New York City FC 2, Los Angeles Football Club 2 | 2019 MLS Match Recap

Carlos Vela scored his second and third goals of the season, twice bringing LAFC level from a goal behind in a 2-2 draw against New York City FC on Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.


Vela's finish after Latif Blessing's service just before halftime made it 1-1 going into the break. Then Vela converted cooly from the penalty spot after Blessing induced Ben Sweat into a foul in the area 14 minutes from full time. He might have also added an assist if not for some better finishing early on by his teammates.


For NYCFC, offseason Designated Player signing Alexandru Mitrita opened his MLS account with an exceptional 39th-minute effort, and Alex Ring put New York in front again when he smashed in Sweat's dragged back cross in the 62nd.


Goals


  • 39' - NYC - Alexandru Mitrita | WATCH
  • 43' - LAFC - Carlos Vela | WATCH
  • 62' - NYC - Alex Ring | WATCH
  • 76' - LAFC - Carlos Vela (PK) | WATCH


Three Things


THE BIG PICTURE: 
This should feel like a point gained for LAFC, which was playing at noon local time in one of the league's tougher and more unique road environs, and two points lost for NYCFC, who have drawn their first three matches this season despite never trailing in 2019.

  • MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Aesthetically speaking, Mitrita's first MLS goal was worth waiting for, as the Romanian freed himself from three defenders before unleashing a ferocious strike that gave Tyler Miller little chance.

  • MAN OF THE MATCH: Vela's performance wasn't quite as sparkling as his sensational Player of the Week-worthy effort in a 4-1 victory over the Portland Timbers. But with honorable mention to Blessing, he was still the main reason the visitors headed back to the West Coast with something to show for their travels.

  • Up Next


    • NYC: Friday, March 29 at Toronto FC (8 pm ET | TSN 4/5, MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
    • LAFC: Saturday, March 23 vs. Real Salt Lake (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+, MLS LIVE on DAZN)