Cristian Espinoza
NSH
Right Winger
One-v-One Creator
Apr 3, 1995 (31)
Right
5'8"
161 lb
Quiet outing against former club
Espinoza failed to register a shot, sent in two crosses, committed four fouls and suffered one foul in Saturday's 1-1 draw with San Jose.
Analysis: Espinoza had a quiet outing against his former club. He has 4 goals and 13 assists in MLS play this season, and has been an integral part of Nashville's record-breaking campaign. He'll look to get back on track at Montreal on Saturday.
Sets up goal in 4-0 win
Espinoza assisted Andy Najar's goal and added two shots (one on target) in Wednesday's win over Sporting Kansas City. He also sent in five crosses (two accurate), took five corners, and created five chances in the contest.
Analysis: Espinoza's corner found Andy Najar for Nashville's third goal in the 29th minute. He also sent in five crosses and created five chances before coming off in the 68th minute with Nashville up 3-0. He is now just one back of the league lead in assists with 14 on the season. He'll continue to play provider on the road against San Jose on Saturday.
Cleared for Austin clash
Espinoza (undisclosed) is available for Nashville SC's MLS clash against Austin FC on Saturday after being omitted from the league's latest injury report.
Analysis: Espinoza was forced off during the second half of the 2-0 win over Toronto FC due to an undisclosed issue, but his absence from the latest injury report indicates he is cleared to return to action. The playmaker provided an assist for Hany Mukhtar before being replaced by Alex Muyl, bringing his tally to three goal contributions across his last two MLS appearances. Given his importance to Nashville's attack and recent strong form, Espinoza should be in contention to retain his starting role against Austin, barring any late setbacks.
Assists before forced exit in win
Espinoza delivered an assist but was subbed off with an undisclosed issue in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Toronto.
Analysis: Espinoza headed the ball down to set up Hany Mukhtar in the 16th minute Saturday, notching his third goal contribution in the last two games. However, the playmaker succumbed to a pain in the second half and had to leave his place on the field to Alex Muyl. It remains a question whether Espinoza suffered a minor blow or a more significant muscle issue, which would put his future involvement at risk. He's a key player for Nashville, so they might not take risks if he's not fully fit ahead of the final regular-season stages.
Scores, assists in win over Chicago
Espinoza took two shots, sent in eight crosses (four accurate), created four chances, took three corners, scored, and assisted in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Chicago Fire.
Analysis: Espinoza turned in a Man of the Match performance in leading Nashville to a big win over Chicago. The Argentine has been a massive lift for the Nashville SC attack since joining the squad as a free agent in the offseason. Expect Espinoza to continue to be a menace at home against Toronto FC on Saturday.
12 crosses, assist in win
Espinoza sent in 12 crosses (three accurate), took five corners, created three chances, took one shot (off target) and assisted in Saturday's 4-0 win over FC Cincinnati. He also committed three fouls and drew two fouls.
Analysis: Espinoza delivered an inch-perfect ball for Sam Surridge to head home on the opening goal to log his 11th assist of the season. He has already equaled his assist output from 2025, and he is three away from his career high of 14. Look for Espinoza to continue to create on the road against NYCFC on Saturday.
Assists on match winner
Espinoza took zero shots, sent in five crosses (two accurate), took four corners, created two chances, and assisted on the match winner in 28 minutes off in the bench in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Espinoza deputized off the bench due to schedule congestion, and he wasted little time helping Nashville collect the full three points on the road. He now has an assist in each of his last three appearances and will look to keep it going at home against the Columbus Crew on Saturday.
Fully fit, scores brace
Espinoza (lower body) is fully back fit and played one half and scored twice in Sunday's 4-1 Leagues Cup win over San Luis, according to the club.
Analysis: Espinoza had been dealing with a lower body injury that raised concern given his role as one of Nashville's primary creative forces, so this two goal performance in a half of action is a strong confirmation that he has fully recovered. His return is a significant boost for Nashville's attack heading into the rest of Leagues Cup play.
Could miss out Friday
Espinoza is listed as questionable for Friday's match against Atlanta due to a lower-body injury, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Espinoza is dealing with a lower-body concern, and his questionable status is one of the more impactful on the entire Friday report, given his role as one of Nashville's primary creative forces. He's a player with real fantasy value when healthy and in the lineup, and losing him on top of Yazbek's absence would meaningfully affect Nashville's attacking output. If he were to miss out, Shak Mohammed or Ahmed Qasem would be possible replacements.
Assists on opener in win
Espinoza took one shot (off target), sent in three crosses, took three corners, created three chances, and assisted on the opening goal in Saturday's 2-1 win over New York City FC.
Analysis: Espinoza heads into the World Cup break tied for second in assists, just one behind the league lead. He has been a welcome offseason boost to the Nashville SC attack, tallying three goals and eight assists across 14 appearances in 2026. Nashville resumes league play at home against Atlanta United on Friday, July 17.
Quiet outing in win
Espinoza took one shot on target, sent in seven crosses, took two corners, and created one chance in Sunday's 3-2 win over LAFC.
Analysis: Espinoza was unable to impact the scoresheet, but he was still involved going forward, whipping in crosses from the right flank throughout the contest. Nashville's key offseason acquisition has three goals and seven assists on the campaign, and he'll look to add to that in Saturday's home fixture with NYCFC.
Two assists in win
Espinoza took zero shots, sent in six crosses, took three corners, created four chances, and assisted twice in Wednesday's 3-0 win over New England.
Analysis: Espinoza is now tied for second in MLS with seven assists on the season, sitting just one back of Saturday's opposition Son Heung-Min. He's been a key offseason addition, and he'll look to keep it rolling at home against LAFC on Saturday.
Whips in 11 crosses in draw
Espinoza took three shots (two on goal), sent in 11 crosses, took five crosses, and created three chances in Saturday's 2-2 draw with D.C. United.
Analysis: Espinoza was active in the attack but was unable to make an impact on the scoresheet. With Sam Surridge continuing to miss time, Nashville will need Espinoza to shoulder more of the attacking load in the upcoming matches. Up next is a clash between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference when Nashville visits the New England Revolution on Wednesday.
Lively off bench in draw
Espinoza took one shot (off target), sent in four crosses, and created three chances in 28 minutes in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Philadelphia.
Analysis: Espinoza featured off the bench ahead of Tuesday's second leg Concacaf Champions Cup clash at Tigres. Despite the limited minutes, he was lively in the attack and created multiple scoring opporunities. Nashville returns to league play in a favorable home matchup with D.C. United on Saturday.
Scores, assists in win
Espinoza sent in seven crosses, created four chances, took five corners, scored a goal, and assisted in Saturday's 2-0 win over Atlanta United.
Analysis: Espinoza is up to three goals and four assists through the first eight games of the season, highlighting his attacking impact since joining Nashville in the offseason. Expect the Argentine to continue to be a force on the right wing against Charlotte FC on Saturday.
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