In his predominantly white neighborhood, Acosta said in 2022 he long tried to hide any evidence of his Japanese roots in order to blend in to avoid bullying or any confused stares at his multiethnic family.

“I wanted to fit in so bad there were times my Asian grandma would have to pick me up and park around the corner,” he told NBC News.

[10] 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.

[12] Acosta started and played 81 minutes in Colorado's MLS Cup Playoff first-round loss to Minnesota United FC.

[19] Acosta scored his first senior international goal in a 2–1 friendly win over Ghana on July 1, 2017, curling a direct free kick into the bottom corner for the eventual game-winner.

Acosta made six appearances in international friendlies in 2018, scoring against Colombia on Oct. 12[22] and assisting Josh Sargent's goal against Peru on Oct.

[23] Following an almost 24-month absence from national team duty, Acosta was selected for a December 2020 camp on November 30, 2020, alongside fellow Rapids teammates Cole Bassett and Sam Vines.

[24] Acosta replaced Sebastian Lletget in the 68th minute of a 6–0 friendly win over El Salvador on Dec 9 at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.[25] Acosta was called up again in January 2021 alongside Rapids teammates Vines and Jonathan Lewis,[26] playing 90 minutes and assisting on Lewis' second goal in a 7–0 friendly win over Trinidad & Tobago at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Jan.