EDINBURG – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) women's soccer team announced on Friday the midfielder Elisa Espino, who played for the program from 2015-16, is playing professionally with Club America of the Liga MX Femenil in Mexico City.
 
Espino played 14 minutes in her debut on Aug. 4, a 5-0 victory over Blue Cross. Club America is now 2-0-0, with its next match scheduled for Aug. 11 at 12 p.m. at Toluca FC.
 
"For a program that only started in 2014, it is a massive achievement to produce a professional player," UTRGV head coach Glad Bugariu said. "We think there are number of players that will have similar opportunities over the next few years. We're thrilled that Elisa is the first. This is a historic moment."
 
During her two seasons at UTRGV, Espino scored five goals with seven assists for 17 points in 36 matches (30 starts). This includes the program's first-ever overtime goal to beat South Dakota in 2015. As a senior, Espino finished with three goals and four assists for 10 points in 19 matches (15 starts).
 
This is the first season of play for Club America as the Mexican Football Federation recently implemented a policy that all first and second division clubs must sponsor a women's team.
 
"Club America is one of the biggest clubs in the country and we are very excited that Elisa has earned this opportunity," Bugariu said.

Support UTRGV Women's Soccer | Become a Fan on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Follow us on Instagram | Follow us on YouTube