Former Maryland Bobcats FC star is NISA's all-time leading scorer | Image Credit: Maryland Bobcats FC
RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond Kickers today announced the signing of NISA's all-time leading scorer, Darwin Espinal, to a multi-year contract, pending league and federation approval. The 30-year-old Honduran forward claimed the 2023 NISA Golden Ball with Maryland Bobcats FC as the league's most valuable player.
"We have watched Darwin for a long time and he has delivered some memorable plays and some memorable goals during his time in the USL Championship and the last couple years with the Maryland Bobcats," Richmond Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. "We are excited to add him to the attacking core here in Richmond and his veteran presence will pay dividends with the young players as well as the seasoned veterans looking to win games and chase trophies."
Kickers fans may most recently remember Espinal from his Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup performance at City Stadium. Though the Kickers would eventually put the game on ice, Espinal scored for the Maryland Bobcats in the Second Round. Sending a screamer into the back of the net from well outside the box, Espinal put the Bobcats within one before the Kickers pulled away, ultimately winning, 5-2.
Espinal spent a good portion of both 2024 and 2023 scoring for the Bobcats outside of Open Cup play as well. Snagging 10 goals across 22 appearances in 2024 and 11 goals and five assists in 2023, the attacker found the net well over the last two years. Espinal was the main attacking threat for a Bobcats side that amassed an impressive 17-match unbeaten streak en route to their NISA regular season title in 2024.
"I'm honored to represent the Richmond Kickers this season," Espinal said. "Our focus is on delivering quality performances, earning wins, and creating a positive experience for our fans. We're committed to making this a season to remember for both the club and its supporters."
Espinal started his professional career with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, making 25 appearances and scoring four goals with the then-NASL side. The forward made appearances with Reno 1868 FC, the New York Cosmos and Detroit City FC before joining Maryland in 2022.
The Tegucigalpa, Honduras native represented the Honduras U-23 national team in 2015 for Olympics qualification.