Arriola was placed in the starting lineup against Panama with Tim Weah out on yellow card suspension and yet again Arriola did not disappoint giving a goal and assist performance in 45 minutes of play for the U.S.A. The speedy winger scored his ninth USMNT goal in 44 appearances and silenced his critics.

Arriola is not a star player that is a given, but he is a very interesting utility player and can provide a huge spark off the bench or be a reliable option in case of injury. Criticized for the simple notion that he plays his club ball in MLS, Arriola was inches away from a transfer to Mexican league power Club America in the winter.

Paul Arriola and Kellyn Acosta big winners in Concacaf Qualifying

At times it would seem that Gregg Berhalter can do no right with the USMNT, all Berhalter has to show for it is a winning record, two continental trophies, and owning Mexico for the better part of two years. Paul Arriola and Kellyn Acosta are “his” players and they have not disappointed their coach when it matters most, clutch time in qualifying.

Acosta had the best game of his USMNT career in Azteca and Arriola was explosive in his 45 minutes against Panama, a half that saw the USMNT run over Panama and virtually seal their World Cup qualification.

At this point, despite all their flaws, it’s time to give this USMNT their due, they are rising to the occasion when it matters most, but for some it is just never enough.

According to TUDNand several media in Mexico,las Aguilashave a strong interest tojoin Arriola in their squad. Even the California native has already accepted there is a strong desirefrom America to take him back to Liga MX: “Yes there is interest from America. I do not know if it’s a rumor or if it is real. I can not reveal too much about it, but it is true: the interest is there”, stated in an interview with Michele Giannone.

Paul Arriola has made his professional debut in 2013 precisely at Liga MX. Xolos Tijuana was his first club, in which he has played 81 games. In August 2017, Arriola was transferred toDC United and became an MLS Designated Player. So far,he has 91 appearances (including Regular Season and Playoffs), 20 goals, and 16 assists. In 2021, he suffereda thigh muscle strain that cut his loan to British Swansea City.

Other players that Liga MX has taken away from MLS in the current Transfer Window

Paul Arriola could become the fourth loss that MLS has because of Liga MX since the end of the 2021 season. In the past years, it has become a more frequent practice to witness this kind of interchange between the US and the Mexican Soccer leagues.

Ventura Alvarado. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, however, he started his career in Mexico with Club America. Before joining Inter Miamiin 2021, Alvarado has worn Necaxa, Santos, and Atletico San Luis shirts. At the MLS, he made just one appearance: against FC Cincinnati. In January 2022 he moved back to Liga MX, rightto FC Juarez.

Oswaldo Alanis.The southpawdefender was a regular starter with Matias Almeyda‘s San Jose Earthquakes since he has arrived at MLS in 2020. However, Alanis’transfer has never been fully owned by the Quakes, so after his loan has ended in 2021, he returned to Liga MX. His new team for the 2022 season is Mazatlan FC.

Jonathan dos Santos. The MLS tale ofDos Santos’ dynasty has come to an end afterJonaended his contract and did not renew it. LA Galaxy enjoyed the FC Barcelona-raised midfielder for 5 seasons (105 games played, 7 goals scored, and 12 assists given) until he has decided to try luck at Liga MX withClub America. Is Paul Arriola following Jonathan’s path?

Rodolfo Pizarro. Inter Miami has signedthe Jokerin 2020 as one of its designated players. Pizarro has one of the highest-paid in MLS, just below World-Class players such as Carlos Vela, Chicharito, and Gonzalo Higuain. Unfortunately, the Mexican player could never fulfill the expectations over him and has decided to go back, in a loan, to Rayados de Monterrey in 2022.

MLS is Back tournament will go from July 8 to August 11 attheESPN Wide World of Sports Complex onWalt Disney World Resort, Florida, and this time, judging by their schedule and some notable absences, anything can happen

Plenty of top-tier players have decided to opt-out of the tournament thus far. Either because of injury, preserve their health, or because of the tournament rules. That’s why we put together a list of the top-10 players that we won’t be seeing in MLS is Back.

10. Lucas Cavallini – Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Canadian star Lucas Cavallini won’t be attending the tournament this time. He cited personal health reasons for this decision, claiming he would love to join his teammates but that he’s currently grieving the loss of two family members.

