MLS Week 13, Mexicans Abroad: What we learned

Jonathan dos Santos looked healthy again and scored a scorcher. Meanwhile, Carlos Vela continues to do Carlos Vela things. Here’s what we learned from Week 13.

When Jonathan scores goals, he scores golazos

Jonathan dos Santos grabbed his second goal of the season as the Mexican international helped the LA Galaxy return to winning ways in their 1-0 win over Orlando City. Jonathan’s goal was huge. It wasn’t just because it was a smashing long-range effort, but his goal helped with ending a four-game losing streak for the Galaxy.

Fitness has been an issue with Jonathan in the past, and that’s always going to be a worry. But assuming Jonathan can remain injury-free even after participating with Mexico in the Gold Cup, there is nothing stopping the Galaxy from having one of the best midfields in all of Major League Soccer.

MVP Vela can’t stop scoring

By now, LAFC fans are getting used to chanting MVP every time Carlos Vela scores a goal at the Banc of California Stadium. On Friday, Vela was once again on the scoresheet as LAFC notched a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Impact.

Vela’s goal tally is now up to 15 goals, which is one more than he got all of last season. He also ended the game with two assists, which by the way he also leads the league in with nine. At this point, there is no debating it. Vela is running way with the MVP trophy, and it’s almost kind of sad watching opposing defenses trying to stop him.

As for who Vela credits for his success this season? His answer post-game was his wife for banning him from eating fatty foods. Sorry Mickey D’s, but Vela is a man on a mission.

Marco Fabian’s fitness is a concern

Saturday marked Marco Fabian’s second straight game absent from the Philadelphia Union’s matchday squad as his team suffered a 3-1 home defeat to the Portland Timbers. Fabian has been struggling to stay healthy through the course of the last five weeks, and if you are Mexico National Team coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, there is definitely reason to worry. Fabian has been in and out of the Union’s squad for most of the season, and with the Gold Cup just a a few weeks away, there is a very small window Fabian is working with.

Mexico’s midfield depth isn’t exactly the worst, and in theory, Fabian would have a hard time even getting into Mexico’s starting XI. However, at least for the Union, they will be hoping Fabian’s struggles are out of the way sooner rather than later. The Major League Soccer season is a long one, and it can be especially punishing for a team short in players like the Union.