P. Arriola’s Secret Plan to Make Midfielders Jealous — and Why Seattle Fans Are Petitioning for His Own Statue (Seriously)
Let’s talk about Paul Arriola—a veteran winger who’s brought over a decade of professional experience to Seattle Sounders FC. He grew up in the LA Galaxy academy and kicked off his pro career with Club Tijuana.
Arriola made his name in MLS with D.C. United and FC Dallas before landing in Seattle. He’s quick, relentless, and not afraid to lead, so he’s a smart addition to the Sounders midfield.
Seattle picked up Arriola in early 2025 from FC Dallas, trading allocation money and a future draft pick for him. They wanted his impact, even though he’d just battled through an injury. His time at Club Tijuana and his international runs with the U.S. Men’s National Team shaped him into someone who can handle the pressure of a club with big ambitions.
He’s 30 now, with MLS All-Star honors, Gold Cup titles, and more than 300 pro appearances under his belt. From Mater Dei Catholic High in Chula Vista to the international spotlight, Arriola’s journey mixes resilience and skill. His evolving story in Seattle—his recovery, his role, and those international moments—still has some twists left.
Contents
P. Arriola’s Role at Seattle Sounders FC
Paul Arriola arrived in Seattle in early 2025 after a trade from FC Dallas. Brian Schmetzer got another proven MLS winger with international experience—someone who can stretch defenses and add depth out wide.
Position and Playing Style
You’ll usually find Arriola on the right wing, though he can flip to the left if needed. His game is built on pace, direct runs, and quick give-and-gos in the final third.
He doesn’t drift inside as much as some wingers do. Instead, he hugs the touchline to give fullbacks room to overlap.
His pressing jumps out right away. Arriola closes down defenders fast, forcing turnovers high up the field. That approach fits Seattle’s desire to win the ball early and break forward.
He’s not a big goal scorer, but he serves up quality balls into the box. He values efficiency—making smart runs to create space for others, not just chasing after every ball.
Impact on Team Dynamics
When Craig Waibel brought in Arriola, the roster found some balance. Jordan Morris and Cristian Roldan were already options out wide, but Arriola added another true winger who gets how MLS works.
His arrival lets Morris move centrally or Roldan slide inside, which gives the Sounders more tactical flexibility. That unpredictability is tough for opponents.
In the locker room, his experience with D.C. United, FC Dallas, and the U.S. Men’s National Team brings leadership. Younger players watch how he prepares and recovers—especially since he’s bounced back from tough injuries before.
Key Matches and Performances
In his first few months, Arriola quietly helped the Sounders stretch defenses, even if he didn’t grab headlines. On the road, his movement opened up space for teammates like Raúl Ruidíaz and Albert Rusnák.
He made a difference in a 3-1 win over Houston, pressing hard and forcing turnovers that led to chances. He didn’t get on the scoresheet, but you could see his impact in the buildup.
Here’s a quick look at his MLS stats before joining Seattle:
| Season | Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | FC Dallas | 34 | 5 | 8 |
| 2023 | FC Dallas | 28 | 3 | 7 |
| 2022 | FC Dallas | 34 | 10 | 7 |
He’s not flashy, but he’s steady. That’s exactly what Seattle wanted.
Transfer to Seattle Sounders FC
Paul Arriola’s move to Seattle shook things up in MLS. He left FC Dallas for a new start in the Pacific Northwest, with both clubs weighing draft picks, allocation money, and salary in the deal.
Details of the Trade from FC Dallas
Seattle grabbed Arriola from FC Dallas for two main pieces: their natural first-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft and up to $300,000 in General Allocation Money, depending on performance.
Dallas kept part of Arriola’s salary budget charge for 2025, which gave them some financial breathing room. For Seattle, the trade brought in a veteran winger with international experience without taking on his full salary.
He spent three seasons with Dallas, playing 96 matches and tallying 18 goals and 19 assists. Dallas lost a piece in attack, but Seattle gained a flexible midfielder who can play wide or slide inside.
Contract Terms and General Allocation Money
Arriola signed a three-year deal through 2027, with a club option for 2028. That setup gives the Sounders some stability but also lets them pivot if things change.
The General Allocation Money (GAM) is conditional. Dallas only gets the full $300,000 if Arriola hits certain marks—appearances, goals, assists, that sort of thing. MLS trades like this are pretty common now.
Arriola Career MLS Regular Season Stats
| Club | Years | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D.C. United | 2017-2021 | 92 | 20 | 16 |
| FC Dallas | 2022-2024 | 85 | 18 | 19 |
| Seattle Sounders | 2025- | — | — | — |
Seattle showed they’re willing to invest in experience while still watching the budget.
Expectations and Reactions
General Manager Craig Waibel called Arriola versatile and a leader. He’ll compete for starting minutes on the wing and offer depth in midfield. His ability to play different roles gives Brian Schmetzer more options.
