The 26-year-old midfielder, looking to build on a productive 2021, seems poised for big things with his new MLS club and on the international stage.
Carlos Vela has quickly learned to expect a lot from new Los Angeles Football Club midfielder Kellyn Acosta.Country trumps club on Thursday night when Acosta and the U.S. men’s national teamat the fabled Estadio Azteca against Vela’s countrymen.
The last time the two sides met under similar circumstances, Vela and Acosta lined up against one another during a 1-1 draw in Mexico City five years ago. With 11 of the 14 qualifying matches for 2022 in the books, the U.S is once again positioned to make the World Cup, this time in Qatar, and keeping aware that the group has not yet accomplished its mission.
Acosta played three times for the U.S. in the previous window, starting in a stress-reducing 3-0 victory over Honduras that broke open after his long-range free kick to Weston McKennie was headed into the net at the 8-minute mark. That result kept the U.S. tied with Mexico, four points behind group-leading Canada.
“He’s slipped in personality-wise. His character and leadership skills have been very important in getting us off to a good start,” said LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo, a veteran of three World Cup teams and a U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame defender.