nPower Championship side Wigan Athletic will visit Crew Stadium for an international friendly with the Black & Gold on July 13 as part of its first-ever tour of the United States. Before the Crew and Wigan square off next month, here are a few things to know about the English club:
FA CUP CHAMPIONS
Despite being relegated from the Barclays Premier League last season, Wigan made an improbable Cinderella run to the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. In the Final, the Latics upset a heavily favored Manchester City side, 1-0, behind substitute Ben Watson's stoppage time-winner. As a result of Wigan's FA Cup heroics, the club earned a spot in the 2013-14 UEFA Europa League.
LATICS
Wigan Athletic often goes by the nickname of "Latics." This title is an ode to the Wigan's "Athletic" moniker. If any Wigan fans out there have more background behind the club's nickname, we'd love to hear it.
HISTORY
Wigan Athletic Football Club was established in 1932 as a Cheshire League side. The Latics spent the next 73 years to work their way up from the fourth division to finally earn promotion to the Barclays Premier League ahead of the 2005-06 season, where they spent eight seasons. Wigan finished in 10th place -- its highest position in history -- in its first-ever season in the Premier League.
COYLE TAKES THE REIGNS
Recently appointed Head Coach Owen Coyle will be managing Wigan Athletic in its tour of the U.S. Coyle takes over for Roberto Martinez, who replaced David Moyes at Everton FC following his move to Manchester United. Coyle joins Wigan after a stint with Bolton Wanderers.
ESPINOZA RETURNS TO COLUMBUS
Wigan midfielder Roger Espinoza spent one season at The Ohio State University before making the jump to MLS in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. In his short time with the Buckeyes, the Honduran led his team to the 2007 NCAA College Cup Final alongside Crew midfielder Konrad Warzycha. Before joining Wigan in January 2013, Espinoza played five seasons for the Kansas City Wizards/Sporting Kansas City and has earned 30 caps with Honduras.
