The LA Galaxy II maintained their presence in the USL Cup Playoffs for a third consecutive season, but for the first time the side failed to register a postseason victory as it fell on the road against the Swope Park Rangers. But while the side was unable to replicate its Western Conference Championship of 2015, there remained a number of positives over the course of the season.

Leading the way was the performance of Jack McBean, who took a major step forward with an All-League First Team selection after a career-high 15 goals in the regular season. Others, such as Jaime Villarreal and Adonis Amaya also came to the fore more prominently, while the effect of Los Dos on the Galaxy as a whole was seen in three-time USL All-League selection Daniel Steres’ quick acclimation to MLS action. 

2016 USL SEASON IN REVIEW

Record: 12-7-11, 47pts
Place: Fifth in the Western Conference
Goals For: 52
Goals Against: 42
USL Cup Playoffs: Western Conference Quarterfinals (L 3-0 at Swope Park Rangers)

2016 leaders: Jack McBean (15 goals), Adonis Amaya (5 assists), Jose Villarreal (5 assists), Clement Diop (62 saves)

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The Galaxy II attack made a brilliant return to form, leading the Western Conference with 52 goals as McBean more than doubled his career goals total in the league with 15 tallies. Ariel Lassiter (9 goals), Jose Villarreal (6 goals, 5 assists) and Adonis Amaya (4 goals, 5 assists) also chipped in as Los Dos proved to be one of the  most entertaining sides to watch throughout the season.

WHAT WENT WRONG

McBean’s departure, being sent on loan to English club Coventry City FC after signing as a Homegrown Player with the Galaxy midseason, saw the side need to reset, and instead of being able to push forward at the top of the Western Conference a five-game winless streak that included a 4-3 loss to the Portland Timbers 2 after being ahead by three goals at halftime, saw the side finish outside the top four at the end of the season.

GOALS OF THE SEASON

Jaime Villarreal’s goal against San Antonio FC illustrated how effective Los Dos could be at piercing an opponents’ defense with their quick passing movement.

USL 20 Under 20 selection Ryo Fujii scored with this outstanding long-range effort against Arizona United SC, highlighting why USL coaches deemed him one of the league’s top young talents.

SAVES OF THE SEASON

Clement Diop saw his first MLS action for the Galaxy this season, but was again key to Los Dos’ success thanks to saves like this against Seattle Sounders FC 2.

Diop’s outstanding shot-stopping ability came into play against OKC Energy FC as well, as this stoppage-time save preserved a point for the Galaxy II as the season came into the home stretch.

HE SAID IT

“I think it was another great year for our project. I think we came out of the gate really well. We were getting results and midway through the season, we lost Jack McBean who was an integral part of our team. It took us a little time to adjust, but what it did was allow us to give chances to younger players. It meant more time for Lassiter, Amaya, and [Ethan] Zubak. They all stepped up and they all got better.” – LA Galaxy II Head Coach Curt Onalfo