The Galaxy will be without Jonathan Dos Santos for the MLS is Back Tournament
LAFC and the LA Galaxy will head into the MLS is Back Tournament without some key pieces.
LAFC will go into Orlando without its star player, forward Carlos Vela. Following days of rumors, it was confirmed Monday that Vela will miss the tournament. Vela and his wife are expecting their first child, which combined with the current situation with the Coronavirus Pandemic made it highly unlikely that Vela was going to be with the team.
“I would like nothing more than to be with my teammates in Orlando,” Vela said in a press 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.”
Vela no doubt will be big absence for LAFC. Vela has delivered for the Black and Gold since his arrival for team’s inaugural season. Vela scored 14 goals that season, but last year may have been his best season to date. Vela won the Golden Boot with a single-season record 34 goals, which along with his 15 assists gave Vela 49 points, also a single-season record.
“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 statement. “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.”
The Galaxy will also go into the tournament missing a key piece, as midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos is out after undergoing hernia surgery on Saturday. The injury is expected to keep JDS out of action for six weeks.
LAFC and the Galaxy are in the same group of the MLS is Back tournament. The two teams will not face each other until the second match of the group stage, which will take place on Saturday, July 18 at 7:30 pm Pacific time. LAFC opens its tournament against the Houston Dynamo on July 13 at 5pm, while the Galaxy open against the Portland Timbers immediately following the LAFC/Dynamo match.
