MLS Week 11, Mexicans Abroad: What we learned

It was a nightmare week for the LA Galaxy. Meanwhile, Carlos Vela bounced back from last week’s performance with a golazo. Here’s what we learned from Week 11.

Marco Fabian is back

Marco Fabian made his return to the Philadelphia Union’s starting XI in their 2-1 win over Toronto FC. Fabian missed about a month of action due to injury but returned his usual role on Saturday, playing the whole first half before being subbed out in the 58th minute.

For a team relatively thin in depth, the Union has been one of the surprise teams this season, with 23 points from 12 matches. Fabian has only played in about half of those matches, but barring another injury, you'd expect him to have an increased role going forward.

The Galaxy struggle without Jonathan

The Los Angeles Galaxy had a nightmare week. In addition to losing Jonathan dos Santos through injury, the Galaxy lost both of their matches, falling 3-1 to the Columbus Crew and 2-0 to New York City Football Club. For the five-time MLS Cup champs, it was their third defeat in a row after going unbeaten in their previous seven.

The good news is Jonathan’s injury doesn’t appear to be serious and it looks like he will be ready to go just in time for next week’s game. That said, it just goes to show you how important Jonathan has been for the Galaxy this season. He has been a key component in Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s midfield and his absence through the course of the last two games had made the Galaxy seem more like an average team.

Carlos Vela with the bounce back performance

Following his disappearance act last week against the Chicago Fire, Carlos Vela refused to make it two games in a row, scoring in Los Angeles FC’s 3-0 win over the Columbus Crew. Vela gave several warnings throughout the game, but it wasn't until the 90th minute that the Mexican got on the scoresheet with a stunning left-footed strike from distance that nestled into the back of the net.

While LAFC continues to be at the top of the Western Conference standings, the real news came before the game, with rumors that Vela has no interest in participating in the Gold Cup with El Tri. With Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Hector Herrera, and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano all possibly out, a Vela absence would only further complicate things for coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino. Then again, this wouldn’t be the first time that Vela says no to playing with the Mexico National Team.