Carlos Vela gets his 1st goal of season as LAFC blanks FC Dallas

  • LAFC’s Latif Blessing, left, battles FC Dallas’ Jose Antonio Martinez for a header during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at Banc of California Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Los Angeles FC fans cheer against the FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Nkosi Burgess (14) of FC Dallas with the header against Los Angeles FC in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Goalie Tomas Romero (30) of Los Angeles FC blocks a shot by FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Eddie Segura (4) of Los Angeles FC control the ball against FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • FC Dallas kneels during the National Anthem prior to a Major League Soccer match against the Los Angeles FC at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Jader Obrian (7) of FC Dallas eyes the ball against the Los Angeles FC in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • LAFC’s Carlos Vela (not pictured) scores past FC Dallas goalie Jimmy Maurer early in the first half of Wednesday’s MLS match at Banc of California Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

  • Carlos Vela (not pictured) of Los Angeles FC celebrates after scoring past goalie Jimmy Maurer of FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Carlos Vela (10) of Los Angeles FC celebrates after scoring past goalie Jimmy Maurer of FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Carlos Vela (10) of Los Angeles FC celebrates after scoring past goalie Jimmy Maurer of FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Los Angeles FC players, mob, forward Carlos Vela, obscured, after Vela’s goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against Dallas FC Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Carlos Vela (10) of Los Angeles FC controls the ball against FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Head coach Bob Bradley of the Los Angeles FC looks on against the FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Goalie Jimmy Maurer of FC Dallas blocks a shot against the Los Angeles FC in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Jader Obrian (7) of FC Dallas goes up for the header against the Los Angeles FC in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Latif Blessing (7) of Los Angeles FC with the header against FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Jader Obrian (7) of FC Dallas controls the ball against Jesus Murillo (94) of Los Angeles FC in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Jader Obrian (7) of FC Dallas eyes the ball against the Los Angeles FC in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Head coach Luchi Gonzalez of the FC Dallas looks on against the Los Angeles FC in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Jader Obrian (7) of FC Dallas fights for there ball against Eduard Atuesta (20) of Los Angeles FC in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Diego Rossi (9) of Los Angeles FC controls the ball against the FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Los Angeles FC goalkeeper Tomas Romero, bottom, stops a shot from Dallas FC defender Justin Che during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Goalie Tomas Romero (30) of Los Angeles FC blocks a shot by FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Head coach Bob Bradley of the Los Angeles FC looks on against the FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Goalie Jimmy Maurer of FC Dallas blocks a shot against the Los Angeles FC in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Justion Che #32v of the FC Dallas goes up for the header against Jose Cifuentes (11) of Los Angeles FC in the second half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Carlos Vela (10) of Los Angeles FC reacts after play against the FC Dallas in the second half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Latif Blessing (7) of Los Angeles FC goes for the header against Jose Antonio Martinez (3) of FC Dallas in the second half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Los Angeles FC forward Latif Blessing scores during the second half of an MLS soccer match against Dallas FC Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Latif Blessing (not pictured) of Los Angeles FC scores past Goalie Jimmy Maurer of FC Dallas in the second half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Latif Blessing (7) reacts with teammate Carlos Vela (10) of Los Angeles FC after scoring against the FC Dallas in the second half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Latif Blessing (7) jumps into the arms of teammate Eduard Atuesta (20) of Los Angeles FC after scoring against the FC Dallas in the second half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Los Angeles FC fans cheer against the FC Dallas in the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Carlos Vela (10) of Los Angeles FC reacts after play against the FC Dallas in the second half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Carlos Vela (10) of Los Angeles FC reacts after play against the FC Dallas in the second half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Latif Blessing (7) of Los Angeles FC goes for the header against Jose Antonio Martinez (3) of FC Dallas in the second half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Goalie Jimmy Maurer of FC Dallas blocks a shot against the Los Angeles FC in the second half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Carlos Vela (10) of Los Angeles FC reacts after just missing a goal against the FC Dallas in the second half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Jader Obrian (7) of FC Dallas controls the ball against Los Angeles FCin the first half of a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • Los Angeles FC defender Marco Farfan, left, defends on Dallas FC forward Ricardo Pepi during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles FC defender Jesus Murillo, left, heads the ball over Dallas FC forward Jader Obrian during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Dallas FC forward Jader Obrian, center, is defended by Los Angeles FC midfielder Eduard Atuesta, left, and defender Eddie Segura during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela, left, is defended by Dallas FC defender Nkosi Burgess during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes, right, controls the ball next to Dallas FC forward Jader Obrian during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Dallas FC defender Bressan, center left, reaches for ball as Los Angeles FC’s Carl Jennings, center right, defends during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela, left, stops a shot from Dallas FC midfielder Bryan Acosta during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi, left, collides with Dallas FC defender Bressan during the second half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles FC midfielder Eduard Atuesta, bottom right, controls the ball under Dallas FC forward Jesus Ferreira, center, during the second half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles FC forward Latif Blessing, left, is defended by Dallas FC midfielder Ryan Hollingshead during the second half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles FC defender Kim Moon-Hwan, right, controls the ball against Dallas FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles FC forward Danny Musovski, left, dribbles past Dallas FC’s Quignon during the second half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Los Angeles FC defender Kim Moon-Hwan shoots against Dallas FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

