COLUMBUS, Ohio – Goal scorers' careers are defined on their ability to take advantage of the slimmest opportunities, and if Saturday’s game is any indication, Sebastian Lletget could be destined for success with the LA Galaxy.
Given his first career MLS start after Edson Buddle went down with a muscle injury, Lletget capitalized on his opportunity by scoring his first goal for the LA Galaxy in the club’s 1-1 draw with Columbus Crew SC.
Although Lletget admitted to being surprised about being given the sudden start, he put in an impressive showing after being thrust into the lineup.
“It was pretty crazy how it happened. I was just warming up passing the ball around as we waited with the weather delay… Luckily, I was able to come in and do a good job,” Lletget told reporters after the draw. “I was very excited. My fitness was not where I wanted to be just yet, but I’m getting there. I’ve been working so hard, so I was prepared.”
After a blazing start that saw Lletget notch three shots early in the match, he found the back of the net in 14th minute.
The goal came off a lovely passing sequence by LA that ended when a Robbie Rogers touch took a deflection and fell perfectly for the midfielder. Lletget let the ball roll across his body, and then blasted it into the back of the net for the Galaxy’s only goal.
“To be honest, I don’t know how the ball got there, I just know that I turned and I finished. It just happened so quickly. I know that is funny to say, but all I know is that I turned and I finished it, and everything else was a blur,” Lletget said. “The goal gives me confidence and I hope that I can keep getting goals and assists for this team.”
After his goal, Lletget did not relent as he continued to press a Crew defense that allowed him plenty of space in the flanks. The 22-year-old nearly notched a second goal in the 80th minute when he found his way into the Crew penalty area only to see his chance snuffed out by the home side’s defense.
“He played very well tonight. It was a very impressive showing on his part,” Arena said. “He did a good job, held the ball up; his passing was good, get out of tight spaces. He did a good job.”
With his Galaxy account officially opened, the confident Lletget has no plans of slowing down.
“I’ve been ready for this chance and I’m always grateful for this club, and especially Bruce [Arena], for giving me this chance,” Lletget said. “Hopefully, I can keep starting and working with my teammates to get goals.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
