Update on Gabriel Funes

Both David Dir and Uche Okafor, Gabriel Funes’ former coaches at Associated Soccer Group Dallas, have told me that Funes is not a US citizen. He was a legal resident of the country during his time in the US, however. Funes, who was born in Argentina and moved to the US with his family at the age of 10, has recently made three appearances for legendary Buenos Aires side River Plate, scoring a goal in their 2-0 victory over Tigre earlier this week.

Argentina-born Texas product Gabriel Funes returns to Argentina–starts for River Plate–scores a goal

Gabriel Funes, the 18-year-old Argentina-born Texan who won the 2008 Sueno MLS competition and then signed with Argentina’s River Plate, has made three appearances for the legendary Buenos Aires club.

On Monday, he scored his first goal.

From high school soccer in the US to scoring goals for River Plate. What a story, and what a potential talent. If anyone has any information on Mr. Funes’ citizenship status, please let me know.