LA Galaxy: Uriel Antuna thrives in Gold Cup debut with Mexico

Uriel Antuna had a dream debut for Mexico’s National Team in their opening fixture of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Here is what it means for the LA Galaxy.

One of the best offseason acquisitions to date in the 2019 Major League Soccer season has been the loan of Uriel Antuna to the LA Galaxy via Manchester City. The Mexican international has been a regular starter for the Galaxy and is one of their most consistent performers.

Due to his impressive run of form with the Galaxy, Antuna garnered attention from Tata Martino and the senior Mexican National Team coaching staff. He was not slated to be a selection for Mexico’s Gold Cup squad, however, he got the call-up just the day prior to the opening match against Cuba.

Fast forward 24 hours and Antuna is now in the starting XI in his first Gold Cup match with Mexico. What transpired was something he could not have even dreamed of. The 21-year-old went on to record a hat-trick which included his first ever senior level goal for El Tri. Mexico went on to defeat Cuba 7-0 in convincing fashion as they enter the Gold Cup as favorites to take the title.

Needless to say, Antuna shows no signs of slowing down as his MLS form has translated to the international stage. There is a lot to be excited about here if you are a Galaxy supporter.

One of the main benefits of Antuna’s inclusion in Mexico’s roster is his interaction with top class Mexican players such as Raul Jimenez and Andres Guardado. Jimenez is coming off of a fantastic season with Wolves in the Premier League and will be a great player for Antuna to work with.

In theory, Antuna should return to the Galaxy at an even higher level than he was when he left for international duty. If he can continue this run of form throughout the Gold Cup, he will continue to get valuable minutes. He may even come out as a Gold Cup champion which can only help his confidence as the MLS season progresses.

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Loan spells don’t always benefit both the player and club, but in this case, it has been a perfect marriage between Antuna and the Galaxy.

As mentioned, Antuna arrived in Los Angeles via Manchester City where he is currently on the books. The Premier League giants have to be impressed by their prospect’s display in both MLS and for Mexico.

One has to wonder what else they want to see the young Mexican international accomplish in order to get a shot at a future with the club. Even if Manchester City does not end up being his club in the future, he is a great example of how MLS can help display the talent of those that are sometimes overlooked.

In the present, though, Antuna is flourishing. And for the LA Galaxy, that is no bad thing whatsoever.