Espinoza enters draft

Ohio State's junior midfielder signed with Generation adidas Wednesday, waiving his remaining year of eligibility to enter Friday's MLS SuperDraft.

"This is something I have been waiting for my whole life," Espinoza told the university. "When I got the opportunity to sign with Generation adidas, I talked to coach (John) Bluem and he said go for it."

Espinoza joined teammates Eric Brunner, Xavier Balc and Casey Latchem at the MLS combine last week.

The quartet led the Buckeyes to their first-ever National Championship Game appearance in December, losing to Wake Forest 2-1.

Espinoza's speed was a catalyst to the Buckeyes' late-season success, and he scored OSU's lone goal in the title game.

"We are very happy for Roger," Bluem told the school. "It has been his dream to play professional soccer and he was determined to go to school at Ohio State and get as close as possible to earning his degree. Generation adidas contracts are substantially more lucrative than normal rookie contracts and they set aside money for taking classes later to finish a degree. This is an incredible opportunity for Roger and although we'll miss him, we wish him the very best."

Espinoza spent two years at Yavapai College in Prescott, Ariz. before coming to OSU in search of a National Championship.

He recorded three goals and three assists on the season, but placed tremendous burden on defenses with his speed and agility.

Espinoza will travel to Baltimore for Friday's draft alongside Bluem, Balc and Brunner.

"I am very grateful to the coaches for recruiting me and for giving me the chance to come to Ohio State," Espinoza said. "I am also very grateful to my teammates - I wouldn't be in this position without them. The was the best season of my life."

Zack Timmons can be reached at timmons.60@osu.edu.