Sporting KC re-signs midfielder Espinoza for 2021 season

Roger Espinoza, a fixture in Kansas City for all but two seasons since 2008, will be back for another.

The veteran midfielder has signed a new contract with Sporting Kansas City for the 2021 season, the club announced Thursday.

Espinoza has led Sporting KC to seven playoff appearances and three Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championships in his 11 MLS seasons (2008-12 and 2015-20). He spent the 2013 and ’14 seasons with English side Wigan Athletic playing in the English Premier League, English Championship and UEFA Europa League.

The 34-year-old ranks third in club history with 301 competitive appearances and fifth in starts (271) and minutes (24,025).

Espinoza tied a career high with three goals last season — two in the regular season and one in the playoffs — and added two assists. He made 20 appearances, including 16 starts.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to return to Sporting and compete for an MLS Cup,” Espinoza said. “Kansas City is a special place where I have spent most of my career, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I’m proud to continue representing this club and playing for our fans.”