MLS Review: Carlos Vela strikes as LAFC continue perfect start

MLS newcomers Los Angeles FC made it back-to-back wins after routing Real Salt Lake 5-1, while the New York Red Bulls opened their season in emphatic fashion.

Expansion franchise LAFC made their bow last week, stunning last season’s finalists Seattle Sounders away from home.

And LAFC continued where they left off Saturday, crushing hosts RSL thanks to Diego Rossi’s brace and three assists, and a goal from Mexico international Carlos Vela.

Joao Plata put RSL ahead in the 20th minute despite having his penalty saved but the lead was brief in a one-sided affair at Rio Tinto Stadium.

All 5 of our goals from today.#RSLvLAFC pic.twitter.com/lx9081mz3u

— LAFC (@LAFC) March 10, 2018

Rossi, who netted the winning goal last week, equalised on the half-hour mark before Latif Blessing gave LAFC the lead three minutes later.

Benny Feilhaber joined in the fun two minutes after half-time with a routine finish from close range, while 20-year-old team-mate Rossi added a fourth with nine minutes remaining.

Former Real Sociedad forward Vela completed the romp in the 86th minute when he sliced through RSL’s defence and poked the ball past Nick Rimando as LAFC made it two wins from two matches.

The Red Bulls were too strong on home soil, easing past winless Portland Timbers 4-0.

After upstaging Tijuana in the opening leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final tie during the week, the Red Bulls returned home to familiar surroundings and humbled the Timbers in their first MLS match of the season.

Carlos Rivas netted a late brace, while Bradley Wright-Phillips and Benjamin Mines also scored at Red Bull Arena, where the Timbers crashed to consecutive defeats.

Rivas makes it -0! #RBNYvPOR https://t.co/ss74flw58S

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 11, 2018

Sporting Kansas City scored two goals in three minutes during the closing stages as they came from behind to stun Chicago Fire 4-3.

Gyasi Zardes was at the double for Columbus Crew, who preserved their perfect start to the season by seeing off Montreal Impact 3-2 thanks to the United States international’s 90th-minute penalty.

Elsewhere, New England Revolution claimed a last-gasp 2-1 win against Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo lost 2-1 at home to Vancouver Whitecaps, while Minnesota United defeated hosts Orlando City by the same scoreline.