By IVES GALARCEP
For 18-year-old American forward Paul Arriola, simply making it onto the field in Club Tijuana’s season-opening match against Atlas would have been enough of an accomplishment to call his professional debut a success. The former Los Angeles Galaxy Academy star took it a step further though, flashing the skill that made him one of the best youth players in the United States.
Just four minutes into his pro debut, Arriola delivered a beautiful assist to set up Dario Benedetto’s third goal of the match, and help give Club Tijuana a 3-1 lead over Club Atlas. The Xolos were unable to hold the lead though, surrendering a pair of goals in a 3-3 draw on Friday night in Tijuana.
The Xolos were without U.S. Men’s National Team players Joe Corona and Edgar Castillo, who are currently with the U.S. GOld Cup team, while Herculez Gomez is sidelined after athroscopic surgery to clean out his right knee.
Here is Arriola’s assist:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxUI57yGYjQ]
One other American did factor into the match, as Greg Garza started and played 90 minutes at left back in the draw.
What did you think of Arriola’s pro debut? Looking forward to seeing the Xolos play once they have all their Americans on the field?
Share your thoughts below.