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Loudoun United FC

Loudoun United FC Sign Defender Nelson Martinez

August 9, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Loudoun United FC News Release


LEESBURG, VA - Loudoun United FC announced today the acquisition of defender Nelson Martinez.

"Nelson was one of the first Academy players I brought to Loudoun United FC," Ryan Martin, Loudoun United FC Head Coach, said. "After 2 years in North Carolina, he's back home. He has tremendous passing range and an aggressive urge for tackles. He has grown mentally in his time away and there's no doubt he knows our system and the way we want to play."

Martinez spent the last two seasons with USL League One's North Carolina FC. Over the span, the El Salvadorian appeared in 52 matches, recording one goal and one assist. In 2021, Martinez was twice named to the USL League One Team of the Week and earned USL League One's Goal of the Week in Week 21.

The Woodbridge, Va. native recorded 1,285 minutes of action in 17 appearances (16 starts) for United as a USL Academy signing in 2019 and scored his first professional goal during a 2-2 draw against Saint Louis FC on July 6. The 19-year-old also recorded two assists in his debut season and maintained a passing accuracy of 86.6 percent. Defensively, Martinez blocked nine shots while making 25 clearances.

"I am very excited to be playing in front of my friends and family again," Nelson Martinez said. "I started my professional career here at Loudoun so it feels amazing to be back!"

Prior to joining LUFC, Martinez spent four years in the D.C. United Academy. During his time with the academy, the defender made 92 U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) appearances (85 starts) and scored seven goals.

Player: Nelson Martinez

Position: Defender

Birthdate: 3/3/2001

Age: 22

Birthplace: Woodbridge, VA

Height: 5'9"

Status: Domestic

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