Prep Soccer Player Arrested for Kicking Foe in the Head

A former Harvard-Westlake High soccer player was arrested Monday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon--his foot--after he allegedly kicked an opponent in the head during a match.

A videotape taken by a parent shows Harvard-Westlake’s Dwight Angelini, who is being recruited nationally by colleges, kicking Notre Dame player Ryan Herrera in the head during a Feb. 3 game. The tape helped lead the North Hollywood Division of the Los Angeles Police Department to recommend charges be filed by the L.A. County District Attorney’s office.

Angelini, 17, was released to his parents, and a decision on whether to file formal charges is expected in three to five weeks.

Angelini was ejected from the game--his fourth ejection of the season and third in a row--and dismissed from the team. He was suspended from school for two days.

“I meant to kick him, but not to hurt him,” Angelini said two weeks ago. He was not available for comment Monday.

Herrera lay on the Harvard-Westlake field for 45 minutes after the incident and was treated for a concussion.

He blacked out twice in later weeks and still suffers intense headaches and neck pain, according to his family.