Earlier this offseason, Darwin Espinal’s signing was announced by the Richmond Kickers. For fans of Espinal, Maryland Bobcats, and NISA, it was a move long overdue. The talented forward has been a standout throughout his years of playing in NISA and moving to USL League One should give him a chance to blossom on an entirely different platform. With his club set to kick off their season next week, we sat down for a quick chat with the new Kicker.

How important was NISA in helping develop your game?

NISA was huge for my development. It gave me consistent minutes at a high level, which allowed me to refine my game in real competitive situations. The league has a lot of talent, and every match helped me grow.

Does the lack of a playoff title with Maryland disappoint you? Any sourness over the way the last season went?

Of course, you always want to win, and we were right there. So yeah, there’s some disappointment, but I don’t dwell on it. I grew a lot as a player in that environment, and I’ll take those lessons with me moving forward.

Where does a club like Maryland Bobcats fit in American soccer?

Maryland is a club that’s doing things the right way, trying to develop players, and representing the community. It’s a team that gives opportunities to guys who might be overlooked and prepares them for the next step.

How do you think your game will translate to League One?

I think my game will translate well. League One is a step up in certain areas, but I’m willing to learn and to adapt certain aspects of my game to help my team.

Did it feel like a call-up to a bigger league should have happened earlier, considering your success in NISA?

I just focus on controlling what I can. Of course, I always believed I could play at a higher level, but the timing is out of my hands. The important thing is that I’m here now, and I’m ready to make the most of it.

Looking back over your path to Richmond, what lessons did you learn?

Patience and persistence. There’s no straight path in this game, but if you stay consistent and take your chances, the right opportunities will come. I think Richmond is the right place for me.

How excited are you to test yourself against League One?

I’m really excited. It’s a new challenge, and I’m ready to push myself against top competition. This is the next step in my career, and I want to make an impact right away.

Richmond Kickers is a historic club. What did you know of them before signing?

I knew Richmond had a deep history in American soccer, and they have one of the best fan bases in our division. It’s a club with a strong identity, and I’m excited to be part of it.

What match-ups are you most looking forward to this season?

I’m looking forward to every game, honestly, but the rivalry matches and the ones against top teams in the league will be great tests. Those are the games where you really measure yourself.

How will you measure success this season?

For me, success is about contributing to the team’s goals—whether that’s winning games, making the playoffs, or pushing for a title. On a personal level, I want to grow as a player and make a real impact on the field.

Richmond faces South Georgia Tormenta in the USL League One season opener on March 7.

- Dan Vaughn