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The Empire Strykers today announced the return of veteran Chilean forward Leonardo “Leo” Espinoza, who has committed to the club through the 2027-2028 Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) season. The 33-year-old, who has represented his native country at the U-17 and U-20 levels, previously enjoyed a highly productive stint with the Strykers after joining on a short-term deal late in the 2024-25 campaign.
“I’m very excited to be returning to Empire,” said the former outdoor ace by way of a written statement in Spanish. “My experience here two years ago was very special because everyone at the club made me feel at home. That meant a lot. Of course, my main goal is to win. On a personal level, I want to do all I can to help the team be successful. I’m grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to being with my teammates again.”
Espinoza made an immediate impact during his first spell in Ontario, registering seven goals and five assists in nine regular season appearances for an average of 1.33 points per game. After also featuring in the Strykers’ lone playoff contest at San Diego, he then became a free agent and joined the Baltimore Blast for 2025-26.
As a young prospect in Chile, Espinoza rose through the ranks at CD Santiago Morning before cracking the senior squad at just 15 years old in 2008. He went on to become an icon with the storied South American outfit, whom he represented at youth level as well as in the first and second divisions between 2007 and 2017, interrupted only by a four-month loan spell with CD Ovalle.
Following his time with Santiago Morning, the robust attacker represented four more professional clubs in Chile, suiting up for CD Iquique, CD Temuco, Rangers de Talca and CD Santa Cruz. He competed with Iquique in the 2017 edition of the prestigious Copa Sudamericana.
In 2023, Espinoza opted for a radical change of scenery, leaving everything behind to pursue his dream of living in the United States. Prior to joining the Strykers, he stayed match-fit by competing at the highest levels of the amateur game, including in cash-prize tournaments and for teams such as MesoAmerica FC and the National Premier Soccer League’s (NPSL) Panathinaikos Chicago.
Between his stints with Empire and Baltimore, Espinoza bas collected eight goals and six assists in 19 MASL appearances.
“Since Leo played for us not long ago, we know exactly what he brings to the table,” said Strykers Head Coach Robert Palmer. “With him in the lineup, we add a different element up top — another weapon in the target area that allows us to be more dynamic in the way we attack. With his ability to post up, hold the ball, and bring his teammates into the game, Leo causes major problems for opponents. We’re thrilled to have him back as part of our group.”
With the new MASL campaign kicking off in late 2026, anyone looking to buy Empire Strykers single-game or season tickets should keep an eye out for the official schedule release in the fall. Strykers fan gear is available year-round via our online store.
The Strykers are the premier indoor soccer team in the Inland Empire and one of two top-tier pro indoor soccer teams in California. As a founding member of the MASL, the Empire organization prides itself on fielding one of the best small-sided teams in the world.
If you’re IE-based and looking to compete, you may have found yourself wondering, “Where can I find an indoor soccer league near me?” If so, feel free to reach out. We’re well connected in the area and might just be able to help. High-level players may even have a shot at joining our reserve team, the Empire Jets, and entering the pathway to our senior squad.
