LOS ANGELES – Although he hasn’t yet joined his New England Revolution teammates for preseason camp, Arnór Traustason has been staying plenty active on international duty with Iceland.
Traustason appeared in all three of Iceland’s matches this past week as they began 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying in UEFA Group J. The 27-year-old winger started and played 71 minutes in a 3-0 loss to Germany, came off the bench late in a 2-0 loss to Armenia, and started again in a 4-1 win over Liechtenstein, providing the assist on Iceland’s game-winning goal.
The trio of caps bring Traustason’s total up to 40 appearances with Iceland, which currently sits fifth in Group J following the first round of qualifiers.
With international duty done, Traustason now just needs to acquire his U.S. P-1 visa before he can join his new squad stateside. Sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena said on Thursday that Traustason’s appointment has been set for next week.
“I don’t exactly know the answer to that question,” Arena said when asked about a timeline for Traustason to join the Revs, who officially signed him on March 16. “I know he has to complete the process – his P-1 has to go to the embassy. That’s been scheduled. I don’t think he’ll have anything done until about April 7 or 8, so we’re waiting for that final appointment to be completed.”
The Revs are currently in Los Angeles, California, where they’ll play three more preseason matches against LAFC (April 3 and April 10) and LA Galaxy II (April 7) before returning to Foxborough to make final preparations ahead of their regular season opener at Chicago Fire FC on April 17.
