MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Earthquakes Announce 2023 Club Award Winners

November 1, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes today announced their 2023 club award winners, which include Cristian Espinoza as Offensive Player of the Year; Daniel as Defensive Player of the Year; Niko Tsakiris as Young Player of the Year; Jackson Yueill as the Media Good Guy; and JT Marcinkowski for the Player's Player of the Year and the Andrew Bedard Spirit of the Game Award/Humanitarian of the Year.

Espinoza was named the Earthquakes' Offensive Player of the Year after finishing the 2023 MLS regular season leading the team with 13 goals and 13 assists across 34 starts. The forward's 26 goal contributions accounted for 66.7% of the Quakes' 39 total goals, with that percentage ranking first in club history and tying for second all-time in the MLS single-season record book. Espinoza also broke the all-time club assist record after tallying his 57th career assist, passing the previous record set by Shea Salinas (50). This year marks the third time he has won the award (2019, 2020).

Daniel has earned San Jose's Defensive Player of the Year Award. The newcomer made 84 saves in 22 starts in his initial season with the Quakes, averaging 3.88 saves per 90 minutes. That average ranked second in the league among goalkeepers with at least 1,800 minutes played (equivalent to 20 complete games).

Tsakiris captured the club's Young Player of the Year Award, given to the most impactful player 23 years of age or younger on MLS Matchday 1. In his second professional season, the 18-year-old midfielder set new career highs in appearances (15), starts (7), and minutes (607).

Yueill was named the Media Good Guy Award winner, as voted on by members of the club's local media and broadcast teams. The award recognizes the player that is deemed most open and welcoming to media requests. This year marks the second occasion that the midfielder has taken home the honor (2021).

Marcinkowski earned the Players' Player of the Year Award. The honor recognizes the best teammate and locker room presence, as voted on by his fellow Earthquakes players.

Marcinkowski also was selected as the club's Andrew Bedard Spirit of the Game/Humanitarian of the Year for his community involvement and passion for philanthropy. Whether in partnership with Special Olympics Northern California, the Quakes' Unified Team, or the San Jose Steamrollers in the U.S. Premier Power Association, his support of providing equitable access to soccer has been inspiring and impactful. Marcinkowski has also been a strong voice for the club's Get EQ Fit program, encouraging third- and fourth-graders to be healthy and active. This year marks the goalkeeper's second time winning the award (2021).

The Andrew Bedard Spirit of the Game Award is named for Andrew Bedard, a young Earthquakes fan who passed away at eight years old in 2004. The honor is presented annually to the Earthquakes player that works hard in the community and best embodies Andrew's positive attitude both on and off the field. For more information on the award, please visit www.sjearthquakes.com/community/andrew-bedard-spirit-of-the-game.

Check out the San Jose Earthquakes Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from November 1, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central