LAFC have won the 2019 Supporters’ Shield in the MLS, with former Gunner Carlos Vela’s goals firing them to the title.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 13: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC reacts after earning a corner kick during a 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati at Banc of California Stadium on April 13, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 13: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC reacts after earning a corner kick during a 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati at Banc of California Stadium on April 13, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

In the MLS, the Supporters’ Shield is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record each year. Like many other American sports, the overall champion of the league is decided by playoffs, but since 1999 they’ve also recognised the winner of the regular season with a trophy.

On Wednesday, LAFC defeated Houston Dynamo 3-1 to wrap up the title with two games remaining. Vela scored his 30th goal of the league campaign from the penalty spot, to add to his 10 assists in 29 games, before lifting the shield in front of the home fans.

LAFC have a seven-point lead over New York City with two games to go, which is why the title was confirmed as theirs on Wednesday. They have a couple of games to relax as a result, before the MLS Cup playoffs get underway.

Vela has consistently been LAFC’s star man, winning the WhoScored Man-of-the-Match award in 16 of their 30 matches. He’s the league’s top scorer and one of the top assisters, just two behind the division’s leader in terms of setting up goals.

The playoffs will begin on October 19th and run until November 10th. Congratulations to Vela on winning the Supporters’ Shield!