Maximilian Arfsten: A New US National Team Talent with Armenian Roots

The name of Maximilian (Max) Arfsten is now well known among soccer fans in the United States. The young forward, born in Fresno, has already made his debut for the US national team and contributed significantly to the team's success on the international stage. There is special interest in Arfsten from the Armenian community, as he is connected to the Armenian diaspora of California through his family line.

Armenian Heritage: Confirmed Facts

Maximilian Arfsten is the great-grandson of Samuel Siroonian, a prominent businessman from the Armenian community in Fresno. Samuel Siroonian himself came from a family of Armenian immigrants and was a notable figure in the local diaspora.

An obituary published in The Fresno Bee directly states:

“He is survived by... his grandson, Timothy Arfsten and his wife, Lisa, of Fresno, and their son, Maximilian.”

Thus, Maximilian Arfsten is indeed a descendant of the Siroonian family with Armenian roots.

Career with the US National Team: Officially Cap-Tied

As of now, Maximilian Arfsten has played 7 matches for the US national team, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist. Both of these contributions came in the quarterfinal match of the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Costa Rica, which helped the team reach the semifinals. The match took place on June 30.

It is important to note that by playing for the US senior national team in official competitions, Arfsten is no longer eligible to represent Armenia, despite his Armenian heritage.

While Arfsten is already cap-tied to the US team, his Armenian roots generate interest and pride both in the Armenian diaspora of California and among fans worldwide. The Armenian community in Fresno follows Max's achievements and takes pride in the fact that Samuel Siroonian’s great-grandson has achieved international football recognition.

However, the 24-year-old winger will not be able to help the Armenian national team, as he is cap-tied to the US.

It is worth noting that Arfsten is not the first Armenian to play for the US national team; previously, Alecko Eskandarian, the son of former Iran international Andranik Eskandarian, represented the country.