The revered Honduran soccer player Roger Espinoza has had two stints playing for MLS’s Sporting Kansas City (2008-2012 and 2015-). Known for his versatility of playing both as a defensive midfielder and as a wing back, Espinoza has played in two World Cups and represented Honduras in the 2012 Summer Olympics. Now, though, he calls Kansas City home (again) and Swordfish Tom’s in the Crossroads his home away from home. (He says it’s a hidden gem—and he’s a fan of their Jolly Roger cocktail. “It’s an amazing drink,” he says with a laugh.)
Even though Sporting KC’s 2020 season was capped early, we caught up with Espinoza, who is enjoying some much needed downtime in the metro after a hectic holiday season and start of his New Year. To say he’s a fan of Kansas City would be an understatement. “It’s a city that’s very livable, a place where you can concentrate on your passions, which for me is soccer,” says the athlete. “It makes it easy for me to focus on soccer while also being able to have fun in the city and get around to visiting the places that I love.”
Roger’s essentials…
Early A.M. Grub: Room 39! I go there all the time on gamedays. My favorite dish there is the 39er or the breakfast burrito. The 39er I usually get with a side of French toast.
New Kicks For The Kicker: For shoes—the place I like the most would be The Bunker in Westport.
Own It, Cologne It: It would definitely have to be Creed—and the scent is Santal. I usually pick it up at Halls in Crown Center.
Night On the Town Splurge: Eddie V’s, Capital Grille—and I’ll say Gram & Dun. It’s good food, good drinks, good vibes—so you want to spend quite a bit of time there.
Accessorized To The Hilt: I like to rep a lot of local places in town—brands that are coming out. Typically, I’ll rock hats, bracelets, necklaces or T-shirts that show love to Kansas City.
Dressed To the Nines: I usually don’t wear suits much—but for Sporting games it’s a special day for me, so I dress to impress. It adds to the excitement of gameday.
Sweetness: Easy one right there. That would be Andy’s Frozen Custard. Best place in the world, for sure. I get a custom concrete, small, with three toppings: Oreos, Heath Bar and M&Ms.