CARSON, Calif. – Ariel Lassiter notched a brace as LA Galaxy II began the season in winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Arizona United SC in front of a record Galaxy II crowd of 2,715 at StubHub Center.
Picking up right where he left off last season, Lassiter was a threat each time he moved toward the goal and ended the night with a pair of finishes each coming in the first half. After starting the year on the right foot, Lassiter was incredibly pleased with his performance.
“It was pretty good. I always want to get on the field and score goals. That’s what I ended up doing,” Lassiter told reporters after the win. “The team did very well throughout 90 minutes. … We got the job done and it was a real team effort.”
Lassiter opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a penalty kick finish after winning the spot-kick moments earlier. The early goal gave Los Dos plenty of momentum going forward, as Arizona United was placed under constant pressure.
The 21-year-old forward added his second of the evening in the 31st minute when the “Goal Puppy” rushed to meet an arching pass by Rafael Garcia. With the ball at his feet, Lassiter coolly beat Arizona goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski.
Galaxy II controlled the tempo deep into the second half, before Oscar Sorto’s red card ejection in the 62nd minute slowed Los Dos’ momentum, but thanks to Lassiter, the job was already done.
“The kid just gets better and better every day,” Galaxy II head coach Curt Onalfo said. “It’s enjoyable to watch.”
Los Dos have a short turnaround for their next match, as they host Saint Louis FC next Wednesday at StubHub Center. With the USL season in full swing, Galaxy II are hopeful that they can start their season with a pair of wins.
“First game, first win, down a man, and we had to really come together and use a real team effort,” Lassiter said. “Those are the types of games that we need to see it all the way through.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
