Paul Arriola is really enjoying 2016 so far. The Club Tijuana midfielder became the first American to score in his USMNT debut since Juan Agudelo pulled off the feat in 2011. His goal against Puerto Rico undoubtedly left a great first impression on Jurgen Klinsmann and the USMNT.
He has continued his fine form early in the Liga MX Apertura season too. While he was an unused sub in Tijuana’s season opener, he got the start in the club’s 3-0 victory over Toluca in Copa MX and scored this great goal from the right flank:
H/T to @babynatsabroad for the clip
Thankfully the potato used to film the goal was on hand so we were able to see this piece of individual magic. Arriola collected a pass on the right flank, dribbled in and out, past a defender, then struck a fantastic low shot beyond the diving Toluca goalkeeper and into the net.
With many (hopefully) World Cup qualifiers coming up in the next 12 months, it’s inevitable that some young players will be given a chance. If Arriola can continue doing impressive things like this, he’ll for sure be given a call-up for important matches in the near future.