MLS Week 3, Mexicans Abroad: What we learned

Week 3 is in the books in Major League Soccer. There was no Marco Fabian this week because of suspension, but at least one Mexican player keeps showing up in the stat sheet every week. Here’s what we learned from Week 3.

Uriel Antuna can play...as striker

There is sill no Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the Galaxy, which means coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto is starting to take some desperate measures. Typically a wide player, Schelotto went with Uriel Antuna up front against Minnesota United on Saturday, and to the surprise of many, the Mexican youngster had arguably his best game in a Galaxy jersey.

After Jonathan dos Santos(remember him?) opened the scoring in the first half from a penalty, which Antuna earned, the 21-year-old recorded with his first career MLS assist to help put his side on their way to a 3-2 win over The Loons.

It is unknown when Zlatan will return, but achilles injuries can be real tricky, especially for a 37-year-old. For the time being, Antuna might be somebody Schelotto looks to for future games. He has certainly earned it.

Memo Rodriguez is on the radar

Houston Dynamo forward Memo Rodriguez had a game to remember on Saturday as he notched two goals in his side’s 3-2 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. For Rodriguez, it was his third goal in three games, and this is his best start with the Dynamo since joining as a homegrown player.

Carlos Vela is a legitimate MVP contender

Carlos Vela was efficient once again for Los Angeles Football Club. The Mexican forward scored twice in LAFC’s 2-2 draw with NYCFC.

Bob Bradley did mention at the end of last season he wanted Carlos Vela to take over games more often. Although this performance wasn’t quite as dominant as last week’s, there is no denying that Vela continues to be the main difference maker for this team. He is on pace to have an MVP-calibre season, and it begs to wonder why he was not included in Mexico’s latest squad.