Los Angeles FC captured the MLS Supporters' Shield on Wednesday after Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi, and Eduard Atuesta all scored in a 3-1 shunning of the Houston Dynamo.
Bob Bradley's side is now on 66 points and can trump the New York Red Bulls' 2018 record of 71 regular-season points with two wins to conclude the campaign. The distinction of MLS' best pre-playoff team is far from a guarantee of postseason success, though: Only seven Supporters' Shield winners have gone on to win the MLS Cup in 23 seasons.
The best in @MLS.#LAFC clinch the 2019 Supporters’ Shield! pic.twitter.com/s3Nok2kcLJ
— LAFC (@LAFC) September 26, 2019
Vela slotted home a 23rd-minute spot-kick to move within one goal of Atlanta United marksman Josef Martinez's single-season scoring record (31), but Houston hit back quickly when some penalty-box pinball led to an own goal by goalkeeper Tyler Miller.
LAFC's near-constant pressure told midway through the second stanza. Dynamo defender Maynor Figueroa was fortunate to see his clumsy swing at a cross cannon back off his own crossbar, but Rossi was lurking at the back stick and intelligently stooped to head it past Joe Willis.
The three points were put beyond doubt when Vela stepped aside to allow Atuesta to pocket a sublime free-kick.
OH MY... @EduardAtuesta extends our lead with a free kick 🚀!!!#LAFCvHOU 3-1 pic.twitter.com/BcwBvTW8U6
— LAFC (@LAFC) September 26, 2019
LAFC travel to face Minnesota United on Sunday before signing off on the regular term with a visit from the Colorado Rapids on Oct. 6. Vela and Co. will then enjoy home advantage for the duration of their playoff run.
