Fabián Espíndola

Early career

Espíndola started his career in 2005 with Argentine giants Boca Juniors. He played six games for the club, but Boca failed to win any of them. However, he was a member of the Boca Juniors squad that captured the 2005 Copa Sudamericana. In 2006, he was offloaded to Talleres. He then had spells with Ecuadorian teams Aucas and Deportivo Quito before joining Real Salt Lake.

Major League Soccer

He was acquired by Real Salt Lake at the same time as fellow Argentines Matias Mantilla and Javier Morales. He scored his first goal against Kansas City Wizards, and celebrated this goal by doing his customary backflip. Six minutes into a game against Los Angeles Galaxy on 6 September 2008, Espíndola scored a goal that was later ruled offside. However, before he had seen the final decision on the goal he had commenced his celebratory backflip, which resulted in him injuring his ankle, ruling him out for around eight weeks. Real Salt Lake decided not to purchase Espíndola's contract and he was released in January 2009. He then signed to play for Venezuelan team Deportivo Anzoátegui, scoring 3 goals in 5 matches for the club. On 29 January 2009 Espíndola scored Deportivo Anzoátegui's first ever goal in the Copa Libertadores helping the club to a 2–0 victory over Deportivo Cuenca. Espíndola returned to Salt Lake in April 2009 and helped them win the MLS Cup in November 2009. In 2011 Espíndola had his most productive season for Salt Lake as he scored a career…

A report in The Washington Post on D.C. United roster statuses in November 2014 did not include Espíndola as a player using an international roster slot. It is believed that he received a U.S. green card during the 2014 season. On 27 March 2017, former D.C. United goalkeeper Charlie Horton sued Espíndola, coach Ben Olsen, and Major League Soccer. Espíndola allegedly assaulted Horton during practice and Horton received a concussion. The filing states that, "due to the severity of his ongoing post-concussive neurological symptoms, which directly inhibited his ability to perform at a level necessary to continue his professional career, Mr. Horton was forced to officially retire from professional soccer." Olsen is being sued for failing to adequately supervise Espíndola. MLS is liable, the suit says, because, in its centralized business structure, the league owns all teams and player contracts. Horton dismissed the lawsuit in late 2019.

Boca Juniors Copa Sudamericana: 2005 Real Salt Lake MLS Cup: 2009 New York Red Bulls MLS Supporters' Shield: 2013