CARSON, Calif. – Ariel Lassiter is done being the “Goal Puppy.”
Heading into a 2017 campaign that promises to offer the forward plenty of possibilities to establish himself under new head coach Curt Onalfo, the 22-year-old forward is seeking to transform his charming sobriquet from the puppy to a full-fledged “Goal Dawg.”
The original bearer of that nickname was Lassiter’s father, Roy Lassiter, who remains one of the greatest strikers to ever play in MLS. Since his youth, Lassiter has followed in his dad’s illustrious footsteps, but heading into the 2017 season, he says it’s time to step out of his shadow.
“It’s time to become the dawg now. The puppy has to go out the window,” Lassiter admits. “This is do-or-die for the Galaxy, I think. This has to be a big year for us, and it will be.”
The 2017 campaign promises to be a busy one for the 22-year-old who has made just four league appearances in two prior seasons with the first team. With Onalfo promising to offer the team’s younger players substantial minutes throughout the campaign, Lassiter is in a position be a major contributor for the squad.
“I think that this is a fantastic opportunity not only for myself but all the young players on the team. It’s an opportunity that I have to grab by the horns,” Lassiter said. “Every time that I step on the pitch, I have to produce, create and find ways to score goals and get in the right spots to create for myself and others. It’s something that I’ve worked really hard for in the offseason.
“I know that my name will be called upon and it’s just a matter of being ready and being prepared both mentally and on the field to be prepared to contribute and be ready when it comes to game time.”
Lassiter’s big break could come as soon as the team’s home opener on March 4 Home Opener against FC Dallas.
With Gyasi Zardes still on the mend from knee surgery, Onalfo has auditioned several players alongside Giovani dos Santos including his former Galaxy II teammates: Jack McBean and Jose Villarreal. All three strikers were major contributors in Onalfo’s Galaxy II squads in recent years and have earned substantial minutes this preseason.
Given his lofty expectations for 2017, Lassiter believes the time is now to seize his chance with the first team.
“I just take it game by game, if I can get on the pitch and score goals, then I’m happy. I just want to score goals and win games, that’s all I’m about,” he said. “I’m a striker that it only takes one and then the goals will be able to keep on coming, so I just need to find that first goal.
“Overall for me, [this year is] all about scoring goals. I mean, the puppy has to eat. The puppy has to eat.”
Lassiter has been one of the more dangerous attacking threats for Onalfo’s squad this preseason but has yet to find the back of the net. Although Lassiter has yet to open his account during the preseason, Onalfo has been encouraged by his progress.
“He keeps improving. He’s going to make some mistakes like we all do, but he keeps moving in the right direction. That’s what we want,” Onalfo said recently. “We want competition in the position and we want guys to continuously to prove.”
His chance to lock down a significant role with the first team finally before him, Lassiter relishes the challenge ahead as he looks to prove his chops in MLS.
“This is what I’ve always wanted. I love the pressure. I thrive off of it. This is an opportunity for myself and others to show that we are ready for this level and to show the fans that this is a new era with a bright future,” Lassiter said. “The biggest key to this young squad is energy.
“Everybody is very hungry to get on the field to score goals and win games, and ultimately, do what the Galaxy are known for, and that’s winning championships.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
