Dave Kasper, United general manager and VP of soccer operations
“This is a very strategic investment and the type of investment the club wanted to make all along. We’re very pleased that we got it over the line thanks to Tijuana and to Paul’s agent, and we’re very pleased with the result. We’ve added talent, we’ve filled positional needs and we’re very excited, not only about Audi Field, but about this year because the season’s not over.”
Paul Arriola
“I think in the end, I had to look at all of my goals--short-term, medium-term and long-term--and when I looked at that, I think the plan that D.C. had for me, talking with Dave specifically, was what I was looking for and I think that made it easy. I’m American and ever since I’ve been watching soccer, I’ve always followed MLS and the more it’s grown, the more I've watched, and the older I’ve gotten the more teammates I’ve had or played with in the past play for an MLS team.
The interest to play in Major League Soccer has always been there; four years ago, it wasn’t the right time for me and I opted the other way, but I knew I wanted to come back. People say it’s been a rough season, but in the past years they’ve been in the playoffs...Especially with the new players that we have and the young, newer faces going forward, I think it’s great.
Obviously, getting a new stadium and slowly transitioning to that is something that’s going to be very special and I’m really excited for it. In the end, you have to do what makes you happy and the only thing you can ask for as a human is to search for happiness. In the end, this was a spot I felt comfortable with and that was the great decision. Playing-wise, I’m looking to grow and constantly be on the field.”
Ben Olsen, United head coach
“This is an injection of new blood and talent at the right age who are hungry and represent what myself, Dave and the owners want out of players. I think that will translate with the fans because of the players that they are, but also because of the people that they are. They’re all selfless and they’re going to come here and give everything that they have, adding to what is already in that locker room, and there’s a lot of good in that locker room.
There’s going to be a lot of talk right now about Paul and the signings, but keep in mind that we have a lot of very talented players in there and hopefully the marriage is a successful one, but it takes a bit of time.”
