Fresno native Max Arfsten is headed to the World Cup as part of the U.S. National Team.
Arfsten, a winger for Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer, was named to the national team roster on Tuesday.
The big picture: National team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino selected Arfsten as one of the 26 players to try to deliver the United States a World Cup victory on home soil this summer.
Driving the news: Arfsten starred for San Joaquin Memorial High School before attending UC Davis to play soccer at the collegiate level.
- He left UC Davis ahead of the 2022 season to sign with the San Jose Earthquakes reserve team and went on to score nine goals.
- The Columbus Crew selected Arfsten in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, kicking off his career in the top flight of professional soccer in the U.S.
- This year, Arfsten has started all 15 matches for the Columbus Crew, scoring 4 goals and recording 4 assists.
Representing team USA: Arfsten made his first appearance with the national team in January of last year, going on to make 18 appearances with the team.
What he’s saying: “Making this roster is my ultimate dream come true,” Arfsten said. “I’m super thankful for everyone that has helped me get here. Moments like these make me think of all the sacrifices my parents have made to help me get to this point, and I’m very thankful and grateful I can repay them in some way. I’m grateful for Issa Tall and the Columbus Crew, who have done nothing but support me and have been rooting for me during this process with the national team. A huge thank you to everyone from Fresno who molded my mentality and those at UC Davis who believed in me from a young age. I think playing for your country is the pinnacle of a player’s career, and I’m excited and motivated to keep going.”
What we’re watching: Arfsten and the U.S. National Team opens up its World Cup schedule against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles.
- The national team will continues with games against Australia on June 19 and Turkey on June 25 to wrap up the group stage portion of the World Cup.
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