Height: 5'8"
Weight: 154 lbs
Position: Forward
Born: 8/24/1982
Hometown: Nicoya, Costa Rica
Previous Club: Orlando City SC
Signed on Jan. 14, 2015
D.C. United has announced that the club has signed Costa Rican international Jairo Arrieta from Orlando City SC in exchange for an International Roster Slot for the 2015 Major League Soccer season. The former Columbus Crew forward was selected by Orlando City SC in the sixth round of the 2014 Major League Soccer expansion draft.
Arrieta has spent the last three MLS seasons in Columbus, with 17 goals and nine assists in 67 appearances (53 starts). In his first season with the Crew in 2012, he finished with nine goals (tied for most on the team) in 18 matches including three multi-goal games. He earned MLS player of the Week in his third match after scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City.
"Jairo will provide us with important depth this year at the forward position,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He is a smart player who finds great spots on the field, and we like his work ethic and commitment. We welcome him to the D.C. United family.”
Internationally, Arrieta has made 16 senior appearances for Costa Rica and has recorded four goals. The Costa Rican has represented his country at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup as well as the 2013 Copa Centroamericana and qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Arrieta began his professional career in 2004 with Brujas F.C. of the Costa Rican First Division and scored 11 goals in 56 matches before moving to Deportivo Saprissa in 2006. In five seasons with Saprissa, Arrieta scored 45 goals in 161 appearances in the Costa Rican First Division and CONCACAF Champions League and helped lead his club to five league titles.