Seattle’s staff values his time in MLS, Liga MX, and those 50 U.S. Men’s National Team caps. That’s a lot of credibility in a locker room already full of veterans.
Reactions around the league? Pretty measured. Dallas fans remember his strong 2022 season with 10 goals, but they also saw his numbers dip a bit later on. For Seattle, this move signals a push to reload ahead of Concacaf Champions League.
Arriola, who grew up in Chula Vista and played briefly at UCLA, now gets a shot to thrive in a system that values speed and pressing. Expect him to be busy right from the start.
Injury and Rehabilitation
Paul Arriola’s 2025 season took a turn after a major knee injury in March. Let’s look at what happened, what recovery looks like, and how Seattle is dealing with the fallout.
ACL Injury Details
The injury happened in a Concacaf Champions Cup match against Cruz Azul on March 11, 2025. Arriola went down awkwardly late in the first half, and doctors soon confirmed a torn left ACL.
He had surgery on March 24 in Santa Monica with Dr. Bert Mandelbaum. The operation went well, but the recovery timeline made it clear he’d miss the rest of the season.
He’d just joined Seattle from FC Dallas in January and played six matches, scoring twice. That versatility and early impact were exactly what the Sounders wanted from a U.S. Men’s National Team regular.
Match where injury occurred:
- Date: March 11, 2025
- Opponent: Cruz Azul
- Competition: Concacaf Champions Cup
- Result: 4–1 loss
Rehabilitation Process
An ACL tear really tests your patience. Arriola started rehabilitation right after surgery, working first on regaining motion and keeping swelling down.
Next up: building strength around the knee. That means controlled exercises, balance work, and eventually running drills. For someone who depends on speed and pressing, the timeline matters a lot.
Seattle’s medical staff will stay close, but most players need 9 to 12 months to get back. If all goes well, he’ll target early 2026 for a return.
Rehab stages usually look like this:
- Early mobility and swelling control
- Strength and stability training
- Light running and agility work
- Full-contact training sessions
Impact on 2025 Season
Arriola won’t see the field again this year. The Sounders put him on the Season Ending Injury List, so he’s out for all 2025 competitions. That move gives the roster some flexibility, but it’s a big blow to the attack.
Seattle brought him in for experience and creativity, and he’d already scored twice in limited minutes. Now, the club has to explore replacements, and reports say they’re in talks to sign a replacement.
Here’s what Arriola did for Seattle before the injury:
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Concacaf Champions Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Seattle now has to adapt without him, juggling short-term solutions and long-term plans for his comeback.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Paul Arriola has built his career on consistency, both in MLS and Liga MX. He’s earned recognition for his versatility and relentless work rate.
You see the impact in his club contributions—goals, assists, and timely plays. Internationally, with the U.S. Men’s National Team, he’s played important roles in regional tournaments and big matches.
MLS and Liga MX Experience
Arriola’s professional journey really kicked off with Club Tijuana in Liga MX. He signed there in 2013 after coming up through the LA Galaxy academy.
He played regularly for Tijuana, facing off against top Mexican clubs and finding the net a handful of times in league and cup play. Those years in Mexico gave him a solid foundation before he made his way back to the U.S.
In 2017, he joined D.C. United and quickly became one of their most dependable attacking threats. Across several seasons, he put up consistent numbers—like that 2019 run with six goals in 30 matches.
He went on a short loan to Swansea City in 2021. Not long after, he landed with FC Dallas, where 2022 turned out to be his best MLS season yet: 10 goals and seven assists.
By 2024, Arriola ended up with the Seattle Sounders FC, bringing his veteran experience and proven production to the Pacific Northwest.
Career League Stats (selected seasons):
| Year | Club | League | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | Club Tijuana | Liga MX | 39 | 4 | — |
| 2019 | D.C. United | MLS | 30 | 6 | 2 |
| 2022 | FC Dallas | MLS | 34 | 10 | 7 |
| 2024 | FC Dallas | MLS | 34 | 5 | 8 |
Notable Club Contributions
Arriola’s club career stands out for its steady consistency rather than wild flashes of genius. At D.C. United, he brought width and energy, stretching defenses and opening up space. His six goals in 2019 proved he could step up when the pressure was on.
He took things up a notch with FC Dallas. In 2022, he notched MLS All-Star honors and grabbed the MLS Player of the Month for May award. That season, he became a key part of Dallas’ attack, mixing speed with smart passing.
When he moved to the Seattle Sounders in 2024, he added depth to a squad already loaded with attacking talent. Sure, injuries—including a tough ACL tear in 2025—cut into his minutes, but his presence gave the Sounders a seasoned pro for big moments.
International Success with U.S. Men’s National Team
Arriola’s international career with the U.S. Men’s National Team has been pretty steady and productive. He made his debut in 2016, scoring in his very first senior game against Puerto Rico.
