After arriving in midseason in 2017, the team’s first-ever Georgian international, helped spark a run to the playoffs under head coach Chris Leitch. Vako’s clutch goal in the second to last game of the season at Vancouver earned the team a 1-1 tie and set up their playoff clinching win at home the following week. His 26 goals place him seventh in club history in goals scored. He also helped San Jose to a playoff spot in 2020 and fans will always remember his incredible goal against Atlanta United FC in 2018 in which he dribbled through four defenders before scoring at the near post.
