CARSON, Calif. – Sebastian Lletget is turning into the Galaxy’s Open Cup secret weapon
Lletget came to the rescue once again for the LA Galaxy in the U.S. Open Cup when he scored twice and added an assist to help Los Angeles advance to the semifinals with a 4-2 win over Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday night. Lletget now has four goals in the Open Cup this year, all of which came after the 85th minute.
With the Galaxy just two wins away from their first Open Cup triumph since 2005, the title is so close that Lletget can taste it.
“I’ve never won anything here, so I’m really excited,” Lletget told LAGalaxy.com. “I can’t wait until the next one.”
The 23-year-old has seen his minutes decline this season in a crowded Galaxy midfield, but on Wednesday, he was able to make the most of his chances, especially after the introduction of Gyasi Zardes and Giovani dos Santos in the 74th minute. As Dos Santos and Zardes terrorized the Sounders defense, Lletget was there to reap the benefits, much like he did throughout most of last year.
“Sebastian hasn’t had a regular shift in a while, so it’s good for him,” Bruce Arena said. “Hopefully, he has the confidence to help contribute as we move on into the second half of the season.”
After Dos Santos pulled the Galaxy level, Lletget took the match over. Lletget found space in the box in the 85th minute and tapped home a Husidic pass. The forward found the back of the net again three minutes later when he slotted a fine Zardes’ pass past a helpless Seattle ‘keeper for the fourth and final goal.
Even though Lletget bagged the brace in Wednesday’s victory, he was eager to praise the contribution of the substitutes Dos Santos and Zardes to the victory.
“They are smart players, you know just being clever, Gio [dos Santos] again with that goal, you know just anticipating the play and he did well to finish it, and Gyasi [Zardes] just gave me the perfect ball for the assist, and it’s perfect.”
Lletget will now look to replicate his Open Cup success in league play Saturday when the Galaxy travel to Oregon to take on the MLS Cup champions, Portland Timbers. Although playing time isn’t guaranteed, Lletget will be ready if called.
“We’ll see what the manager thinks," Lletget said. "I just need to keep doing my part and enjoying my football.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@gmail.com