Since then, he’s picked up more than 50 caps and hit double digits in goals. Not bad at all.
He’s got two Concacaf Gold Cup titles on his résumé—2017 and 2021. In 2017, he played five matches and started four. In 2021, he started four more and helped the U.S. lift the trophy again.
He also played a part in the 2019-2020 Concacaf Nations League title run, showing up in several matches. During World Cup qualifying for Qatar 2022, he scored in a 5-1 win over Panama, stepping up when it mattered.
U.S. coaches have trusted Arriola in both qualifiers and tournaments. His blend of MLS and Liga MX experience made him a solid, reliable pick for big games.
If you want to dig deeper into his career, you can check out his Seattle Sounders profile or his Wikipedia page.
International Competitions and Honors
Paul Arriola’s career isn’t just about club soccer. His time in international tournaments has tested him against top competition, and that experience adds real value to Seattle Sounders FC.
Concacaf Champions Cup Participation
Arriola’s run in the Concacaf Champions Cup stands out. He got his first taste of the tournament with D.C. United, then with FC Dallas, facing teams from all over Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Those matches required high energy and sharp tactical awareness—traits that still show up in his game with Seattle.
For the Sounders, Arriola’s ability to play as a winger or a wingback gives the team real tactical flexibility. He can press high, drop back to defend, or stretch the field in attack. That versatility helps Seattle adjust to whatever style they run into in the tournament.
His regional tournament record isn’t just about goals. He’s always there providing defensive cover and creating chances:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Clubs Represented |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concacaf Champions Cup | 14 | 2 | 4 | D.C. United, FC Dallas, Seattle Sounders FC |
These numbers show he’s not just a starter—he’s someone who can shift momentum when things get tight.
FIFA Club World Cup Involvement
Arriola’s international résumé also includes a connection to the FIFA Club World Cup. Seattle Sounders FC became the first MLS team to qualify in 2022, but Arriola joined them later in 2024, after their appearance.
So, he hasn’t played on that stage yet. Still, if the Sounders win another Concacaf title, he’ll get his shot.
His stints with Club Tijuana in Liga MX and Swansea City in the EFL Championship already gave him a taste of international-level competition. That background makes it unlikely he’ll be rattled if Seattle gets back to the Club World Cup.
The tournament pits teams against champions from Europe, South America, and Asia. With 50 U.S. Men’s National Team caps, Arriola’s got the experience to handle those high-stress games. If Seattle qualifies again, you can bet he’ll bring a mix of work rate and leadership.
Personal Background and Off-Field Influence
Paul Arriola’s story reflects both his Mexican-American roots and his steady climb as a pro. You see those same qualities in how he leads teammates and connects with Seattle’s community—his impact goes well beyond the pitch.
Early Life and Heritage
Arriola grew up in Chula Vista, California, born in 1995. Living near the U.S.-Mexico border gave him a real sense of both cultures.
That connection influenced him, especially when he joined Club Tijuana in Liga MX as a teenager. Instead of going the college route, he chose to sign with Tijuana early. He did spend a bit of time at Mater Dei Catholic High School and trained with U.S. youth programs, which helped prepare him for the demands of international soccer.
His Mexican heritage still shapes his outlook. You’ll notice it in his bilingual communication with teammates and fans, and the pride he takes in representing both sides of his background. For Seattle, that cultural link adds something extra to a diverse locker room and city.
Leadership and Locker Room Presence
Arriola brings more than just pace out wide. His time with D.C. United, FC Dallas, and now Seattle shows how he sets the tone for younger players. Coaches often highlight his work rate in training as an example.
At 5-foot-6, he doesn’t win with size. Instead, he relies on consistency and accountability. Teammates know he’ll press, track back, and compete in every drill. That dependability builds trust, which matters a ton in a long MLS season.
Career Leadership Snapshot
| Club | Years | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club Tijuana | 2013-2017 | 114 | 11 | 7 |
| D.C. United | 2017-2021 | 92 | 20 | 16 |
| FC Dallas | 2022-2024 | 96 | 18 | 19 |
| Seattle Sounders | 2025– | — | — | — |
That track record shows why you can rely on him as both a contributor and a steadying presence.
Community Engagement
You can spot Arriola’s influence in the way he connects with fans and local groups. Back in Dallas, he jumped into youth soccer programs, and he’s already bringing that same energy to Seattle.
He uses his bilingual skills to reach more people all over the city. That’s a huge plus.
Arriola talks openly about mental health and what it’s really like to be a pro athlete. Fans appreciate that honesty—they want to know the people behind the jerseys, not just the stats.
Seattle has this strong community outreach culture, and honestly, it’s a great fit for him. You’ll probably see him at team events, whether it’s youth clinics or charity drives.
For a club that really values staying close to its fans, Arriola’s eagerness to get involved just makes his arrival feel all the more meaningful.
