1. Kellyn Acosta's father is Japanese American while his mother is African American.
22 Facts About Kellyn Acosta
1. 2.
Acosta's paternal grandmother is Japanese, and the surname Acosta comes from his Mexican paternal stepfather.
3.
Kellyn Acosta played for the FC Dallas Development Academy and was committed to play soccer at the University of Maryland prior to becoming a homegrown signing in July 2012.
4.
Kellyn Acosta initially played fullback for the club, but eventually transitioned to a starting role as a defensive midfielder in 2015.
5.
On July 23,2018, Kellyn Acosta was traded to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for Dominique Badji.
6.
Kellyn Acosta started all 12 league matches after joining Colorado, scoring two goals and adding three assists in Burgundy.
7.
On February 20,2019, Kellyn Acosta signed a three-year contract extension keeping him in Colorado through 2021, with club options for 2022 and 2023.
8.
Kellyn Acosta enjoyed similar success in 2019, making 30 MLS starts and playing 2,619 minutes, both career highs, while adding two goals and two assists.
9.
Kellyn Acosta started and played 81 minutes in Colorado's MLS Cup Playoff first-round loss to Minnesota United FC.
10.
On January 14,2022, Kellyn Acosta was acquired by Los Angeles FC from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for $1.1 million in General Allocation Money.
11.
The Rapids would retain a portion of any sale should Kellyn Acosta be sold elsewhere.
12.
On February 13,2024, Kellyn Acosta signed as a free agent on a three-year deal with Chicago Fire.
13.
Kellyn Acosta was born in the United States to a Japanese father and an African American mother, and was therefore eligible for Japan or the United States.
14.
Kellyn Acosta was part of the squad two years later at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
15.
Kellyn Acosta made his senior international debut for the United States in a friendly versus Iceland on January 31,2016.
16.
Kellyn Acosta was selected to the US squad for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which the US would go on to win.
17.
Kellyn Acosta appeared in five of six games, including all three knock-out matches.
18.
Kellyn Acosta made six appearances in international friendlies in 2018, scoring against Colombia on October 12 and assisting Josh Sargent's goal against Peru on October 16.
19.
Kellyn Acosta was a key member for 2022 World Cup qualification, playing both central and defensive midfield.
20.
Kellyn Acosta jointly led the USMNT along with Tyler Adams and Antonee Robinson with 13 appearances out of a possible 14 qualifiers.
21.
Kellyn Acosta made the final World Cup squad, becoming the first Asian American man to appear for the United States in a World Cup, playing in matches against Wales and Iran.
22.
Kellyn Acosta captained the US in a January 2023 friendly against Colombia, playing 90 minutes in a scoreless draw.