Cristian Espinoza
NSH
RW
One-v-One Creator
Apr 3, 1995 (31)
Right
5'8"
161 lb
Nashville SCFully 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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