After six matches, of which five were losses and a scoreless draw with Atlanta, LAFC have returned to victory with a 2–1 triumph over Sporting Kansas City.
It wasn't looking pretty for the Angelenos in the opening minutes of last night's game, after a slide tackle challenge on Gady Kinda by center back Denil Maldonado resulted in a penalty conversion by Alan Pulido at the 17' mark. But Maldonado pulled his penalty giveaway back moments after play resumed in the second half with a decisive header into the back of Kendall McIntosh's net from a clean assist by Mateusz Bogusz to equalize.
In the end, however, it had to be LAFC's Carlos Vela to play hero and win the game for the Black and Gold with last-minute goal.
"I think that after the loss in the Concacaf Champions League final, the negative streak that we were going through, we'd lost let's say a little bit of confidence," Vela said after the match. "Things weren't going the way they usually do for this team and to be able to help the team win is important and it's something that will help us regain our level and our confidence."
And a confidence boost it was when at the 90th minute, an astute Vela who stayed onside, was able to score on a clearance/pass from midfield by defender Aaron Long to pull LA ahead.
"At this age, I always say you carry the end of your career closer, so you have to enjoy every single minute," he said of his contribution off the bench. "You come in the second half, you can score the goal, it makes you feel like, 'Ok, I can still play a couple of more years,'" he added, hinting that the recent string of losses and his missed penalty against Atlanta have been bogging him down.
"But, after you lose, you say, 'Maybe I have to retire soon.' This changes a lot, but I'm enjoying what I'm doing, I enjoy what I am, and it's important for me."
LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo echoed Vela's thoughts, adding the result inspires the team to more forward.
"It means a great deal for the group. Obviously, any time you come back, it's big for the belief, especially after having a few games where you haven't won," he said.
LAFC return to the field on Wednesday, June 21 when hosting the Seattle Sounders.
This article was originally published on 90min as Carlos Vela inspires last-minute victory to end LAFC winning-less streak .
