Mauricio Cuevas LA Galaxy Defender #19 Performance Highlights and Career Overview

Alright, Galaxy fans, let’s talk about Mauricio Cuevas—number 19, and a name that’s buzzing around Dignity Health Sports Park these days. At just 22, Cuevas has turned heads on the Galaxy’s back line, grabbing minutes and starting spots since joining up in 2023.

He’s got sharp tackling, real composure when things get tense, and a knack for reading the game. That’s not something you see every day from such a young defender.

Cuevas, a U.S. youth national team product, now starts for the LA Galaxy as a key defender, and honestly, he’s showing a lot of promise in MLS.

His journey—from the academy to the first team—just proves how hard work and a little bit of flair can get you a spot in one of Major League Soccer’s most storied clubs. Coaches and fans? They’re watching him closely, hoping he sticks around and becomes a mainstay for years to come.

Check out some of Cuevas’s recent stats with the Galaxy:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	17	1	2
2024*	12	0	1

*2024 stats as of July.
Want more on his background? LA Galaxy’s official player page has it all.

Mauricio Cuevas: Key Facts and Profile

Cuevas, rocking that number 19 for LA Galaxy, has settled in as a reliable part of the defense. He’s a local guy—roots in Los Angeles—and his steady rise through the club really shows.

Personal Information

Mauricio Aimar Cuevas was born February 10, 2003, right in Los Angeles, California. He’s American, 22 years old, and you can’t help but notice his commitment and that homegrown feel.

If you’re into the numbers, he stands 5’9” and weighs about 150 pounds.

Cuevas worked his way up through the LA Galaxy Academy before joining the senior squad. Those years playing local youth soccer and with U.S. Youth National Teams helped him slide right into Major League Soccer.

Table: Basic Personal Info

Name	Mauricio Aimar Cuevas
Date of Birth	February 10, 2003
Age	22
Place of Birth	Los Angeles, California
Height	5’9″ (175 cm)
Weight	150 lbs (68 kg)
Nationality	American

Want to dig deeper? His Wikipedia profile has all the details.

Player Position and Playing Style

Cuevas lines up as a right-back, and he’s become a key piece in LA’s defense. You’ll spot him tracking back, but he’s not shy about pushing forward either.

He tackles well, keeps his positioning sharp, and makes quick decisions. When he gets the ball, he’s comfortable, and he loves to get up the field for those overlapping runs.

Cuevas has stamina for days and stays locked in, even when things get hectic. Fast wingers? Crosses flying in? He’s up for the challenge every time.

For the full rundown on his role and style, check his MLS player profile.

Current LA Galaxy Squad Role

Cuevas wears number 19 and usually starts or rotates in as right-back. In the 2024 MLS season, he played 19 matches and scored once, showing he’s got something to offer on both ends.

He often marks the opposition’s best attackers and tracks runners on his side. He fits right into the Galaxy’s system and isn’t afraid to jump into the attack.

His academy background means he knows the club’s style inside and out. Expectations? Yeah, they’re high.

For a closer look at his 2024 stats, FootyStats has you covered.

Club Career with LA Galaxy

Cuevas has taken a unique path with LA Galaxy, moving up from the academy to the first team in MLS. As a defender, he’s shown grit, steady growth, and flashes of real value on the field.

Initial Signing and Debut

Cuevas made his return to LA Galaxy after a spell overseas, signing with the club before the MLS Primary Transfer Window closed in 2023. The Galaxy brought him back from Club Brugge, reuniting him with the club where he first made waves in the academy.

He jumped right into the first team and strengthened the defense. In those early matches, Cuevas showed maturity—good positioning, quick recoveries, and a calm head on the right flank.

His debut season? He didn’t waste time. Cuevas grabbed minutes in league games and looked right at home, both with the ball and when defending.

Jersey Number and Squad Status

You’ll spot Cuevas in the number 19 jersey, which has already become linked with his energetic play on the right. His role has grown, moving from promising new guy to a regular name on the team sheet.

He fits into the rotation and gives the Galaxy flexibility at the back. Coaches trust him to step in at right-back, especially when injuries or rotations hit.

