As we’ve mentioned several different times so far, Paul Arriola has gotten off to an amazing start to 2017. So much so that he could be in line to become an impact player for the United States men’s national team this year. His two goals and two assists in six matches so far this season is quite impressive for someone who plays primarily out on the wing and even sometimes drops back into a more defensive role.
U.S. Soccer’s media department caught up with Paul down in Mexico with Xolos as he talks about his time with Club Tijuana and how he had to fight to earn his spot. He also hits on the USMNT and what he hopes to accomplish with them in the future.
Arriola will be very familiar to the new USMNT coaching staff as he was recruited by Kenny Arena at UCLA and with the LA Galaxy Academy. He trained with the Galaxy first team under Bruce Arena and Dave Sarachan as well. So, it’s very likely that the coaching staff knows all about him and is following closely.
“I was a young kid then, but hopefully now if I get the chance to get back, I’ll be excited and motivated to play for a great coach like Bruce and his staff once again.”