In front of a record crowd of 2,715, LA Galaxy II (1-0-0) defeated Arizona United Saturday night at StubHub Center behind a first-half brace from forward Ariel Lassiter in the opening match of the 2016 USL Regular Season.
Lassiter opened the 2016 account for Galaxy II when he tallied in the first half. He found space down the right side minutes into the start of the match and was taken down by an Arizona United SC defender in the box. The 2015 leading scorer for Los Dos stepped up to the spot and tallied the game’s opening goal.
15 minutes before halftime, Lassiter doubled the score for Galaxy II. Midfielder Rafael Garcia got on the end of an Arizona United turnover before lofting a perfectly-weighted ball over top the Arizona defense. Lassiter got on the end of the pass and slotted it past United SC goalkeeper Carl Wosczynski.
Shortly into the second half, defender Oscar Sorto was sent off with a straight red after fouling Nick Costa, who was in on goal, as Los Dos played the remainder of the second half with 10 men.
Despite playing a man down, Los Dos controlled possession for the remainder of the match and closed out the game at StubHub Center, giving them all three points in the opening match.
Next, Galaxy II will face Saint Louis FC at home midweek on Wednesday, March 30, at StubHub Center. Los Dos’ schedule picks up quickly from the gate; the team will play six games in its first month of competition. For a full LA Galaxy II schedule, visit www.lagalaxy.com/2.
Scoring Summary:
LA – Ariel Lassiter (penalty) 10’
LA – Ariel Lassiter (Assisted by Rafael Garcia) 30’
Lineups:
LA Galaxy II Starting XI: Clement Diop; Oscar Sorto, Lee Nishanian, Dave Romney, Nathan Smith; Denzel Slager (Josh Turnley 66’), Alejandro Covarrubias, Rafael Garcia (Bryam Rebellon 65’), Bradford Jamieson IV (Jaime Villarreal 82’); Ariel Lassiter (Adonis Amaya 90’), Jack McBean.
Bench: Bennett Sneddon, John Neeskens, Nathan Zubak, Kainoa Bailey.
Referee: Alex Chilowicz
Referee’s Assistants: Eddie Jeff and Cameron Blanchard
4th Official: Ramy Touchan
Attendance: 2,715
