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Espinal, 17, is originally from Tampa and currently plays for Chargers Soccer Club, which primarily draws talent from the Bay Area. Espinal was the leading scorer for the Chargers’ U-15/16 team last season with 20 goals and he played in the USSDA Winter Showcase select team game. Espinal also had the honor of playing for the Region III 98 team that made an international trip to Mexico.

“Ben is a great player from the Chargers and we’ve had great players from the club in the past with Ben Sweat, Wesley Charpie and others,” Kiefer said.

Prior to joining Chargers Soccer Club, Espinal played two seasons of varsity soccer for former head coach Dustin Dahlquist at Palmetto High School. Espinal led Palmetto to two district titles, a regional championship and an appearance in the state semifinals.

“Ben is a really dynamic, wide player. He’s got really clean feet and he’s a good soccer player,” Kiefer said.