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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
LAFC star Carlos Vela retires and becomes first club ambassador
Carlos Vela, the first player signed by LAFC and still the club record-holder in goals, assists, games and minutes played, announced his retirement Tuesday. The team said in announcement that Vela will work with LAFC as its first Black and Gold Ambassador. He will also be honored on Carlos Vela Night at BMO Stadium on Sept. 21. 'Helping to build LAFC and winning trophies for the club is a highlight of my career,' Vela, 36, said in a statement issued by the team. 'This club means so much to me and my family, and I am proud of everything we have accomplished together with the great fans of Los Angeles. I am excited to begin this next chapter in my journey here in L.A.' Advertisement Vela signed a designated-player contract with LAFC in August 2017, eight months before the team's first game. He led LAFC to the playoffs in his first season, then set the MLS single-season goal-scoring record with 34 in 2019, when the team won the first of two Supporters' Shields. Vela was named the league's MVP that season. A four-time MLS all-star, Vela played on two MLS Cup teams and made his final appearance for LAFC in the MLS playoffs last November, coming off the bench to play four minutes against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Read more: Carlos Vela agrees to return to LAFC as it prepares for another MLS Cup run With 78 goals and 59 assists Vela is one of just 13 players in MLS history to record at least 75 goals and 50 assists and he is the only player to reach those milestones in six seasons. Advertisement 'From the beginning, Carlos has been more than just a player — he has been the heartbeat, the captain, and the face of LAFC,' LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said. 'Carlos arrived in Los Angeles with a shared vision of building something truly special, and he delivered on that promise in every way. 'Carlos helped make LAFC what it is today.' Vela entered the Chivas de Guadalajara academy at 13 before moving to Arsenal of the English Premier League. He also played in England with West Bromwich Albion and in Spain with Salamanca and Osasuna before making more than 200 appearances in all competition for Real Sociedad from 2011-17, scoring 72 times. He played 72 times for the Mexico national team, including in two World Cups, scoring 19 times. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
LAFC star Carlos Vela retires and becomes first club ambassador
Carlos Vela, the first player signed by LAFC and still the club record-holder in goals, assists, games and minutes played, announced his retirement Tuesday. The team said in announcement that Vela will work with LAFC as its first Black and Gold Ambassador. He will also be honored on Carlos Vela Night at BMO Stadium on Sept. 21. 'Helping to build LAFC and winning trophies for the club is a highlight of my career,' Vela, 36, said in a statement issued by the team. 'This club means so much to me and my family, and I am proud of everything we have accomplished together with the great fans of Los Angeles. I am excited to begin this next chapter in my journey here in L.A.' Vela signed a designated-player contract with LAFC in August 2017, eight months before the team's first game. He led LAFC to the playoffs in his first season, then set the MLS single-season goal-scoring record with 34 in 2019, when the team won the first of two Supporters' Shields. Vela was named the league's MVP that season. A four-time MLS all-star, Vela played on two MLS Cup teams and made his final appearance for LAFC in the MLS playoffs last November, coming off the bench to play four minutes against the Vancouver Whitecaps. With 78 goals and 59 assists Vela is one of just 13 players in MLS history to record at least 75 goals and 50 assists and he is the only player to reach those milestones in six seasons. 'From the beginning, Carlos has been more than just a player — he has been the heartbeat, the captain, and the face of LAFC,' LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said. 'Carlos arrived in Los Angeles with a shared vision of building something truly special, and he delivered on that promise in every way. 'Carlos helped make LAFC what it is today.' Vela entered the Chivas de Guadalajara academy at 13 before moving to Arsenal of the English Premier League. He also played in England with West Bromwich Albion and in Spain with Salamanca and Osasuna before making more than 200 appearances in all competition for Real Sociedad from 2011-17, scoring 72 times. He played 72 times for the Mexico national team, including in two World Cups, scoring 19 times.
