LAFC star Carlos Vela will not participate in the MLS is Back Tournament due to a family situation, the club announced Monday. Vela's wife is currently pregnant with the couple's second child.
“I would like nothing more than to be with my teammates in Orlando," Vela, the 2019 Landon Donovan MLS MVP, said in a team release. "I always want to give everything I have to my club, our fans and supporters and the city of L.A. However, it is in the best interest of the health of my family to stay home and be with my wife during what is a risky pregnancy. I will miss being with my teammates and coaches, but I will be cheering and supporting LAFC from a distance. I can’t wait to be back on the field, playing for all of you and accomplishing great things with our club. Vamos LAFC!”
The 2019 Supporters' Shield winners said they fully respected Vela's decision and were looking forward to having the forward back available for the remainder of the season following the tournament.
“LAFC fully supports and respects the difficult decision Carlos and his family have made to not participate in the MLS Is Back Tournament," LAFC Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager John Thorrington said in a team release. "We have had numerous conversations with Carlos throughout this process and understand his unique situation and the importance of Carlos being home with his family at this time. We appreciate the support from the league, and we look forward to having Carlos re-join the club when we return from Orlando and begin moving forward with the rest of the season.”
LAFC will begin the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando against the Houston Dynamo on July 13 (8 pm ET | FS1, TUDN in US; TSN, TVA Sports in Canada).
