MLS: Los Angeles FC's Carlos Vela One Goal Away From Making History

When Carlos Vela walks into the pitch Monday, he'll be one goal away from scripting history in the Major Soccer League (MLS).

Vela of Los Angeles FC (LA FC) netted his 31st goal of 2019-20 season when his side played against Minnesota on Sunday. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after Michael Boxall equalized for his side just five minutes after Vela's goal.

Vela at present is record-tied with Atlanta United FC's Josef Martínez, who scored 31 goals last season. Martínez's feat attracted several eyeballs as he had broken the previous record of 27 set by Roy Lassiter in 1996. Lassiter's record was later tied by Chris Wondolowski in 2012 and Bradley Wright-Phillips in 2014, but no soccer player managed to break it until Martinez did it in the 2018-19 season.

Vela's record-breaking goal is expected in LA FA's next match, which is against Colorado, at home at the Banc of California Stadium.

The Mexican had a brief stint with Arsenal, an English club that competes in the Premier League. However, he actually got noticed when he joined Spain's Real Sociedad, where he scored as many as 54 goals. In 2017, it was announced that Vela was signed by LA FC as their first designated player. He hardly took any time to live up to the expectations and he was also named in the league's best XI.

So far in the 2019-20 season, Vela has not only scored 31 goals in 33 matches but also has set up 15 goals.

Referring to Vela's all-round skills in the team, his LA FC teammate Steven Beitashour told The Athletic, "You either get a Wondo or Josef Martinez that are pure finishers or you get the pure passers. To have someone with their ability to put a ball on a dime for an assist or have the wherewithal to finish is rare."

From 33 matches in MSL 2019-20, LA FC are currently on the top of the table with 20 wins, four losses, nine tied-games and 69 points, ahead of New York FC with 61 points and Atlanta United FC with 55 points.