MLS: Vela leads rally as LAFC go top, Red Bulls denied after late Columbus strike

Carlos Vela scored and provided an assist while Ryan Hollingshead netted two goals, as LAFC came from behind to win 3-1 over Vancouver Whitecaps and move into top spot in the MLS on Sunday.

The Whitecaps took a 12th-minute lead from Tristan Blackmon’s instinctive close-range finish, but the 2019 MLS champions rallied, led by former Mexico international Vela.

Vela’s 27th-minute corner was met by Hollinghead with a powerful header for the equaliser before the ex-Arsenal attacker struck at the second attempt with a 38th-minute left-foot volley.

Hollingshead wrapped up all three points with the pick of the goals, unleashing a fine low right-foot strike from the edge of the box in the 70th minute.

The result means LAFC have collected 10 points from four games, to sit atop the Western Conference with the best record in the MLS. Winless Vancouver have one point from four games.

MAMA THERE GOES THAT MAN AGAIN!!! @rmhollingshead WITH A LASER. pic.twitter.com/RYizTP49iL

— LAFC (@LAFC) March 21, 2022

Darlington Nagbe poked home a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser as Columbus Crew snatched a 1-1 draw at New York Red Bulls, denying the hosts top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Tom Barlow had inadvertently put the Red Bulls ahead in the 84th minute from a scramble following a corner but Nagbe pinched a point late after reacting quickest from Steven Moreira’s low cutback.

Diego Fagundez earned Austin a 1-1 home draw with Seattle Sounders with a 70th-minute strike, after Will Bruin opened the scoring in the 43rd minute from Cristian Roldan’s assist.

Seattle’s Kelyn Rowe came closest to a winner with a 74th-minute effort hitting the crossbar.

.@darlingtonnagbe WITH THE TOUCH #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/uwY1K1gVpj

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) March 20, 2022