It didn't take long for Carlos Vela to continue right back off where he ended last season, scoring a stunning chip to give LAFC a 1-0 lead against Inter Miami in the 44th minute at Banc of California Stadium. The goal was made even more special by the fact that Vela was celebrating his 31st birthday.
"I mean, the only thing to talk about at halftime is the goal, man," Bob Bradley told ESPN heading into halftime. "It's Carlos's birthday and that was such a special moment, so... Miami's worked hard, we could still be sharper, but nothing else matters. That was a special goal."
Vela scored an MLS record 34 goals in the regular season in 2019, coupled with 15 assists, as he won the Landon Donovan MVP Award. Sunday's goal was already the third of Vela's 2020 season, having scored twice to lead LAFC to a memorable victory against Club Leon in the Concacaf Champions League on Thursday.
