MLS can’t contain Cristian Espinoza anymore, and it’s getting embarrassing | OneFootball

San Jose Earthquakes began the season in ruthless fashion. Their 4-0 thrashing of Real Salt Lake at PayPal Park left nobody in any doubt about the potency of the team, but if there was one name that summed up this overpowering display, it was Cristian Espinoza. The Argentine forward was clinical, and he controlled the game, supplying three assists and setting the pace from the first whistle to the last whistle.

Espinoza's stamp was on every decisive moment

Since the initial whistle, Espinoza had been San Jose's man to call when a killing attack was needed. He handled the ball 78 times, relentlessly driving play and making room in the opposing defense. His passing was astute and productive — 39 accurate passes on 48 attempts — keeping the Earthquakes in command.

As soon as Real Salt Lake's defense leaked even the smallest of openings, Espinoza took advantage. He completed five key passes, always positioning teammates in optimal scoring positions. His vision and ability to recognize defensive weaknesses prevented RSL from establishing a rhythm.

And his impact wasn't solely limited to ball movement. When it mattered most, he was the one creating space in the Real Salt Lake defense.

Three assists, one dominating performance

Cristian Espinoza was the definitive difference-maker for San Jose and dissected the defense of Real Salt Lake with pinpoint passing. The first came at the 28th minute, as he put a cunning pass across to Beau Leroux up the right flank. San Jose midfielder getting his first professional start dropped the ball into the box in stride to Jamar Ricketts, who hit home his initial MLS goal into the net.

Espinoza was far from finished. In the 70th minute, he created the second goal by putting in a perfectly weighted corner kick that dropped to Rodrigues, who outmuscled the defense to double San Jose's advantage. Four minutes later, Espinoza struck once again, playing a pinpoint long ball over the defense to Ousseni Bouda. The forward had timed his run to perfection and calmly played the ball between the legs of the goalkeeper.

Three assists, total control, and a performance that left no one in any doubt of his presence.

More than just assists: total control in one-on-one battles

Not just creating scoring opportunities with assists, Espinoza was the monarch of all the one-on-one battles. His ball control was impeccable, successfully completing all four reception attempts and opening up holes in the RSL defense.

Besides that, he commanded in physical duels, winning seven out of nine fought-for tasks. That resolve allowed San Jose to control possession, neutralize opposition pressure, and dictate the rhythm of the game. With a mix of creativity, vision, and raw dominance one-on-one, Espinoza was the most dichotomous player on the pitch by far.

Espinoza's consistency and growing MLS legacy

With this display, Cristian Espinoza cemented his own position in MLS history. He now has 74 career assists for the league, further establishing himself as one of San Jose Earthquakes' all-time greats.

Aside from the numbers, his longevity is also impressive. Espinoza extended his streak of active MLS regular-season starts to 110 consecutive games played, a number that not only reflects his dependability but also his value at position to San Jose's offense.

If this opening match is any guide, Espinoza will be leading the San Jose Earthquakes once again. The 4-0 drubbing sent a clear message. With Espinoza on the field, everything flows through him and others struggle to keep pace.