Vako signed with the San Jose Earthquakes last June, hoping to lead the club to its first playoff berth since 2012. After scoring on his debut against the New York Red Bulls, he continued to be a vital part of the team’s offense for the remainder of the year and did eventually help the Quakes punch their ticket to the postseason.
But just how important has Vako been? Since making his debut on July 19, 2017, he is the team’s leader in goals (seven) and the team’s co-leader in assists (four). His 11 points pace the team, ahead of Chris Wondolowski’s 10 (six goals, four assists) and Danny Hoesen’s six (five goals, one assist).