At 1.70 meters, he makes up for any lack of height with sharp movement and smart positioning. Whether starting or coming off the bench, you know what you’re getting.

LA Galaxy – Mauricio Cuevas (#19) 2024 Squad Role

Attribute	Value
Age	22
Position	Defender (Right-Back)
Jersey Number	19
Joined	April 2023
Contract Ends	December 2025
Club Option	2 Years (until 2027)

Notable Performances for LA Galaxy

Cuevas has already put together some key moments since coming back. His defensive numbers look solid—good tackling, sharp passing, and he transitions well up the right.

In 2024, he chipped in with goals and assists that actually swung results in tight matches. One highlight? Scoring his first goal for the main squad—fans loved it, and you could see his attacking instincts on full display.

Defensively, he’s helped lock down wins, showing composure when the pressure’s on. That kind of energy and calm? It’s what sets him apart and keeps him in the lineup.

Here’s a quick look at his recent stats (as of July 2025):

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024	20	1	1
2025	(ongoing)	–	–

For the latest numbers, check his current stats and details.

Youth Development and LA Galaxy Academy

Cuevas grew up in LA and wasted no time making a name for himself. He shined in the LA Galaxy Academy and later in the USL Championship, proving he was ready for the next step.

Progression through LA Galaxy Academy

Cuevas started at the LA Galaxy Academy at just 13—one of the youngest in the mix. He trained with some of the best local talent, building up his technical skills and tactical smarts every season.

He stood out for his consistency, and coaches leaned on him in big moments. That kind of trust? It doesn’t come easy.

Cuevas didn’t just skate by on talent. He soaked up the pro environment, learning the Galaxy’s style from a young age. That’s what helped him mature ahead of schedule and compete with older, stronger players.

Achievements in U.S. Soccer Development Academy

Cuevas’s time in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy was more than just showing up. He started matches, made big plays in defense, and even chipped in on attack.

Scoring four goals in 19 matches in 2019 as a defender? That’s impressive.

Here’s what his 2019 Development Academy stats looked like:

Season	Matches Played	Matches Started	Goals Scored
2019	19	19	4

He grew in high-pressure games and led teammates his age. Scouts took notice, and soon he was in the mix with U.S. Youth National Teams.

Impact with LA Galaxy II

Cuevas made the jump to LA Galaxy II in the USL Championship at just 16, signing his first pro contract. The technical staff counted on him in key defensive roles throughout the season.

He proved he could handle older, tougher opponents. Cuevas defended well and kept getting forward, showing he fits the mold of a modern fullback.

Playing in USL sped up his learning and toughened him up for MLS. Those games with Galaxy II set the stage for what you see now—a complete player, ready for bigger challenges.

International Experience and U.S. Youth Teams

Cuevas has built a strong profile with the U.S. Youth National Teams, making his mark as a promising right back. He’s appeared in big tournaments like the Concacaf U-20 Championship and even earned invites to the U.S. squads for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Appearances for U.S. Youth National Teams

Alright, let’s talk about Mauricio Cuevas and his climb through the U.S. Youth National Teams. He started with the under-17s and kept pushing up, making his mark at every level. Cuevas played for both the U-17 and U-20 squads, picking up some real experience in those international matches and tournaments.

His technical skills and calmness on the ball? Coaches noticed right away. He became a regular in those youth lineups, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.

Here’s a quick look at Cuevas’ U.S. youth national team record:

Age Group	Years Active	Appearances (Caps)	Goals
U-17	2019	17	0
U-20	2022–2023	15	2

Coaches leaned on Cuevas for his steady defending and leadership. He went up against teams from Europe and the Americas, sharpening his skills against all kinds of opponents.

Participation in Concacaf U-20 Championship

Now, let’s move to the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship. Cuevas played a key role for the U.S. squad. He started at right back, locking things down defensively and pushing forward with those overlapping runs.

He helped the team win the whole thing. That victory also punched the U.S. ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Cuevas didn’t just start—he wore the co-captain’s armband, too. He chipped in with some crucial assists and made big defensive plays when it mattered. The tournament really showed off his maturity and tactical smarts, especially for his age.

