Roger Espinoza is coming back home.
Sporting Kansas City announced on Tuesday that the club has signed the Honduran international on a free transfer. The 28-year-old defensive midfielder spent the first five years of his career with Kansas City before leaving the club for English side Wigan Athletic in January 2013.
Wigan released Espinoza from his contract – which was set to expire in May – last month, clearing the way for his return to Sporting.
Kansas City initially acquired Espinoza in 2008, selecting the Ohio State product with the 11th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft. He quickly made his mark, starting 12 games, scoring one goal and notching three assists in 22 league appearances during his rookie year.
The two-time World Cup veteran totaled 113 league appearances – including 93 starts – in his five seasons with Sporting, scoring two goals, notching 11 assists and helping SKC to the 2012 US Open Cup crown.
A two-time World Cup veteran, Espinoza moved to Wigan after starring at the 2012 London Olympics. He helped the Latics to the FA Cup title in his first season with the club, starting and playing the full 90 in Wigan’s shocking 1-0 win over Manchester City in the tournament final.
That was the high point of his run in England. Wigan were relegated to the Championship days after the FA Cup triumph and a series of managerial changes left Espinoza out of favor at the club, precipitating his long-rumored return to SKC on Tuesday.