Fox Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
LAFC great Carlos Vela retires, played two World Cup tournaments with Mexico
Carlos Vela has announced his retirement, officially ending a career that included stops at Arsenal and Real Sociedad before becoming a cornerstone playmaker for MLS side LAFC. Vela, who represented Mexico at the 2010 and 2018 World Cup tournaments, became one of the most decorated players in MLS history. Joining LAFC as its first Designated Player when the club began play in 2018, Vela would win numerous team and individual accolades with the Black-and-Gold. He led LAFC to the 2022 MLS Cup, the 2019 and 2022 Supporters' Shields, and the 2024 US Open Cup . In a team release, Vela said: "This club means so much to me and my family, and I am proud of everything we have accomplished together with the great fans of Los Angeles." The Cancún native won the 2019 MLS MVP, setting the league mark for most goals (34) and most goal contributions (49) in a single season. Additionally, Vela retires as LAFC's all-time leader in games played (152), minutes (11,194), goals (78) and assists (59). The 36-year-old will be named an ambassador for LAFC. He last played for the team in October 2024 on a short-term deal. "From the beginning, Carlos has been more than just a player—he has been the heartbeat, the captain, and the face of LAFC," Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said. Vela scored 19 goals in 72 caps for Mexico. Along with starring for El Tri at South Africa 2010 and Russia 2018, he helped the squad win two Concacaf Gold Cup titles. Prior to signing with LAFC, Vela played for LaLiga side Real Sociédad from 2011-2017, making over 200 career appearances in all competitions and scoring 72 goals. After rising through the youth ranks of Liga MX's Chivas de Guadalajara, he joined Arsenal in 2005 and appeared with Salamanca, Osasuna, and West Bromwich Albion. Get more from Mexico Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Bruce Arena wary of his L.A. return against a Galaxy team 'due' for success
San José Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena stands on the sideline during the playing of the national anthem before a match against the Columbus Crew on April 26. (Jason Mowry / Getty Images) The last time Bruce Arena and Dave Sarachan stood together on the sidelines at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy were beating the Colorado Rapids in the MLS Western Conference semifinals. That was 2016 and the win was the pair's 18th playoff victory in eight seasons with the Galaxy. It was also the last game they coached together in Carson. Advertisement They'll be back on Wednesday, only this time Arena and Sarachan will be in the opposite technical area, standing in front of the San José Earthquakes' bench. And in some ways it's a bittersweet return. Because while both men have mostly fond memories of their time with the Galaxy, they return with the home team hungry and winless through 15 games, the longest drought in franchise history. That makes the homecoming both welcome and challenging. Read more: Commentary: Bruce Arena aims to achieve the seemingly impossible with San José 'I have nothing but good memories of my time in L.A. with the Galaxy. So it's nice to go back,' Arena said. Advertisement 'I like watching them and they've had tough times. But they're better than their record indicates. We're the next team up, which will be in some ways very, very challenging because you know they're due to have success.' The Galaxy (0-11-4) have led in each of their last three games, only to lose two of them on goals deep in stoppage time. So Wednesday's game could be a dangerous one for the Earthquakes (5-6-4), who are unbeaten in their last five. 'It's almost amazing that they haven't gotten a win,' Sarachan said. 'It's a double-edged sword because there's a certain fragility to it. But at the same time, they're looking to get out of this funk. They're in a tough situation so we just have to be ready.' Arena and Sarachan, his top assistant with both the Galaxy and men's national team, are arguably the most successful coaching duo in U.S. Soccer history, having taken the national team to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup before winning three MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields in five seasons with the Galaxy. Advertisement It was the most successful five-year stretch by any team in MLS history. But the Galaxy didn't win another MLS Cup until last season, ending the team's longest trophy drought. Less than two years after leaving the Galaxy to return to the national team, Arena and Sarachan went their separate ways after failing to qualify the U.S. for the 2018 World Cup. They reunited this winter in San José, where they took over a team that had tied the MLS record for losses (25) and broke the record for goals allowed (78) in 2024, guiding it into playoff position after 15 games this year. 'Our goal is to get through the first half of the season where we have a good feel for our team and understand where we need to go in the second half,' Arena said. 