Mexican duo, Antuna and Dos Santos, lead LA Galaxy to victory

The Los Angeles Galaxy returned home for Major League Soccer’s third week of action, hosting Minnesota United in front of a crowd of more than 21,000. For the second straight week, they also found themselves without stars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romain Alessandrini.

In response, Coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto made some slight changes to his lineup, moving Mexican youngster Uriel Antuna from his usual midfield position to that of the lead striker, taking Zlatan’s usual spot.

The changes seemed to work, as the Angelinos started the game with a lot of energy, dominating from the start. Almost as soon as the match began, they were able to get a few shots in at goal with Minnesota United for their part also responding with a couple of shots on their own, but nothing notable for either side.

The game continued with Galaxy controlling the ball most of the way. An inspired Rolf Feltscher quickly became a nightmare for the Loons defense down the wing and helped spur on the Galaxy’s dominance. The Mexican winger-turned-striker Antuna for his part showed a lot of energy, if not as much creativity. He would contribute in a significant way; however when at the 33rd minute he was taken down inside the penalty box after receiving a charge from behind from Loon’s defender, Osvaldo Alonso.

After receiving VAR confirmation, Galaxy captain and Mexican star, Jonathan dos Santos, stepped up to take the penalty and successfully converted it to put the home team up 1-0. The Galaxians continued pressing afterward, looking to extend their lead. And they’d get just that, when only five minutes later after receiving a superb thru ball from Emma Boateng, Rolf Feltscher, centered in a ball that forward Chris Pontius would knock in with his chest.

With the score at a comfortable 2-0, the home team continued their dominance and closed the first half with the same energy that they started with at the beginning.

For the second half, the Angelino’s seemed to pick up where they left off. But their first-half dominance quickly gave way to a back and forth between the Loons and the Galaxians. The visitors caught a break at the 75th minute when midfielder Jan Gregus rifled in a powerful shot that was too much for Bingham to handle.

But the Galaxy quickly responded when, just five minutes later, Uriel Antuna centered in a precise ball for recent USMNT call-up, Sebastian Lletget, to push in, making the score 3-1. But again, some five minutes later, Minnesota would respond with a goal of their own, after a header from Abu Danladi bounced off Bingham’s right post and to a wide-open Angelo Rodriguez. The Loons pressed further for the final 10 minutes of the game, but the home players were able to defend as a team to preserve the win.

With an assist for goal and a very energetic style of play, not to mention the drawn penalty, Mexican Uriel Antuna was far and away the man of the match. Head Coach Barros Schelotto, during his post-game press conference, hailed it as Uriel’s best game so far. Assisting his stellar play behind him was Mexican-American, Joe Corona, Sebastian Lleget and Mexican star, Jonathan Dos Santos.

The recent Mexico national team call up, Jonathan, was also praised by GBS, as well as his colleagues, for leading and managing the team to a win.

Next up for Uriel Antuna and the LA Galaxy are the Portland Timbers, whom they’ll be hosting at Dignity Health Sports Park. As for the Loons, after receiving their first loss of the season from the Angelino’s, they will travel across the country to visit a struggling New England Revolution.