Carlos Vela's potential farewell to Los Angeles. Oh, and a Western Conference Final!

LAFC will fight to win their first trophy of the season in Saturday's Western Conference Final amid nostalgic emotions in what may prove to be Carlos Vela's last game in L.A.

Saturday’s Western Conference Final at BMO Stadium could prove to be more than just an opportunity to reach another MLS Cup, but a farewell for LAFC captain Carlos Vela as well. Since joining the Black and Gold as the club’s very first player in August 2017, he has scored 78 goals and provided 58 assists in 152 matches, remaining the only captain in club history. Vela is inextricably linked with LAFC to the point that his name has become nearly synonymous with the club. With his current contract expiring at the end of the season, however, Saturday could be Vela’s final game in Black and Gold if LAFC loses, and more poignantly with MLS Cup set to be hosted in Ohio, the conference final could mark his final game in Los Angeles even if they win.

“I enjoy every single time I go to the Banc so I will still do it until I [don’t] have the chance to do it,” Vela continues to refer to the newly renamed BMO Stadium by its former sponsor and everlasting nickname. “I don’t take it like, maybe it’s the last time. I only have the chance to enjoy one more time my fans, my people, and of course, trying to do my best to bring the trophy, the victory for everybody because I think in the end, that connection I have with the fans is big. I want to have one more victory with them and have one more trophy and fight for the big one.”

LAFC is just two wins away from repeating as MLS Cup Champions (Dario Cruz/Area Sports Network)

A victory on Saturday would see the Black and Gold lift their first trophy of the season, though as Vela alluded to, it is not the ‘big one’. Each conference champion in Major League Soccer is awarded a trophy (similar to the NBA or NFL) for their accomplishment before competing in the league’s championship game. Though it is not considered a major trophy, for a team who has failed to secure the first five trophies on offer for them this season (U.S. Open Cup, Concacaf Champions League, Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield, Campeones Cup) as the reigning MLS Cup champions, any silverware is welcomed. They would be happy to add a fifth trophy to their cabinet in their third Western Conference final appearance, thus earning a chance to compete for their fourth major trophy in MLS Cup on December 9th. 

“When you are in a club [for] six years, many different players come here to play. Only [I] stay[ed] here and we’re still having success. It’s because I’m doing good things.” - Carlos Vela