During the January transfer window, teams from all over the world sent players to the English Premier League. Powerhouses like A.C. Milan, Ajax and Atletico Madrid all saw players leave for the EPL. However, Sporting Kansas City was the only team in the world to send more than one player to the English Premier League - with both Roger Espinoza and Kei Kamara quickly making an impact on the world’s most-followed league.
Making four Premier League appearances and starting the past three FA Cup matches for his new club, Roger Espinoza wasted no time making a name for himself at Wigan Athletic. In only his second match with Wigan, Espinoza added an assist in the club’s 2-2 draw with Stoke City. Since his arrival, Roger Espinoza has successfully helped the club climb out of relegation zone, not to mention be one of three EPL sides to have a berth in the FA Cup quarterfinals. Roger Espinoza and Wigan next face Liverpool on March 2.
Currently on loan with EPL-side Norwich City F.C., Kei Kamara quickly notched a goal and game-winning assist in his second match for the club, delivering Norwich City’s first win in over two months. He made headlines across the U.K. on Sunday for his outstanding performance – many noticing his familiar heart-shaped hands and colorful celebrations. Sporting Kansas City and Norwich City fans alike took to Twitter to congratulate the Sierre-Leonean on his performance. Norwich City F.C. will pay a visit to Old Trafford to face Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United on March 2. However, Kamara already knows what victory tastes like against the EPL favorites. Boasting to The Sun about leading the Kansas City Wizards to a 2-1 win in 2010 over the Red Devils, “I scored a headed goal and got an assist in a 2-1 win. So I may be a marked man against them now!”
Saturday will be a big day for soccer fans. Make sure to watch as Espinoza and Kamara continue their EPL play, and Sporting Kansas City open their 2013 MLS campaign at the Philadelphia Union at 3 p.m. CT.
