One of the hardest-working players in club history, Espinoza attacks with full force for 90 minutes and still recovers defensively. In his six seasons in San Jose, he has become the all-time leader in assists with 66, while also scoring 30 goals. An elite crosser, Espinoza has also been clutch for the Quakes, scoring the winning goal in the playoff-clinching win over LAFC in 2020 and scoring a goal in the tie against Austin FC in 2023 that put San Jose into the playoffs. Similar to his teammate Jeremy Ebobisse, he has been an iron man, playing over 30 games in four out of his first five seasons and all 23 games in the Covid-shortened 2020 season. Cristian played with the club since 2019 and helped transition the locker room to the Bruce Arena era, before leaving the club in 2026 after the 2025 season.
