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In some tough news for Paul Arriola and the USMNT, the winger suffered a knee injury while playing against Orlando City in preseason.
Paul Arriola suffered a right knee injury during D.C. United's preseason match vs. Orlando. In a brace, will undergo MRI exam, team says. #dcu #mls
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) February 15, 2020
Steven Goff of the Washington Post noted that he would have an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. However, it does seem like it could be severe as Goff also reported that it is feared that Arriola has a torn ACL.
Since joining DC United from Xolos in 2017, the winger has been a steady contributor in MLS. He’s managed 14 goals and 12 assists in two and a half seasons and has fit in well with DCU undergoing some bumps in the road as they moved into their new stadium.
However, he had several key performances for the USMNT and stepped up his game for the Stars and Stripes in recent years too. His five goals and four assists in 33 appearances have been solid. In the Gold Cup and beyond, he also supplanted Tyler Boyd as a starter and seemed to be a first choice for Gregg Berhalter increasingly for the USMNT.
His injury and recovery may see him miss most of World Cup qualifying, but he should be back in time to compete for a roster spot in the tournament if the US does make it that far.