Rewritten Content:
Brenden and Paxten Arsonson have showcased their skills on much better football fields than the notorious "dungeon" basement in New Jersey. Their mother, Janelle Arson, reminisces, "We had to install special lights to prevent them from breaking them during play. I also had to secure the poles in the basement to ensure their safety as best as I could."
On June 10th, Janelle was at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, where she witnessed George and Ruinanchev from the Soviet Union become the fourth set of brothers to play together since 1979. Brenden recalled, "I played with him when I was around seven, and he was merely two."
At just 24, Brenden is already a World Cup veteran, having participated as an alternate in all four US matches in Qatar three years ago. Meanwhile, his younger brother Paxten, who turned 22 in August, is eager to make the US squad for next year’s World Cup, which they will co-host.
US manager Mauricio Pochettino noted, "They’re very different players, each contributing uniquely." Both brothers have made it onto the CONCACAF Gold Cup roster, with their team set to face Guatemala on Wednesday night and aiming for the final against either Mexico or Honduras on Sunday. They progressed through the Philadelphia Union Academy before making their way to Europe, with Brenden transitioning to Major League Soccer at ages 19 and 20.
Reflecting on their upbringing, they recalled how their father, Rusty, nicknamed their basement. "We always played there before or after meals," Paxten shared. "We created a mini-pitch using carpets and makeshift goals, often breaking lights in the process."
Rusty, who played college soccer at Monmouth, now leads a risk management company and acts as the sports director at Real Football Academy in Medford, New Jersey. In addition to his sons, 18-year-old sister Jaden will start her freshman year on Villanova’s soccer team this fall.
"I don’t understand how others train without a sibling to push them," Brenden said. "During shooting drills, I sometimes take breaks, but I know he is striving to outperform me."
Brenden made his MLS debut against Philadelphia in March 2019 and has played for teams such as Salzburg, Leeds, and Union Berlin. He made his US debut in 2020 and has scored nine goals across 51 international appearances.
Paxten debuted in MLS in May 2021 and has played for clubs including Eintracht Frankfurt and Vitesse. He made his first appearance for the US in 2023 during the Olympics.
Before the friendly against Switzerland, the brothers hadn’t played together since their youth academy days. They briefly contended with each other on November 4, 2023, when Brenden played for Eintracht Frankfurt against Paxten’s Union Berlin.
Over the years, they’ve had their share of sibling rivalries. Brenden recalled, "There were times he managed to get the better of me, and being the older brother, there’s pressure to win."
Recent frustrations included moments of intense competition. “I was kicking the ball against the wall, sometimes it’s just too much,” he admitted.
But soon after, they would return to playing FIFA video games together. Following the Gold Cup and a short vacation, Brenden heads back to England to prepare for the Premier League season with newly promoted Leeds, while Paxten will join Eintracht Frankfurt unless loaned elsewhere.
Report by Associated Press.
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Fan Take:
The rise of the Arsonson brothers exemplifies the growing depth of American soccer talent, which is crucial as the US gears up to co-host the World Cup next year. Their success might inspire a new generation of players, promising a bright future for soccer in the United States.
