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Charlotte Independence

Independence Signs Rock Hill Native Enzo Martinez

March 4, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 4, 2015) - The Charlotte Independence today announced the signing of the ninth player in the USL expansion team's history. Rock Hill, S.C. native Enzo Martinez has agreed to terms and will return home to play with the Independence for the 2015 season.

"I'm really excited," said Martinez. "As soon as the opportunity (to play in Charlotte) opened up, I asked my agent to try to pursue that because I thought it would be great. I feel at home here. What better place to play at a professional level and advance my career. I'm really excited to be able to battle every week to bring a trophy home."

While location was a major factor in Martinez' decision, he also was impressed by the Independence coaching staff and front office personnel. "Everyone that works for the team is on point," he said. "Everyone is on the same page, everyone has the same desire to be able to do everything they can to make game days easy for the players, easy for us to go out and perform. Overall it has been a great experience."

Martinez was a first-round selection in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, going 17th overall to Real Salt Lake. After not seeing any playing time with RSL in 2012, the midfielder was sent on a short-term loan to NASL club the Carolina RailHawks in April 2013. He appeared in 15 games that season, netting three goals, including the equalizer in his debut against Minnesota United FC. Martinez was not retained by RSL following the 2013 season and rejoined the RailHawks on a permanent basis. He appeared in 21 games during the 2014 NASL season, and his six goals ranked second on the team.

"Being able to sign such a talented local player is a coup for our team and the community," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "Enzo's passion for the game is unparalleled. On the field he is a competitor with a knack for turning up in the right spots to create and finish scoring opportunities."

The 24-year-old Martinez was born in Uruguay, but his family moved to Rock Hill in 2000. He starred as a midfielder for Discoveries Soccer Club and Northwestern High School. Following a youth career that included three South Carolina State Championships, three South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year honors, one FAB 50 national title and 182 total goals, Martinez was named ESPN Rise High School Boys' Soccer Player of the Decade.

Martinez went on to play at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he was one of nine members of the 2012 Generation adidas class. He finished his three-year career (2009-11) with 22 goals and 20 assists in 72 games played. The Tar Heels reached the College Cup in all three of Martinez' seasons, winning the national title in 2011. Following his junior campaign, Martinez was named a NSCAA First Team All-American and was selected to the College Cup All-Tournament Team and Soccer America's MVP Second Team. He also earned NSCAA Third Team All-American honors and All-ACC Second Team honors as a sophomore and was an ACC All-Freshman Team selection in 2009.

The Independence are in the thick of training camp and played their first preseason friendly last Saturday, a 0-0 draw with UNC-Chapel Hill. Martinez was pleased the team did not let up any goals against a quality opponent, and that the Independence were able to get some quality chances on net. He feels the team is starting to come together and that the scrimmage was a great building block. "No one goes to the locker room with a sad face or is brining in a negative energy into the locker room," said Martinez. "The trainings have been awesome. I haven't left from a practice bored, or angry, or upset. It's always been fun. They are great training sessions, I feel like I'm improving in every training session, which for every player that's really important. I think the style that the coach brings to the team fits me really well, so I'm really excited. I think things are coming together in a great way."

With so many family and friends living nearby and able to come out to matches this season, Martinez can barely contain his excitement for the home opener. "The first game, the season opener, that's what I'm looking forward to the most," he said. "When you start competing, where each week is just getting ready for that Saturday and once that game is done you get a rest, then go back on Monday and get ready for the next Saturday. I'm just ready for every weekend, to look at the table and see where we stand, and what we need to do to improve or what we need to do to stay where we are. That's what I'm looking forward to, to being in that state of mentality that you need to go and compete every day."

Martinez and the Independence will make their USL debut at home against local rival the Charleston Battery on Friday, March 27. The match will begin at 7:30pm on UNC-Charlotte's Transamerica Field.

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