Paul Arriola’s ACL Injury: A Major Setback for Seattle Sounders and USMNT

Paul Arriola’s ACL Injury: A Major Setback for Seattle Sounders and USMNT

In a devastating turn of events for both the United States Men’s National Team and the Seattle Sounders, winger Paul Arriola has suffered a torn ACL. This unfortunate injury occurred during the Sounders’ Concacaf Champions Cup match against Cruz Azul on Tuesday, as confirmed by the MLS club.

Arriola, who is 30 years old, was carried off the field shortly before half-time in what turned out to be a 4-1 defeat for Seattle. The club confirmed on social media on Friday that the injury was indeed an ACL tear. “Best wishes to Paul Arriola as he begins his recovery after suffering a torn ACL v. Cruz Azul,” the team wrote, expressing their support for the player.

This injury is a significant blow to the Sounders, who had high hopes for the 2025 season. Arriola’s absence is expected to last for the remainder of the season, which is a tough pill to swallow for the team that had only recently acquired him in a trade with FC Dallas just two months ago. Arriola had already made an impact with two goals in seven appearances, showcasing his potential to be a key player for the Sounders.

Seattle Sounders’ Injury Woes Continue

Unfortunately for Seattle, Arriola’s injury is not an isolated incident. The club is also dealing with injuries to other key players. Forwards Jordan Morris and Pedro de la Vega are both set to miss between four and six weeks due to hamstring and quad injuries, respectively. This string of injuries could potentially derail the Sounders’ ambitions for the season.

Arriola’s Impact and Career Highlights

Paul Arriola has been a significant figure in American soccer, both at the club and international levels. Before joining Seattle, he played for Tijuana and D.C. United, where he established himself as a reliable and dynamic winger. His contributions to the USMNT are noteworthy, with 50 caps and 10 goals to his name. Arriola’s experience and skill set have made him a valuable asset to any team he has been part of.

What Lies Ahead for Arriola and the Sounders?

As Arriola embarks on his recovery journey, the Sounders will need to regroup and find ways to cope with the absence of their star winger. The team will have to rely on their depth and the resilience of their remaining players to navigate the challenges ahead. For Arriola, the focus will be on rehabilitation and returning to the field stronger than ever.

• Paul Arriola’s injury is a torn ACL.
• He will likely miss the rest of the 2025 season.
• Seattle Sounders are also missing Jordan Morris and Pedro de la Vega due to injuries.
• Arriola has 50 caps and 10 goals for the USMNT.

The road to recovery is never easy, but with the support of his team and fans, Arriola will undoubtedly work hard to make a successful comeback. As for the Sounders, they will need to adapt and find new strategies to keep their MLS Cup hopes alive despite the setbacks.