A Young Player Get’s His Chance
Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles midfielder Paul Arriola has been added to the United States National Team World Cup qualifiers roster Saturday. Arriola joins coach Bruce Arena’s squad for the upcoming match against Panama.
Arriola joined the team in San Jose, Calif. prior to its departure to Panama City Saturday night. The Chula Vista, Calif. native has been a regular in Club Tijuana coach Miguel Herrera’s lineups this season.
The 22-year-old has played in nine LIGA MX matches this season, starting in seven. He has two goals, scoring against Club Puebla and Club Leon. Arriola has been an integral part of Herrera’s strategy — a speedy Arriola working the right flank as an attacking defender.
This is Arriola’s first call up by Arena.
The young Xoloitzcuintle had been called to United States national team camps by former coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Arriola, who has three caps and two goals, made his debut with the senior national team in May during a friendly against Puerto Rico, scoring his first goal in that match.
Arriola also was part of the United States’ 4-0 win against Trinidad & Tobago in a World Cup qualifier in Jacksonville, Fla. in September.
Arriola has been part of the United States youth teams beginning at the Under-14 category. Arriola played in two World Cups for the United States, the 2011 version in Mexico and the Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand in 2015.
