LAFC captain Carlos Vela spoke to the media this Sunday after winning the Supporters’ Shield against Portland Timbers to point out that this is not the only cup they want to win this season but that they also aspire to their first MLS .
Vela took advantage of the interview to talk about the format of the season in the United States and how the sacrifice of the entire team hopes to bear fruit.
“It’s a great feeling. In the end, this league is a bit different because then you have some ‘playoffs’ and you play the whole season in three games (playoffs), but this is really the real work of the whole year. This is the reward to the team for all the effort, but this is the first step, this is the first trophy that we want to win (this course)”, he commented.
With the last day still to be played next week, Los Angeles FC claimed the MLS Supporters’ Shield on Sunday by beating Portland Timbers 1-2.
Vela’s team depended on itself after a tough 4-0 loss on Saturday against their great rival for this title, the Philadelphia Union.
“We already know that even if you win the MLS Supporters’ Shield, that’s nothing if you don’t win the MLS Cup afterwards. I hope that we learn from the experiences of the past and I hope that we can do a better job in the ‘playoffs’ and win the trophy that we really want”, he added.
Vela also spoke about the group’s relationship, emphasizing that they consider themselves a family that “opens the doors to everyone who arrives.”
“This team is like a family that makes everyone feel important. From the first moment, we all open our doors to everyone who arrives because we know how complicated it is to go to a different country, a different culture and, for many, a different language. In that aspect, I think the club is very open to welcoming everyone and making them feel special”, assured the Mexican.
“Today we are going to celebrate, maybe tomorrow too, but after that we have to concentrate on the ‘playoffs’“, he concluded.