GUADALAJARA, Mexico – The latest American to head south to Club Tijuana is US U-18 international Paul Arriola, who is currently training with the Liga MX champions.
The San Diego-area native is still part of the LA Galaxy’s youth academy, but a team spokesman told MLSsoccer.com that the 17-year-old forward doesn’t have games with the club until late January.
“[Tijuana are] practically my home team considering I live 10 minutes away from the border, so that helps,” Arriola told MLSsoccer.com. “I’ve been down there previously to train with the Under-20s on a trial and I really enjoyed the club, the coaches and the play."
Arriola is leaving the door open regarding his future, stating only that his goal is to become a professional. But he is in the process of obtaining his Mexican citizenship in case a move south is the right fit.
“My great-grandparents on my father’s side were born in Mexico, so my grandfather will receive his citizenship in order to allow me to receive mine," he said.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. Contact him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
