Carlos Vela wants to be recognized as one of the best players in Major League Soccer. If he can string together more showings like the one he had Saturday in a 5-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes, the Mexican star will be.
Vela was at his brilliant best for Los Angeles FC as they dominated the winless Earthquakes, scoring three times in leading Bob Bradley's side to another win as their strong start to the season continues.
The win keeps LAFC at the top of the Western Conference, while Vela has no racked up six goals through five matches and leads the league in scoring, leaving the 30-year-old hoping he can make his mark as the top player in the league.