MLS Review: Vela breaks record as LAFC clinch play-off spot, Ibrahimovic scores brace

Carlos Vela broke the record for most combined goals and assists in a single MLS season as Los Angeles FC secured a play-off spot, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a brace for LA Galaxy.

Vela took his tally to 39 overall thanks to 24 goals and 15 assists following LAFC's 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday.

The Mexican star – who still has nine regular-season matches remaining – eclipsed the previous record of 38 set by Sebastian Giovinco in 2015 with 22 goals and 16 assists.

Vela converted a 64th-minute penalty to make history and give league leaders LAFC the lead, while Adama Diomande sealed victory with eight minutes remaining.

Carlos Vela buries the penalty to put @LAFC up 1-0! #RSLvLAFC pic.twitter.com/FsNRzQNz9U

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 18, 2019

"It's a good thing," former Real Sociedad forward Vela said about holding the record. "Always."

LAFC are the first team to book a spot in the post-season as they sit 16 points clear atop the Western Conference, while they are 13 points ahead of Philadelphia Union in the race for the Supporters' Shield.

Histórico #LAFC pic.twitter.com/2RyN7ZolNH

— LAFC (@LAFC) August 18, 2019

Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia lost 2-0 away to lowly Chicago Fire.

Ibrahimovic was at the double as the 10-man Galaxy played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Seattle Sounders on Saturday.

The Galaxy had defender Daniel Steres sent off in the sixth minute, but the home side still managed to salvage a point thanks to Ibrahimovic's two goals, which were sandwiched in between Raul Ruidiaz's opener and a Jorgen Skjelvik own goal with eight minutes remaining.

LAFC up next.#LAvSEA | Match Highlights pic.twitter.com/jOJVD904M4

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 18, 2019

Ibrahimovic's Galaxy are third in the west and a point behind Minnesota United, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Orlando City.

Elsewhere, Dallas overturned a three-goal deficit to draw 3-3 at Montreal Impact, New York City routed lowly FC Cincinnati 4-1, DC United lost 1-0 to Vancouver Whitecaps and New York Red Bulls drew 1-1 with New England Revolution.

A quick-fire Mauro Manotas brace earned Houston Dynamo a 2-2 draw against Colorado Rapids, Sporting Kansas City edged San Jose Earthquakes 2-1, while Toronto drew 2-2 with Columbus Crew thanks to Jozy Altidore 90th-minute equaliser.