 Ariel came to Irapuato for the Apertura 2002 season.In his first season with the team he won the Second Division title with Irapuato beating La Piedad in the Final though Penalties in which Ariel missed his penalty but Irapuato still won.During the play offs in that season he contributed by scoring against Oaxaca in the quarter finals on December 4, 2002, and once again in the semi final against Tapatio.