’s hat-trick

Los Angeles, CA | October 06 | Kelly Landaverde – @Kel_landaverde

A sellout crowd of 22, 537 fans showed up at the banc to witness history. The Black and Gold ended the season with a record of 72 points.  During the first 20 minutes the locals had more clear goal opportunities. But the bad communication, imperfect passes from the players and the anticipation led to prolonging the opening goal. Brian Rodriguez was one of the most dangerous players during that time slot. After his transfer on August 7 he’s gained more and more confidence with the team and his teammates countryman Diego Rossi and the MVP Carlos Vela. The three of them were the right strikers the Black & Gold needed to reach the glory by winning the Supporters’ Shield.

The locals had set up counter attacks again and again. Colorado dedicated their 1st half to defending and weren’t dangerous at all. The opening goal from the Black & Gold was from the MVP he positioned himself and fired a curled rocket from the 25 yards out with his magnificent left leg after receiving a short pass from Latif Blessing, he reached 32 goals in the 28th minute. His brace was a stunning bicycle kick three minutes later to double the team’s lead after receiving a header from Tristan Blackmon in the box, breaking his goal record and surpassing Zlatan with 33 goals. Kei Kamara scored 6 minutes with a diving header that bounced of the post and into back of the net off a cross from his teammate Diego Rubio to give them a 2-1 deficit going into the break.

In the second half the king scored his 3rd goal of the day in the 51st minute with his lethal left leg with just a tap off Blackmon’s cross. What a tremendous day had been for the Bombardero who had his team winning, no wonder why he’s been the MVP to his fans and the Golden Boot winner; he knows he must not settle for less.

In the press conference this is what Bob Bradley said of the MVP. “Everybody is so happy for him because as a guy, he’s so positive. He’s a great teammate, he’s good to the people around him every day and he’s had just a special, special year. That is first. We’re all incredibly proud of what he’s accomplished.” He also added “You can turn it into paragraphs, he’s been a top leader, when a player has that type of season you have to take advantage of it, with their set piece deliveries, when a player is a threat, and has a top year. ” In regards to the game he added“ Football means goals, there’s no guarantee in this thing it’s risky, and that can be hard, we are solid as to how we want to be a team”.

Tyler Miller expressed “It’s hard for us to put it into words because we’ve never seen something like that, especially in the MLS, where a guy can come in and he cuts in with his left foot and curls to the back post every time and it manages to go in. For me, it’s great to watch from my perspective because I see his move. He sets the defender up and cuts in, and then as soon as he cuts in I’m like, “this could be interesting.” So, to be able to witness that this entire season has been something that’s amazing.”

They will now have to wait for the winner in the Minnesota United and Galaxy game to know who their rival will be in the Semifinal. Walker Zimmerman will be out of action after the brutal looking head injury, he will likely miss the US men’s national camp.