We’re hearing some substantial player announcements this week out of FC Dallas.
First off, FC Dallas acquired U.S. Men’s National Team winger Paul Arriola from D.C. United. This has a great energy behind it. Arriola has represented the U.S. National Team at various levels throughout his career, including 42 USMNT appearances since his senior debut in 2016. Arriola made his USMNT debut, scored his first international goal and recorded his first assist in the 3-1 win against Puerto Rico on May 22, 2016. He also helped the USMNT capture Gold Cup championships in 2017 and 2021.
“To have a player like Paul Arriola come to FC Dallas is really an amazing thing,” said FC Dallas President Dan Hunt. “Very few players have a resume like he does at the age of 26. He’s also an incredible locker room guy. You don’t get to captain the U.S. national team if you’re not of the highest caliber and a great professional who works hard and has the admiration of his teammates and the coaching staff. We’re thrilled to welcome Paul to Dallas.”
Arriola, 26, joins FC Dallas after starting his MLS career with D.C. United as a Young Designated Player in August 2017. He played 92 matches overall, including 89 MLS regular season matches, and scored 20 goals and recorded 16 assists throughout five seasons with the club. In February 2021, Arriola was loaned to EFL Championship side Swansea City and made his debut in the 2020-21 FA Cup match against Manchester City before returning to D.C. United due to injury.
They’ve also signed 2022 MLS SuperDraft pick Lucas Bartlett (1st round, 6th overall) to a one-year contract with club options for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 seasons.
No joke when we say he’s SportsCenter material. Bartlett was a three-year captain at Drake University and was named to the First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference in 2020-21, the All-MVC Scholar Athlete First Team, the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team and the MVC All-Tournament Team. Bartlett scored the equalizer in the 2-1 win in extra time against Valparaiso in the MVC Tournament on Nov. 13, 2019, which was later featured as the No. 2 spot on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays.
