Espinoza earns first cap for Honduras

Kansas City Wizards midfielder Roger Espinoza earned his first career appearance (CAP) Thursday for the Honduras National Team in a 2-1 win over Belize. Espinoza was born in Honduras and lived there before moving to Denver, Colo. at age 12. Toronto FC midfielder Amada Guevara scored the opening goal, and the win put Honduras atop Group A after one match of the 2009 UNCAF (Central American Football Union) Nations Cup. Honduras, the host country, next plays Saturday against Nicaragua.

Espinoza first trained with the Honduras National Team at a training camp earlier in January to prepare for the tournament, the competition that determines the Central-American champion. The top five finishers will qualify for the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Espinoza has quickly became one of Honduras' brightest prospects, as Head Coach Reinaldo Rueda tabbed Espinoza an up-and-coming star.

Kansas City selected Espinoza with the 11th overall selection in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft after he signed with MLS as a member of the Generation adidas program. As part of the program, adidas pays for him to continue his education while playing in the League. During his first year with the Wizards, Espinoza scored one goal and added three assists in 22 games (12 starts). He was among the rookie leaders in games played, minutes played and assists. He was part of a Generation adidas squad that traveled to London, England in December and played against reserve teams from Chelsea FC, West Ham United and Reading FC.

Honduras has a busy international schedule ahead in 2009, with the UNCAF Nations Cup to be followed by World Cup 2010 qualifying. Should Honduras finish in the top five in the Central American competition, it will also compete in the CONCACAF Gold Cup later in the year.