He’s definitely a player to keep an eye on. For more, check out his Concacaf Championship record.

FIFA U-20 World Cup Journey

Cuevas looked set to play in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup with the U.S. He trained and played in the lead-up matches, working hard with the U-20s.

But just before the tournament kicked off, he didn’t make the final roster. That caught a lot of folks off guard.

Cuevas had put together a solid run leading up to the World Cup. Even though he missed the tournament, he stayed involved in the prep games, facing teams like France and England. That kind of involvement still says a lot about his place in the national setup.

Want to read more about his World Cup squad status? Here’s a link to Soccer America.

European Tenure: Club NXT and Club Brugge

Mauricio Cuevas took a bold step early in his career, heading from the U.S. to Belgium. That European stint brought lessons and a taste of higher-level competition.

Transfer to Club Brugge

Back in 2021, Cuevas made the jump from LA Galaxy’s reserves to Club Brugge, one of Belgium’s top clubs. At just 18, he left Los Angeles behind and dove into Europe’s demanding soccer scene.

Club Brugge liked what they saw in his technical skills and defensive work as a right-back. Their plan? Let him develop with their second team, Club NXT, and maybe earn a shot at the first team.

It’s a big move for any young player. Cuevas embraced the new culture and playing style, even though the competition for minutes was tough at a club that’s always in the European mix.

Playing for Club NXT

With Club NXT—the reserve team—Cuevas played in the Challenger Pro League. This league is packed with young talent and real, first-team-level games.

Cuevas got regular match experience against strong Belgian sides. He had to adjust to the fast pace and disciplined tactics of European football.

Here’s a quick look at his Club NXT stats:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2021-2022	16	1	2

You can see he picked up valuable minutes and even chipped in on offense. Training with some of Belgium’s top prospects, Cuevas sharpened his game.

Return to LA Galaxy

After Belgium, Cuevas came back to Major League Soccer and rejoined LA Galaxy. He brought back the experience he gained in Europe, adding some real maturity to his defensive play.

LA Galaxy saw him as someone who could jump right into the first team at right back. They announced his return in April 2023, with a contract through December 2025 and a two-year option on top of that.

That shows some real faith in his long-term potential. Cuevas’ time in Europe wasn’t always easy, but he grew a lot—and now he’s got the chance to show it in MLS.

Rise and Impact in Major League Soccer

Since joining LA Galaxy, Cuevas has made a name for himself as a reliable defender. His time in Major League Soccer highlights his technical skills and steady growth as a young pro.

MLS Performances and Milestones

Cuevas worked his way up from the Galaxy Academy to a key spot in the main squad. When he signed in April 2023, he wasted no time stepping up and showing poise beyond his years.

He’s earned praise for his smart positioning, sharp passing, and disciplined defense. Cuevas is one of those homegrown guys that really underscore the Galaxy’s focus on academy talent.

His U.S. youth national team experience? That gives him an extra edge in MLS.

Check out his recent MLS stats:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Position
2023	15	0	2	Defender
2024	18	1	4	Defender

Cuevas keeps adding value at both ends of the field. Fans and staff are watching his progress closely—he’s definitely one to watch as his career unfolds.

Contributions to LA Galaxy Lineup

You see his impact in the LA Galaxy lineup every single match. Whether he starts or jumps in off the bench, Cuevas brings a spark that really energizes his teammates.

He loves making those overlapping runs—always a danger in attack. Then, just as quickly, he’ll throw in a tough tackle or read the game to lock down the defense.

The coaches trust his versatility, no question about it. He plays on either flank like it’s second nature.

Honestly, his growth just highlights how much the club values its youth and homegrown talent. That’s not something you see everywhere.

Cuevas’s path from the academy to the first team? It’s the kind of story that makes you believe in what hard work and team spirit can do. He’s become a role model for the next wave of MLS hopefuls, all dreaming of wearing that Galaxy badge.

Want the details? Check out his LA Galaxy profile or take a peek at his stats on Transfermarkt.