  • Jose Antonio Martinez (3) of FC Dallas sits on the field as the Los Angeles FC defeated the FC Dallas 2-0 during a Major League Soccer match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

  • A fan watches an MLS soccer match between Los Angeles FC and Dallas FC through a cloud of smoke Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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LOS ANGELES — “Dynamic.”

That’s how Los Angeles Football Club head coach Bob Bradley has described what he expects from a full-strength Carlos Vela.

Without a goal to his credit through five appearances in 2021 following a quadriceps injury in the season opener, Vela has been slow to affect games. Struggles from LAFC’s 32-year-old captain coincided with his team’s meandering start to the MLS season, but Wednesday night, in the last of four consecutive matches at Banc of California Stadium, Vela performed like the player who has thrilled crowds and set MLS scoring records since joining the league in 2018.

And, to no one’s surprise, his teammates followed suit as LAFC locked down a 2-0 victory over a struggling FC Dallas team.

“This is the Carlos my team expects,” Vela said after the match. “I have to work hard to put my level high and do the things I have to do.”

LAFC (3-3-3, 12 points) attempted 19 shots, eight on target, and repeatedly threatened Dallas through Vela’s 75 strong minutes on the field.

“He was unlucky to not get some other goals,” Bradley said. “What we love the most is when Carlos is at his best. We use this word ‘dynamic’ when he’s a threat constantly getting in the box looking to slip passes. But when he’s a real threat our team goes up a few notches and watching our team becomes a little more fun. In that regard, it was a really good night.”

Were it not for Dallas goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer’s six saves, including several impressive sprawling rejections with his feet, Bradley felt his team was positioned to add to its 11 goals on the year.

Tomas Romero earned his first start of the season in place of LAFC goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega and played well, including a key save off a headed attempt in the 48th minute that was the lone shot FC Dallas (1-4-4, 7 points) was able to put on target.

Vela’s initial goal of the season came four minutes into the match, and the Mexican’s third assist of the year sealed a must-have win in the 69th minute when midfielder Latif Blessing tapped it in from the 6-yard box to give LAFC a two-goal advantage that pushed the announced crowd of 22,510 into a frenzy. The goal was flagged offside by the assistant referee but confirmed after VAR review.

Just two points clear of Dallas in the Western Conference standings before the match, LAFC had not been much better than the visitors through eight games.

Having earned just four of a possible nine points in the first three games of the homestand, Vela and his teammates know they could ill afford to concede points against a group that had not won on the road in three tries this season.

The second of three matches in eight days prompted Bradley to rotate several spots in LAFC’s starting lineup.

South Korean defender Kim Moon-Hwan received his first start with LAFC on the right side of the back line. Moon-Hwan started twice this month for the South Korean national team as it advanced to the final stage of World Cup qualifying. He appeared fully fit following a preseason knee injury.

“I think he understands more and more the way we want to play,” Bradley said of the defender. “Tonight we saw some really good things, especially in the second half when we pushed him higher and played him. I think when he came back he had confidence and was ready to push himself with the group here.”

Moon-Hwan was a force throughout the match and began the sequence that culminated in Vela’s goal. The defender dished to Blessing, who found Vela in the box. The 2019 MLS MVP moved the ball outside the 18 to Eduard Atuesta, who quickly returned it to Vela. A quick touch provided Vela the space he needed to pivot and smash home a left-footed strike off the first bounce to beat Maurer.

“We expect much from him,” Vela said of the South Korean. “I was really happy to play with him in the win. We are getting good chemistry. For sure we will get better and better every single game.”

Working alongside Vela in the starting lineup for the first time, Cal Jennings started in place of Corey Baird and pushed hard before being substituted off at halftime for Tristan Blackmon.

LAFC heads on the road for the next three games, beginning Saturday against Sporting Kansas City.

“We won one game but we have to get a rhythm and win two, three, four in a row,” Vela said. “After that, we can maybe say we’re back at our level.”

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