“This was an extremely difficult decision for me. I would love to be out on the field with my teammates fighting with everything I have to play for this club and community in Orlando,” Cavallini said on a statement. The Whitecaps will also be missing Andy Rose,Georges Mukumbilwa,Fredy Montero, and Tosaint Ricketts.

9.Jürgen Damm – Atlanta United

Atlanta United recently announced the signing of 27-year-old Mexican starJürgen Damm after a breakout season with UANL Tigres. However, the winger will be joining the club shortly after the tournament.

Damm made it to the MLS as a free agent and there’s plenty of excitement in Georgia about the second-fastest player in the world. Sadly, their fans will have to wait a little longer before seeing him in red and black stripes.

8. Leandro González Pírez – Inter Miami CF

Leandro González Pírez will finally make his MLS comeback with Inter Miami CF after a brief hiatus. However, the former champion with Atlanta United won’t be able to play in the tournament due to the league’s transfer policy.

The Argentinean defender spent the past six months with Mexican side Tijuana before deciding to take his talents back to the U.S. He’ll still travel and train with his team in Orlando despite not being eligible.

7. Ike Opara – Minnesota United FC

Ike Opara has made a name for being the best defender in Major League Soccer. He’s already a marquee player in the league and that’s why it’ll be such a bummer to see him sitting out for, at least, the group stage.

The Loons will have a tough task filling in the gap Opara will leave at the center of their defense. The reigning Defender of the Year will continue his rehab with hopes of joining the team for the knockout stage.

6. Felipe Gutiérrez – Sporting Kansas City

Felipe Gutiérrez played a major part in Sporting Kansas City’s plans to start the season. However, the talented Chilean midfielder has been sidelined for months now and won’t be able to suit up until early 2021.

The 29-year-old underwent knee surgery one month ago and is expected to miss 7-9 months, as per the team’s PR. The loss of their top goal-scorer will be quite difficult to overcome for them.

5. Robbie Robinson – Inter Miami CF

There were plenty of expectations around Robbie Robinson entering the tournament. However, he recently left the team’s party in Orlando to attend ‘personal situations’ and won’t be coming back for the tournament.

“Something came up, we discussed it, and for personal reasons Robbie decided to leave the bubble. It made more sense for him to leave the bubble and sort it out,”sporting director Paul McDonough claimed.

4. Paul Arriola – DC United

Paul Arriola has been DC United’s building block since joining the team in 2017. He’s the one who pulls the strings of their offense and that’s why it was such a major blow for them to lose him for such a long period of time.

The USMNT winger underwent surgery after suffering an ACL injury and is expected to miss around9 months.”The trainers shoot for nine months … but obviously I’m shooting to be back before that,” he told MLS.

3. Jonathan Dos Santos – Los AngelesGalaxy

There’s no doubt that Jonathan Dos Santos is one of the most talented players to ever lace them up in Major League Soccer. Sadly, Los Angeles Galaxy will miss his presence in the MLS is Back tournament.

The Mexican star announced last week that he was about to undergo minimally invasive hernia surgery that would keep him in the sidelines for, at least, 6 weeks. Galaxy will need to find someone else to anchor their defense in the center of the pitch.

2. Josef Martínez – Atlanta United

Josef Martínez, MLS’s record-holder for most consecutive goals in league history won’t be attending the tournament either, which is the biggest blow Frank De Boer’sAtlanta United could ever think of.

The Venezuelan striker will be sidelined for a long stretch after suffering an ACL injury. Now, it’ll be up to ‘Pity’ Martínez to finally step up and prove why he was one of the most coveted players in South America.

1. Carlos Vela – Los Angeles FC

And last, but not least, Carlos Vela – the league’s reigning MVP – will also be sitting out of the tournament. According to the Mexican superstar, he’ll use the time to be with his wife amid a risky pregnancy.

“It is in thebest interest of the health of my familyto stay home and be with my wife duringwhat is a risky pregnancy.I will miss being with my teammatesand coaches, but I will be cheering and supporting LAFC from a distance. I can’t wait to be back on the field, playing for all of you and accomplishing great things with our club. Vamos LAFC!” Vela said.