Paul
Arriola
- Position Forward
- Number 7
- Date of Birth Feb 05 1995
- Hometown Chula Vista, CA
- Height 5' 6"
- Club Swansea City (Wales)
Always active on the wing, Paul Arriola’s combination of speed and flair have made him one of the MNT’s most dangerous wide players in recent years. A product of the U.S. Youth National Teams and LA Galaxy Academy setup, the Chula Vista native began his professional career just south of the border with Club Tijuana in 2013, where he worked his way up the pecking order to a regular place in the side. Three years after signing in Mexico, Arriola made his MNT debut and went on to help the USA to a Gold Cup title in 2017. Now a key member of D.C. United, Arriola’s experience in qualifying and a confederation championship will prove valuable for the MNT leading towards the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
TWO GAMES, TWO GOALS
Having represented the USA at the FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups, Arriola made his mark early on with the MNT in 2016. Earning his debut in a friendly at Puerto Rico, the winger became the 48th player to score in his first MNT appearance in the 3-1 victory on May 22. Arriola made his second appearance four months later, coming off the bench to tally late in a 4-0 World Cup Qualifying win against Trinidad & Tobago on Sept. 6 in Jacksonville. With the two strikes, Arriola became one of just eight MNT players all-time to register goals in each of his first two appearances and one of just four in the modern era (1990-present) to do so.
PERSONAL SIDE
Along with representing the United States, Arriola holds a Mexican passport which he obtained through his great grandparents who were born there and made it easier for him to join Club Tijuana. While playing for Xolos, Arriola became fluent in Spanish and continued to live at home in Chula Vista, making the daily commute across the border to attend training and play in matches. Now playing for D.C. United, Arriola lives in Virginia with his girlfriend and two Pugs.
TWO GAMES, TWO GOALS
Having represented the USA at the FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups, Arriola made his mark early on with the MNT in 2016. Earning his debut in a friendly at Puerto Rico, the winger became the 48th player to score in his first MNT appearance in the 3-1 victory on May 22. Arriola made his second appearance four months later, coming off the bench to tally late in a 4-0 World Cup Qualifying win against Trinidad & Tobago on Sept. 6 in Jacksonville. With the two strikes, Arriola became one of just eight MNT players all-time to register goals in each of his first two appearances and one of just four in the modern era (1990-present) to do so.
PERSONAL SIDE
Along with representing the United States, Arriola holds a Mexican passport which he obtained through his great grandparents who were born there and made it easier for him to join Club Tijuana. While playing for Xolos, Arriola became fluent in Spanish and continued to live at home in Chula Vista, making the daily commute across the border to attend training and play in matches. Now playing for D.C. United, Arriola lives in Virginia with his girlfriend and two Pugs.
