Carlos Vela could return against Sounders
Bob Bradley insinuates Vela will feature off bench.
Carlos Vela hasn’t played for LAFC since being “accidentally” subbed off 22 minutes into the season opener. Up until about a week ago, he hadn’t even been training.
But after participating in most of this week’s sessions, Vela could make his return against the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.
“There’s a possibility for some minutes,” LAFC head coach Bob Bradley told reporters on Friday.
Vela’s inclusion may not be quite as big of a deal as it may seem, though. Despite putting up some rather eye-popping offensive numbers — he averages .84 goals per 90 during his MLS career — LAFC’s net performance hasn’t always benefitted when he’s available.
Small-sample size aside, LAFC’s goal-difference was actually .46 per 90 minutes when Vela was on the field vs. when he wasn’t last year, according to FBRef.com. This year, LAFC have managed to go 1-1-2 almost entirely without Vela, albeit with just five goals scored.