Kansas City forward Roger Espinoza was named to the Honduras national team’s World Cup roster on Monday, punctuating the 23 year-old’s rapid rise through the international ranks with los Catrachos.
Espinoza made his debut with the team on Jan. 22, 2009, and later earned a spot on the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup roster. He scored a goal in the team’s 4-0 romp over Grenada in group play of the tournament, where Honduras eventually reached the semifinals.
Espinoza scored again for Honduras during 3-1 win over the U.S. in an international friendly on Jan. 23 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
He’s started all six games for the Wizards this season. He joined the club in 2008, when he appeared in a career-high 22 regular season games and both of KC’s postseason matches.
The Honduras team also boasts former MLS MVP Amado Guevara, who last played for Toronto FC from 2008 through 2009 before joining Honduran side Motagua last December. He appeared in 103 games and scored 26 goals for the MetroStars/New York Red Bulls from 2003 to 2006, and played with Chivas USA from 2007 to 2008.
Also included are former Los Angeles Galaxy forward Carlos Pavón and longtime FC Dallas midfielder Ramón Núñez. Pavón appeared in 18 games with LA in 2007, while Núñez scored 14 goals for FC Dallas from 2004 to 2007 and suited up for Chivas USA from 2007 to 2008.
Honduras opens the World Cup against Chile on June 16.
