Midfielder Darwin Espinal has signed a contract extension with the New York Cosmos for the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) season, the club announced on Thursday.

The Cosmos will loan Espinal to the Oakland Roots Soccer Club for the NISA Spring Season pending NISA and USSF approval.

The Cosmos begin play in NISA during the Fall Season, which begins in August.

Espinal was a vital part of the Cosmos midfield during the National Premier Soccer League and NPSL Members Cup seasons in 2019. He was hampered by injuries for part of the year, but when the 25-year-old midfielder competed, he was the center piece of the Cosmos' attack. He scored two goals as he earned Members Cup Best XI honors along with Cosmos teammates Emmanuele Sembroni and Aly Hassan.

Espinal's NPSL goals included the game-winner in a road victory over the Michigan Stars and a second-half equalizer in a road draw at Detroit City FC.

"Darwin gives our attack some spark going forward," Cosmos head coach Carlos Mendes said. "He’s a hard-working player who will give us a lot this season.”

The Honduran native will report to Oakland this week. The team kicks off the spring season against Chattanooga FC at home on Feb. 29. The spring season runs through June 12, after which Espinal will join the Cosmos. Oakland is coached by Jordan Ferrell.

“Oakland is a well-run organization," Mendes said. "They’ve done very well off the field over the last year and it should be a good experience for Darwin.”

Espinal has also played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies (North American Soccer League), South Florida Surf (USL League Two) and Reno 1868 (USL Championship).