– Diario La Estrella de Arica (August 31, 2025)
For the first time, a goalkeeper from Arica embarks on the journey to fulfill the American dream.
Benjamín Puente was recruited by the Los Angeles Huskies and is already counting the hours until his much-anticipated debut in U.S. soccer.
Puente’s signing in the United States reflects his remarkable abilities between the posts and the experience he gained in 2024 when, while wearing the San Marcos de Arica jersey, he was called up to the Chile U-20 National Team.
Exportable Talent
Benjamín Puente successfully passed all physical tests and is ready to debut for the Huskies. He will carry the responsibility of guarding the goal for a team with 11 titles in its history.
“He is a goalkeeper with leadership, strong personality, and intelligence. I’m confident he will perform at a high level as a student-athlete,” said Coach William Da Silva of East Los Angeles College (ELAC).
“We had been looking for a goalkeeper with Benja’s qualities since last November. In Los Angeles, I did a recruitment and didn’t find a keeper with his height and skills,” Da Silva added.
Furthermore, ELAC’s talent scout admitted that when he saw the former San Marcos de Arica goalkeeper in action: “We fell in love immediately, contacted his agent, and brought him here as fast as possible.”
Los Angeles Huskies
To understand the passion the Los Angeles Huskies generate, it is enough to note that their fans fill a stadium with a capacity of 22,355 spectators.
At Weingart Stadium, the story of the first goalkeeper from Arica determined to elevate his city’s name to the top will begin.
