By Gerry Maravilla

MLS fans are already familiar with Honduran youngster Roger Espinoza. A staple of the Kansas City Wizards mid-field game, Espinoza is a Honduran native with American training. He is familiar with the college circuit, playing for both Yavapai College in Colorado and Ohio State University. Following his college career, Espinoza was drafted into the MLS. During his rookie year he managed to play 22 games, 12 of those as a starter.

Espinoza pressures Blanco/photo credit: Jonathan Daniel – Getty Images

Espinoza played his first game with the Honduran National Team in January of last year and has been a consistent part of the team since making his debut. He even scored the lone and winning goal for Honduras against Belize in the third place match at the UNCAF Nations Cup. Most recently, Espinoza scored the final goal in Honduras’ 3-1 win against the United States.

Even at the young age of 23, Epinoza has been able to provide both the Wizards and Honduran National Team with consistent, strong performances. While he may not make the scoresheet in all of Honduras’ games, he is an essential supporting player that may take international competitors by surprise.