Carlos Vela

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as a Designated Player on a transfer from Real Sociedad on Aug. 8, 2017.

Vela is a world-class player who has experience at the highest levels of professional soccer. The Mexican national team regular is most comfortable on the right wing, allowing him to cut in on his lethal left foot. He's coming off a season in which he set an MLS record for goals in a season (34) and was named Landon Donovan MVP.

INTERNATIONAL: The Cancun, Mexico native has also been a key contributor to the Mexican National Team, playing in the 2010 and 2018 World Cup and appearing in 72 career games for Mexico, scoring 19 goals.

OUTSIDE MLS: Vela signed with Arsenal of the English Premier League in 2005 and appeared with Salamanca (Spain – Segunda Division), Osasuna (Spain – La Liga) and West Bromwich Albion (English Premier League) before transferring officially to Real Sociedad in 2012. Vela was the Real Sociedad Player of the Year in 2011-12 and 2013-14.

NOTES: MLS All-Star (2018, 2019), MLS Best XI (2018, 2019), Landon Donovan MVP (2019), Golden Boot (2019)