Player Details

Name

Luciano Acosta

Height

5' 3"

Weight

130 lbs

Date of Birth

5.31.1994 (29)

Birthplace

Buenos Argentina, Argentina

Position

Midfielder
Career Summary

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2018 (D.C. United): In his third year with the club, Acosta was a crucial part of the Black-and-Red midfield. He set new career-highs in games played (33), games started (32), minutes (2,753), goals (10) and assists (17). The Argentinian lead the club with 27 total points, tallying 10 goals and 17 in 33 appearances. He was second in the league with 17 assists, just one shy of the league record for 2018. The midfield maestro was integral to United’s offensive attack, ranking second on the team in minutes played (2,753), shots (60), and goals (10). On Aug. 12, Acosta scored his first career hat-trick against Orlando City SC; his final, game-winning goal came deep in stoppage time in the 96th-minute. His efforts that game saw Acosta named the Alcatel MLS Player of the Week in addition to the Goal of the Week award for his game-winner. Acosta finished the season with 10 weekly awards: seven MLS Team of the Week inclusions, one Goal of the Week, and two Player of the Week selections (Weeks 24 and 31).

 

2017 (D.C. United): The second-year midfielder was a constant figure in the United lineup, making 31 appearances (30 starts), the most of any United player. Acosta was the Black-and-Red’s top scorer, finishing tied for the team lead in goals (five) and was second in assists (five). The Black-and-Red were 5-0-0 when Acosta scored and his four game-winning goals was the fourth most in Major League Soccer in 2017. The Argentine maestro was an influential creative figure in United’s attack and led the team with 53 key passes in 2017. He also led the club in minutes (2,419), shots (46) and shots on goal (24). Against Atlanta on April 30, he recorded his third career multi-point game, scoring and providing an assist to earn him an MLS Team of the Week selection.

 

2016 (D.C. United): In his first season in Major League Soccer, the creative Argentine adapted well, finishing the year with 31 appearances (25 starts) and leading the team in assists (11).  He scored his first MLS goal on 4/23, a sublime chip against the New England Revolution that went on to win AT&T Goal of the Week and Goal of the Month. Against Vancouver on 4/09, Acosta recorded his first two career MLS assists. He also tied a club record for assists in a match, notching three assists in United’s 6-2 victory over Chicago on 8/27.  

 

2013-2014 (Boca Juniors / Estudiantes de la Plata): A creative midfielder, Acosta played for Boca Juniors in the 2013-14 season, recording two goals in 25 appearances  with  the club. The 21-year-old was sent on loan to fellow Argentine Primera side Estudiantes de la Plata, playing 27 times and recording 11 starts. 

 

ACQUIRED

Finalized a permanent transfer of Acosta on Nov. 16, 2016 after spending the 2016 season on loan from Boca Juniors.