LAFC News: Newcomer Andy Najar Doesn’t Believe Chicharito Will be a Threat, Hints at Possible Carlos Vela Return?

With the return of MLS in Orlando, in the form of a mini-tournament, the rivalry many LA soccer fans know as El Trafico will return on July 18, with LA Galaxy and LAFC set to face off in Group F. 

While the matchup is still a couple of weeks away, that hasn’t stopped newcomer Andy Najar, who has only been officially apart of the club for almost a week, from adding to the growing rivalry between the two clubs. When asked during a Facebook Live chat about having to face Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Galaxy during the tournament, Najar simply downplayed it stating: 

“I have Vela with me, the best player in the league, I don’t care about Chicharito.”

It was an interesting comment from Najar as Vela is expected to skip the tournament to stay in Southern California with his expecting wife. Could Najar be hinting at something we don’t know? Could LAFC’s star player join the team in Orlando?

While LAFC doesn’t necessarily need Vela to succeed throughout the tournament, the reigning MLS MVP’s presence would certainly be a huge boost to the club. The firepower that he brings on the field would have been great to have in a tournament setting, but the club will still have Forwards Diego Rossi and Brian Rodriguez to lessen the blow upfront. 

Even if Vela doesn’t play, the club is still seen as favorites to make it through the tournament on top by Draft Kings. The club has a lot to prove during the tournament as they want to be seen as a threat with or without Vela and improve on their disappointing 2019 season finish.