'At the end of next week we'll be at the midway point in the season and we have a better feel for where we are. Read more: LAFC and Galaxy each won something notable in their El Tráfico draw Advertisement 'We're improving. Maybe not as quick as I'd like but I think we have a chance to be a good team in the season half.' Arena's blueprint for turning the Quakes around is the same one he used to rescue the Galaxy team he took over midway through the 2008 season. In L.A., he remade the roster by shipping out more than 20 players that winter. In San José, he brought in 16 new ones, including former Galaxy defender Dave Romney, who leads the team in minutes played, and former LAFC striker Cristian Arango, who is third in the league with nine goals. But while Arena celebrates his team's success, he takes no joy from the Galaxy's struggles. 'Listen, I did my spell there and it was time to move on, like anything else,' Arena said. 'You stay in one place too long, they eventually want you to move on. Advertisement 'I have the greatest respect for that organization. There are better times ahead for them. The second half of the season is going to be much improved.' Sarachan agreed. But he'd just as soon the Galaxy hold off on that improvement until the Quakes have left town. 'Yeah,' he said, confessing to harboring no hard feelings. 'I'd like to see them 0-12-4. And we can move on from that.' This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Bruce Arena wary of his L.A. return against a Galaxy team ‘due' for success
The last time Bruce Arena and Dave Sarachan stood together on the sidelines at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy were beating the Colorado Rapids in the MLS Western Conference semifinals. That was 2016 and the win was the pair's 18th playoff victory in eight seasons with the Galaxy. It was also the last game they coached together in Carson. They'll be back on Wednesday, only this time Arena and Sarachan will be in the opposite technical area, standing in front of the San José Earthquakes' bench. And in some ways it's a bittersweet return. Because while both men have mostly fond memories of their time with the Galaxy, they return with the home team hungry and winless through 15 games, the longest drought in franchise history. That makes the homecoming both welcome and challenging. 'I have nothing but good memories of my time in L.A. with the Galaxy. So it's nice to go back,' Arena said. 'I like watching them and they've had tough times. But they're better than their record indicates. We're the next team up, which will be in some ways very, very challenging because you know they're due to have success.' The Galaxy (0-11-4) have led in each of their last three games, only to lose two of them on goals deep in stoppage time. So Wednesday's game could be a dangerous one for the Earthquakes (5-6-4), who are unbeaten in their last five. 'It's almost amazing that they haven't gotten a win,' Sarachan said. 'It's a double-edged sword because there's a certain fragility to it. But at the same time, they're looking to get out of this funk. They're in a tough situation so we just have to be ready.' Arena and Sarachan, his top assistant with both the Galaxy and men's national team, are arguably the most successful coaching duo in U.S. Soccer history, having taken the national team to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup before winning three MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields in five seasons with the Galaxy. It was the most successful five-year stretch by any team in MLS history. But the Galaxy didn't win another MLS Cup until last season, ending the team's longest trophy drought. Less than two years after leaving the Galaxy to return to the national team, Arena and Sarachan went their separate ways after failing to qualify the U.S. for the 2018 World Cup. They reunited this winter in San José, where they took over a team that had tied the MLS record for losses (25) and broke the record for goals allowed (78) in 2024, guiding it into playoff position after 15 games this year. 'Our goal is to get through the first half of the season where we have a good feel for our team and understand where we need to go in the second half,' Arena said. 'At the end of next week we'll be at the midway point in the season and we have a better feel for where we are. 'We're improving. Maybe not as quick as I'd like but I think we have a chance to be a good team in the season half.' Arena's blueprint for turning the Quakes around is the same one he used to rescue the Galaxy team he took over midway through the 2008 season. In L.A., he remade the roster by shipping out more than 20 players that winter. In San José, he brought in 16 new ones, including former Galaxy defender Dave Romney, who leads the team in minutes played, and former LAFC striker Cristian Arango, who is third in the league with nine goals. But while Arena celebrates his team's success, he takes no joy from the Galaxy's struggles. 'Listen, I did my spell there and it was time to move on, like anything else,' Arena said. 'You stay in one place too long, they eventually want you to move on. 'I have the greatest respect for that organization. There are better times ahead for them. The second half of the season is going to be much improved.' Sarachan agreed. But he'd just as soon the Galaxy hold off on that improvement until the Quakes have left town. 'Yeah,' he said, confessing to harboring no hard feelings. 'I'd like to see them 0-12-4. And we can move on from that.'
