ProSoccerTalk Player of the Week: Jairo Arrieta

Chicago Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson was about 60 seconds from putting an early end to ProSoccerTalk’s weekly, roiling debate over MLS Player of the Week.

The man was a reinforced stop-shop against San Jose; Chicago held a 1-0 lead against the best team in MLS late into the Buck Shaw Stadium night.  If there had been just 7 minutes of extra time, he would have nailed it. (It’s a tough standard, I know. But we’re tough around here at ProSoccerTalk; we eat sticks for breakfast.)

(MORE: Highlights of Sean Johnson’s big night in goal for Chicago)

Steven Lenhart did what San Jose does – scored late to rescue a point (or all three points in other cases). Johnson had 10 saves, but just couldn’t reach No. 11.

So, congratulations, Jairo Arrieta (pictured)! Columbus’ man of the moment scored twice in Kansas City, leading his team to a big upset over one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams.

Arrieta, a recent signing at Crew Stadium, hit goals in the 17th and 34th minutes. His first was a real striker’s strike, a slash into the 18 followed by two quick and aggressive touches that arranged a quality, confident finish.

The second? An absolute beauty, a half volley game-winner from about 30 yards. (Watch it below.)

By the way, this came a day after Columbus announced the singing of Argentine forward Federico Higuaín as a Designated Player. So, a front line of Higuain and Arrieta? Doesn’t that look promising as the Crew maneuvers for playoff positioning?

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