Fresh off Tuesday night's 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Costa Rica and Jamaica, Crew striker Jairo Arrieta returned to training with the Crew Thursday morning in Obetz. Though Arrieta was not featureed in La Sele's 2-0 win over the Reggae Boyz or in last Friday's 1-0 loss to the United States, Arrieta was proud to represent his country in an effort to qualify for soccer's biggest stage.
With one goal in three matches so far this season, Arrieta knows he must continue to produce for the Black & Gold to earn a call-up for Costa Rica's next Qualifiers in June.
"It's an honor for me to be playing for my National Team, but the only way I can play with the National Team is by performing with the Crew," the striker said through a translator. "I'm focused on doing a great job with the Crew, that way I have the opportunity to be called-up again."
In addition to the World Cup Qualifiers in June, Arrieta could miss time with Crew for this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup. Arrieta helped Costa Rica clinch a berth in the tournament by earning the Golden Boot in the Copa Centroamericana in January.
"I know I will play in qualifying games in the near future," Arrieta said.
"The only way I'll have that chance is if my performance with the Crew is better and better every game."
