SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Earthquakes defender Vítor Costa and forward Cristian Espinoza have been named to Major League Soccer’s Team of the Matchday for Matchday 13. The duo’s contributions in attack were crucial in the club’s 3-2 come-from-behind road victory last Saturday over Colorado.
Costa notched two assists on Saturday for his first career helpers for San Jose, as well as his first multi-assist game. In a performance that earned him Man of the Match honors presented by Coors Light. With the Quakes down 2-1 heading into intermission, Costa headed Espinoza’s corner kick to Hernán López, who promptly smashed the volley into the back of the net for the equalizer for his first MLS goal. Both earned credit for assists, with Espinoza's eight tallies now trailing only Inter Miami CF's Lionel Messi for the league lead (12).
In the 66th minute, the Quakes would take control of the game when Costa notched his second assist of the night, finding Espinoza for the go-ahead and game-winning goal as San Jose would capture their first win in Colorado since 2013.
The MLS Team of the Matchday selection is the fourth of the season for Espinoza and 20th overall, and first for Costa in either category.
The Quakes are preparing for their away game against the Portland Timbers on Wednesday, May 15. Kickoff from Providence Park is set for 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as well as on local radio AM 810 The Spread (English) and AM 1370 La Kaliente (Spanish).
MLS TEAM OF THE MATCHDAY (MATCHDAY 13)
Forwards: João Klauss (STL), Christian Benteke (DC), Luis Muriel (ORL)
Midfielders: Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Luciano Acosta (CIN), Matías Rojas (MIA), Cristian Olivera (LAFC)
Defenders:Vítor Costa (SJ), Andrew Privett (CLT), Griffin Dorsey (HOU)
Goalkeeper: Matt Freese (NYC)
Coach: Pat Noonan (CIN)
Bench:Pedro Gallese (ORL), Héctor Herrera (HOU), Cristian Roldan (SEA), Nicolás Lodeiro (ORL), Riqui Puig (LA), Lewis Morgan (RBNY), Cristian Espinoza (SJ), Petar Musa (DAL), Cristian Arango (RSL)
