FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Fresno native Max Arfsten may not have played in the United States’ 4-1 World Cup victory over Paraguay on Friday night.
But you couldn’t tell in his hometown, where his jersey was worn at watch parties and chants of “Let’s Go Max!” erupted.
The World Cup opener for the Americans was a chance for Max’s close circle of friends – Milton Blanco, Mason Gonzalez and Jonny Navarro – to celebrate one of their own.
“If you are from Fresno, you’re not supposed to make it out of here. You’re not expected to,” said Navarro.
“But he leans on his people, his faith, and he just puts the work in. I’m literally not surprised. It’s crazy to see it happen, but I’m not surprised.”
They’ll watch the next U.S. match to see if Arfsten makes his World Cup debut then. The Americans face the Australians next Friday, June 19th, in Seattle at noon Pacific time.