MLS Week 23, Mexicans Abroad: What we learned

Uriel Antuna and Jonathan dos Santos welcomed a new teammate, while Carlos Vela made history once again. Here’s what we learned from Week 23 in Major League Soccer.

Antuna is going to require patience with Pavon arrival

The Los Angeles Galaxy was on the news this week as they completed the long-awaited signing of Cristian Pavon. Pavon is undoubtedly a huge coup for the five-time MLS Cup champs, but it leaves coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto with a selection dilemma.

One of the players set to have his role redefined will be Uriel Antuna. The Mexican international has typically played his best on the left side of the field, but Pavon’s arrival will likely mean he will see more action on the right. At least that’s what we saw on Sunday in Pavon’s first start.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto has always been high on Antuna and has backed the Mexican youngster on repeated occasions, but he has also publicly spoken about how much he needs to improve, particularly on his finishing and final ball. Schelotto isn’t wrong, and with Pavon now in the frame, it’s going to take some time for Antuna to find his most effective role on the attack once again.

That said, Antuna did shine this summer in the Mexico National team, in a team where, like in the Galaxy, he wasn’t always the main emphasis on the attack. Maybe he can do something similar wit the Galaxy

Carlos Vela officially becomes the top Mexican goalscorer in MLS

It’s Carlos Vela’s league and we are all living in it. The 30-year-old was once again phenomenal for Los Angeles Football Club, scoring a goal and notching two assists in the team’s 4-2 win over New York Red Bulls.

The big headline here is Vela surpassed Erick “Cubo” Torres and officially became the top Mexican goalscorer in Major League Soccer history. Say what you want about Vela, but 37 goals in less than two seasons is impressive no matter what league you play for. When it’s all said and done, he is probably going to go down as the best Mexican player to ever play in Major League Soccer, and he is not done breaking records just yet.

Vela also goes top in assists table

It’s easy to talk about goals, especially when you score so many. But Carlos Vela quietly went top of the assists table with his performance against the New York Red Bulls.

It’s no secret that LAFC have been one of the best sides off set-pieces, and Carlos Vela’s delivery has been a huge part of that. Both of Vela’s assists in this game came off free kicks.

If you want another record, Vela’s pair off assists also helped him tie Sebastian Giovinco for most combined goals and assists in a single MLS season.