We’ve reached the eve of Christmas Eve and only two nights remain until Christmas morning!
There were a flurry of signings for United in the 2017 summer transfer window, but let’s take a look back at Santa's two attacking reinforcements that he gifted Black-and-Red fans in August. The future looks bright for United after the signing of Young Designated Player and USMNT midfielder Paul Arriola and Hungarian international Zoltán Stieber. The two attacking players have quickly forged relationships with midfield partner Luciano Acosta as they add new dimensions to United's dynamic offense.
Paul Arriola
After plying his trade in Mexico with Club Tijuana, Arriola made the transition to Major League Soccer with D.C. United on Aug. 10. The midfielder was a revelation for head coach Ben Olsen with his energy and technicality in the wide areas. His work rate on both sides of the ball made him a valuable asset to United and his one goal and two assists in his first season make him a promising prospect for the Black-and-Red.
Arriola made the score sheet for the first time when he provided two assists to Patrick Mullins in the 4-0 win against San Jose on Sept. 23. The 22-year-old was an engine on the right side of the midfield and delivered two perfectly-placed crosses for Mullins in the second half.
The USMNT player then etched his name into D.C. United history books when he became the final goalscorer for the Black-and-Red at historic RFK Stadium on Oct. 22. Arriola was all smiles when Acosta played him a perfectly-weighted ball at the back post that he smashed past Luis Robles on the volley for his first career MLS goal—a goal that would win the Week 33 MLS Goal of the Week.
Zoltán Stieber
While Arriola was an engine on one side of the midfield, Hungarian international Stieber provided the same quality on the opposite side of the pitch. The left-footed midfielder was a deft passer with natural composure in the opposition's attacking third. He quickly built a rapport with teammates that led to him scoring once and recording one assist in his first six starts.
Any United player who scores against the New York Red Bulls is going to automatically earn respect from the Black-and-Red faithful, and Stieber took that to heart on Sept. 27 at Red Bull Arena. United went down a goal after the Red Bulls' Tyler Adams beat Steve Clark with an accurate drive into the far left corner. In first-half stoppage time, the Black-and-Red won a free kick just outside New York's penalty box and Stieber stepped up to have an effort on goal. His shot took a fortunate deflection off Bradley Wright-Phillips and nestled past Luis Robles for his first career MLS goal. Next came the famous "Zoltán" celebration!
Stieber was on the score sheet again when he supplied a secondary assist for a Patrick Mullins' goal in the 70th minute. The midfielder was electric on the night and a clever bit of build-up play between him and Russell Canouse led to the tap in opportunity for Mullins to secure his fifth goal in two games.
