Before San Jose Earthquakes winger Cristian Espinoza became an integral part of Matias Almeyda’s offensive attack, the skilled Argentinian gained valuable experience in Europe.
Espinoza was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and grew up in the city of Alejandro Korn. He began playing soccer at the age of six, and by age nine he was with Huracan, where he would go on to rise through the academy ranks.
In 2016, when he was 20, Espinoza was sold from Huracan to Villarreal, in Spain. Villarreal then loaned him to Deportivo Alavés. The chance to play in Europe allowed Espinoza to fulfill a life-long dream.