15-year-old debutant @efrain_alvarez1 speaks after a bonkers win at home. #LAvPORpic.twitter.com/bo0Y93HxYd
— LA Galaxy II (@LAGalaxyII) October 8, 2017
CARSON, Calif. – The Efrain Alvarez era with LA Galaxy II began with a bang last weekend.
The 15-year-old LA Galaxy Academy product became the youngest player in USL history with his 45-minute shift in Los Dos’ 3-2 victory over Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday. Alvarez made an immediate impact off the bench, helping set up the team's second goal with a pinpoint free kick to Jack McBean.
We take the lead! @efrain_alvarez1 👉 @jackmcbean#LAvPOR: https://t.co/JPEDnv44Zdpic.twitter.com/GaZVTzX9oC
— LA Galaxy II (@LAGalaxyII) October 8, 2017
Following his debut, the youngster was over-the-moon with his first appearance.
“It was super exciting to make my debut for this organization, for everything that they gave me. I’m proud to have given the 45 minutes that I could, and I’m proud we got the W at the end,” Alvarez told LAGalaxy.com. “I worked hard. The yellow card stopped me a little bit from defense, but I gave some balls that changed the game.”
In just 45 minutes of professional action, Alvarez did not look out of place as his off-the-ball runs repeatedly opened space for attackers while his service frequently set up dangerous scoring chances. With just one game remaining for Galaxy II this season, the teenager could be in line to get more minutes for Los Dos.
“Efrain has worked very hard the last month and a half to get where he needs to be from a fitness and physical standpoint. Credit to the kid for buckling down and working hard,” Munoz said afterward. “He’s a player who is capable of making a difference. He’s a player who added an instant spark to the group, whether it’s through his possession or passing ability. When you come in and get an assist as a 15-year-old it changes the game for us.”
