He just put up the most prolific single season in MLS history, and took home the league's Landon Donovan MVP award for his efforts, but LAFC superstar Carlos Vela says it's something he hasn't done yet that's keeping him motivated as ever.
LAFC side took a sledgehammer to the record books in 2019, winning the Supporters' Shield with 72 points and a ridiculous +48 goal differential, with Vela breaking the single season record for goals with 34 and dishing out 15 assists for good measure.
But they couldn't quite finish it off with an MLS Cup title, as LAFC were shocked by the Seattle Sounders in a 3-1 defeat on their home field in the Western Conference Championship. For all the individual honors he received for his historic season and the resounding success the club had on the field last year, Vela told Goal.com in a lengthy feature published on Wednesday that getting that MLS Cup is his top priority.
"I want to win MLS Cup. It's the most important thing for me," Vela said. "When you win something individually, it feels good but, in the end, football or soccer is a team sport. If I want to be in the history of MLS or the history of LAFC, I have to win titles. That's my goal."
"I hope this season or next season I can be MVP again, I can win championships and be in all those places," he added, "because if you are in those places, it's because you're doing the right things."
In the story, Vela talks about a wide range of topics, including his reception in the city of Los Angeles and how he's adapted to the spotlight that comes with playing in one of the league's flashiest markets.
