LAFC's Vela beats Zlatan, Martinez to 2019 MVP award

Los Angeles FC record-setter Carlos Vela was named 2019 MLS MVP on Monday, beating out Los Angeles Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez.

Vela won the award by a landslide, receiving 69.6% of the three-way vote. Ibrahimovic was second with 14.1% and Martinez third with 7%. New York City pair Maxi Moralez and Heber also received votes.

In his second campaign with LAFC, Vela broke 2018 MLS MVP Martinez's standard for goals in a season with 34, guiding the team to the Supporters' Shield and a regular-season record of 72 points.

The 72-time capped Mexican international became the quickest to 20 goals in a season (21 matches) and finished the term on a nine-game scoring streak that included a hat-trick on the final matchday against the Colorado Rapids.

Vela's combined goals and assists haul of 49 this season is also an MLS record.

The 30-year-old becomes the first Mexican to win the honor. Former Chicago Fire and El Tri standout Cuauhtemoc Blanco finished third in MVP voting in 2007 and 2008.