Cristian Espinoza's unwavering determination and commitment have defined his legendary tenure with the black and blue. From his initial loan spell with San Jose to the remarkable season he is having under the guidance of Luchi Gonzalez, Espinoza is swiftly winning over the hearts of fans.
Despite the challenge of playing under multiple head coaches and carrying the weight of a historic club, Espinoza remains a steadfast presence in the San Jose locker room, serving as a pillar of support for his teammates.
As his journey unfolds before our very eyes, it is increasingly evident that Espinoza is on the cusp of cementing his status as a Quakes and Bay Area Legend– with no signs of slowing down.
The Bay Area is renowned for cherishing its sports legends, with the likes of Barry Bonds, Stephen Curry, and Joe Montana etching their names in the region's storied sports history.
Suppose Cristian Espinoza continues to perform at his current level. In that case, he will secure a spot on the San Jose Earthquakes Mount Rushmore and make a case to earn a place on the esteemed Bay Area Mount Rushmore after Chris Wondolowski. While the 28-year-old still has much ground to cover before being mentioned alongside such iconic figures, it is evident that his days of being overlooked are long gone.
The ongoing season showcases Espinoza's exceptional talents, like his ability to provide the best crosses in the league, lights out from the penalty spot, and one of the most challenging shots to stop, positioning him as a strong contender for the MLS MVP title.
Currently tied for the Golden Boot race with Dennis Bouanga and Jordan Morris, Espinoza already surpassed his previous goal-scoring records, netting more goals in just 11 games than in any other season of his professional career.
Moreover, his 28 key passes, the most in MLS, place him ahead of the other Golden Boot competition for MVP. Cristian is also on the brink of breaking former fellow Quakes teammate Shea Salinas's assists record in almost half the number of games
Additionally, he is closing in on Wondolowski's eight-game goal contribution streak record, currently boasting a six-game streak of his own.
“Wondo is too far. talk a bit ,” he said.“Shea sometimes tells me to stop a little. But just joking”.
With each match, Espinoza inches closer to etching his name alongside the esteemed legends of San Jose Earthquakes and the Bay Area, leaving an indelible mark on the soccer landscape.
Proudly following in the footsteps of the Bay Area legends before him, Cristian Espinoza shares the same profound sense of honor and pride in representing the city that he holds dear. An old soul when it comes to his connection with the club, his love for the San Jose Earthquakes runs deep.
During the Coachella Valley International, Espinoza expressed his desire and ambition to wear the captain's armband for the San Jose Earthquakes, an honor he has yet to experience in his career. “I hope so, it would be really nice to be captain of this club. If it happens, it would be my first time being captain in my career” Espinoza tells Area Sports Network. This distinction could become a reality sooner than later, as the opportunity may arise during a match where Jackson Yueill could be substituted, leaving the captaincy open for another locker room leader like Espinoza to wear the armband.
During a sit-down interview for AppleTV, Cristian expressed the immense significance that San Jose holds for him and his family. His attachment stems from the firm support he has received from the fans and the fact that his children were born in this iconic city. Despite having played for the senior national team of Argentina, Espinoza appreciates the Bay Area as much as any other citizen, and this sentiment reflects his genuine commitment and admiration for the community that has embraced him so wholeheartedly.
True to the killer instinct of every Bay Area legend, Cristian Espinoza is dedicatedly composed when it comes to delivering in critical moments.
Whether it was his stellar performance with two assists in the only playoff game or his rise as a front-runner for the MVP title in front of a crowd of 45,000, the winger has demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion.
Similar to Stephen Curry's resilient desire to take the last shot for the Golden State Warriors, Espinoza exhibits the same level of confidence when it's time to shoulder the responsibility of penalty kicks.
When discussing the decision-making process with Jeremy Ebobisse, he emphasized the importance of confidence. "In that moment, if somebody has the confidence to , it's just whoever can take ,” Espinoza said. “So today I asked for the ball immediately, and I took it."
The Argentine is aware of the magnitude of stepping up for penalties, maintaining a perfect record from the spot since becoming the primary penalty taker, and recognizing when to relinquish that responsibility to benefit his teammates. Head Coach Luchi Gonzalez praises Espinoza, highlighting his humility and team-first mentality.
Gonzalez shared his admiration for Espinoza winning the MLS Player of the Month award. "What I love too is he got Player of the Month, and the first thing he said to the team was like, 'for me, it's about the team. I care more about Team of the Month and team glory than the individual, and thank you.,” he said. “He gave a big thank you to all his teammates.”
Cristian Espinoza's journey with the San Jose Earthquakes is defined by his determination and commitment. He quickly became a fan favorite, following in the footsteps of legendary players in the club's history.
His ability to overcome challenges and remain steadfast in the locker room showcases his leadership qualities and support for his teammates. His exceptional performances this season position him as a strong contender for the MLS MVP title, breaking records and leaving an indelible mark on the Bay Area’s soccer landscape.
He proudly represents San Jose, cherishing the fans' support and deeply valuing the city he calls home. His composure in critical moments and his selfless attitude exemplify the mindset of a Bay Area legend. With his remarkable combination of skill, confidence, and humility, Cristian Espinoza is on the path to solidifying his status as a true Bay Area legend in the making.
*Picture courtesy of TJ Valenton*
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