Vela Shines in Mexico's 1-0 Friendly Win

Carlos Vela got the start for Mexico and went the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in a friendly in San Antonio on Wednesday.

In their first game of 2018, Mexico put out a strong side from the start fielding Vela with the likes of Giovani Do Santos, Elias Hernandez, and Jesus Gallardo. But a slew of wasted chances by El Tri meant both sides would go into the break knotted at 0-0.

Giovani Dos Santos would be replaced to start the second half, handing Vela the captain's armband for the remaining 45 minutes. Vela embraced the leader's role becoming the focal point of Mexico's attack until the final whistle. The LAFC man's playmaking ability had El Tri looking much more fluid in the attacking third.

However, it was a set piece that would break the deadlock. Defender Hugo Ayala sprinted away from his marker, sending Jonathan Dos Santos' corner into the side netting with a glancing header to make it 1-0 in the 65th minute.

From there Mexico continued to frustrate Bosnia with long spells of possession and would see the Europeans go down to 10 men when Almir Bekic was shown a second yellow for a foul on Vela in the 84th minute.

Mexico continue their World Cup preparations with a friendly against Iceland on March 23. 

Vela will rejoin his LAFC teammates for a preseason friendly with reigning MLS Cup champs Toronto FC on Friday.