Paul Arriola and Jesus Ferreira have become a dynamic duo at FC Dallas, working together to propel the club to third in the Western Conference.
The two lead the team’s attack, racking up a combined 24 goals and nine assists.
Though they didn’t begin playing together constantly until the 2022 Major League Soccer campaign, their time together with the US men’s national team facilitated the transition for Arriola after signing with the Texas team in February from D.C. United.
“I met Paul in the national team, and I think from there it was just a bond. Even outside of the field so it makes things easy inside the field, just to connect and play with the guy. He’s a guy that always wants people to succeed, so it’s easy to connect,” said Ferreira.
“Outside of the field we get along, but I do think it’s just more of the fact that we want the same things. We want each other to succeed, we both want goals, we both want assists and you can see that we both look for each other on the field.”
Arriola echoed his teammate, crediting Ferreira’s capacity on the pitch for his own success.
“I say this all the time, Jesus is an amazing player. His soccer IQ is really really high, he has an amazing future, and obviously right now is killing it in the league. Being with him in the national team, getting chemistry and games with him in the national team, being on the same page as him as far as what we want to do, offensively and defensively,” added Arriola.
“Our characteristics as players match really well with what we’re trying to do, and he’s great. He’s one of those guys that can do it all. He can score, he can pass. He can come off the line, and stay with the center backs, so he’s made my life really easy, and a nice transition. Obviously I’m reaping the benefits of playing with him this year.”
The team concluded the 2021 MLS season in 11th place, with just 33 points in 34 games. But now, with the introduction of Arriola and his connection with Ferreira, FC Dallas has surprised last year’s points record. With seven games still left to be played in the regular season, the Texas side holds an MLS playoff position with 42 points in 27 matches and a record of 11W-7L9D.
As Ferreira and Arriola lead the offense, the team is expected to be a frontrunner in the Western Conference playoffs.
