SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Earthquakes attacker Cristian Espinoza has been named to Major League Soccer’s Team of the Matchday, formerly known as Team of the Week, for Matchday 38. The MVP candidate’s first-half goal propelled the Quakes to their first Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance since 2020.
Espinoza’s goal came after a crucial tackle from Jeremy Ebobisse won the ball in the attacking half. The loose ball found Espinoza open and with space to fire a low shot into the bottom corner. Espinoza finished the regular season with 26 goal contributions (13g, 13a), accounting for 66.7% of the Earthquakes’ total goals (39). This percentage of involvement ranks first in club history and ties for first in the league this season. Espinoza is now also tied with teammate Jeremy Ebobisse for fourth most goals in club history.
The MLS Team of the Matchday selection is Espinoza’s ninth of the season and 16th since joining the club in January of 2019.
MLS TEAM OF THE MATCHDAY (MATCHDAY 38)
Forwards: Bernard Kamungo (DAL), Duncan McGuire (ORL), Johnny Russell (SKC)
Midfielders: Cristian Espinoza (SJ), Darlington Nagbe (CLB), Diego Luna (RSL), Richie Laryea (VAN)
Defenders: John Tolkin (RBNY), Jackson Ragen (SEA), Griffin Dorsey (HOU)
Goalkeeper: Kristijan Kahlina (CLT)
Coach: Troy Lesesne (RBNY)
Bench: Carlos Coronel (RBNY), Steven Moreira (CLB), Álvaro Barreal (CIN), Coco Carrasquilla (HOU), Kerwin Vargas (CLT), Dániel Sallói (SKC), Julián Fernández (NYC), Giorgos Giakoumakis (ATL), Gustavo Bou (NE)
