Cristian Espinoza San Jose

GOAL Convo: The Argentine winger's game has improved immensely this season - and his new manager has given him an extra lift

AUSTIN, Texas - Last year, San Jose Earthquakes winger Cristian Espinoza racked up 14 assists. It was a fine contribution - the best of his career. The Quakes struggled, but he was a consistent architect from out wide, feeding teammates and creating opportunities.

And this campaign, just past the halfway point, Espinoza has nine. It's a remarkable improvement, and has come alongside a revival in the Quakes' fortunes, too. They are coached by an accomplished manager in Bruce Arena and buoyed by a much-improved squad.

"The team changed a lot from last year to this year. We improved a lot in so many ways. We're in a better spot now," Espinoza tells GOAL.

Arena will undoubtedly take some of the credit - and rightly so. The former USMNT manager has taken on a dual role of head coach and GM for San Jose. The results have been admirable, especially relative to preseason projections - most had the Quakes outside of the playoff picture in the West.

Espinoza said that the five-time MLS Cup winning coach has raised levels across the board.

"He changed the mindset of the club. He changed the mindset of the players. And he's a winner, so we had to be ready to compete and to be his level," Espinoza says.

And that might just be key. The Quakes aren't anyone's title favorite, but they're much improved. And with Espinoza in his current form, they're a mightily difficult team to beat. For now, that's enough as the Arena era builds momemtum.

Espinoza discussed the Quakes' improvement, his success, and what it means to be an All Star in the latest GOAL Convo, a Q&A with central figures in the American soccer scene.

NOTE: This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.

New York Red Bulls v Inter Miami CF

ON LIONEL MESSI

GOAL: First of all, as an Argentine, what is it going to be like to potenially play with Leo Messi?

ESPINOZA: It will be amazing. It's a great experience, to play with the greatest player in the history of the sport. I'm sure I'll really enjoy it.

GOAL: How much do you idolize him, and how important is he to Argentina?

ESPINOZA: He means a lot for all of Argentina, so we really love him. We really appreciate everything that he has done for the country, for the national team. Everyone around the world wanted to see him be a world champion. He was able to achieve that, and it was amazing to see.

San Jose Earthquakes v Portland Timbers

ON IMPROVING HIS GAME

GOAL: What does it mean to be an All Star these days? Is it maybe a little more fun for you because it's quite an American thing?

ESPINOZA: Oh, yeah, it is. But at the same time, I really appreciate it, because it means a lot to the players. It means a lot for the league. It means a lot for the teams in the league, and it's a good recognition for all of us during the season, so I'm really happy.

GOAL: Your assist numbers have gone up this year. What's changed for you, and what specifically is working so well?

ESPINOZA: The team changed a lot from last year to this year. We improved a lot in so many ways. We're in a better spot now. We still have 11 games left and have to keep pushing.

GOAL: For you, has anything changed? Any of the ways you prepare, the spaces you're occupying?

ESPINOZA: For me, it's just the same things. You know when some things aren't working in some places. For some players, when things change around the team it helps. We have fresh players, fresh mentalities right now. We also have Bruce Arena as a head coach, who is one of the most winning coaches in MLS.

San Jose Earthquakes v Minnesota United FC

ON BRUCE ARENA

GOAL: About Arena, how has he changed things at the club?

ESPINOZA: He has changed a lot. He changed the mindset of the club. He changed the mindset of the players. And he's a winner, so we had to be ready to compete and to be at his level.

GOAL: Is there anything specifically, he's changed? Coaching methods or like things you guys even have to do around training?

ESPINOZA: He's pretty simple, to be honest. He's very simple. He tried to keep everything around the team very, very simple, very straightforward. And I think sometimes that's what you need to be successful.