Martinez Brothers Re-Sign with Independence for 2016

December 23, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release

CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Independence today officially announced midfielders Alex Martinez and Enzo Martinez have re-signed with the club for a second season. Retaining the Martinez brothers, who grew up in nearby Rock Hill, SC, will be a boost for the Independence both on and off the field.

Alex Martinez appeared in 16 games during the 2015 season, logging 1,307 minutes along with two goals and two assists. Alex was named to the USL Team of the Week once in late July, following a 2-0 victory over Montreal in which he scored one goal.

"With an extremely competitive personality, Alex works constantly and tirelessly on both sides of the ball," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "His ability to create space for himself in 1-v-1 situations lead to chances for us, while his movement off the ball and on field energy consistently pressure opposing defenses."

Originally selected in the third round of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by Sporting KC, Alex made seven appearances for the club before being released in 2014. After trialing with the Columbus Crew and San Antonio Scorpions, he signed with the USL's Orange County Blues, where he appeared in four games and scored one goal. At the conclusion of the USL season, Martinez reached agreement with NASL side Carolina RailHawks for the remainder of their 2014 season.

Enzo Martinez was one of the most improved players on the Independence roster, finishing 2015 as the club's second-leading scorer with 15 points on four goals and seven assists. His assist total also ranked sixth overall in the USL. Enzo was twice named to the USL Team of the Week.

"Enzo is a key component of our attack," said Jeffries. "He has a knack for finding and creating chances. His ability to play deceptive killer passes led to numerous chances for us last year. Enzo's movement in the final third put him in spots to get on the end of plays, which he is then able to finish."

Drafted in the first round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake, Enzo was sent on short-term loan to 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. Enzo 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.

"I look forward to another year with the Martinez brothers, not only for what they provide on field in games, but also their ability to push each other and the rest of the group with their day to day competitiveness," said Jeffries. "In addition, having developed in the area, they are great representatives of the Charlotte Soccer community."

The Martinez brothers join Bilal Duckett, Jorge Herrera, Tomasz Zahorski and Jack Metcalf as returning players for 2016. The Independence also recently signed USL veteran Yann Ekra, who previously played for the Harrisburg City Islanders.

Additional player signings will be announced in the coming weeks as the Independence receives registration approval from US Soccer. Training Camp will begin in February, following an Open Tryout on Feb. 18. The USL season will kick off in late March.

Alex Martinez of the Charlotte Independence (Brown Photography)

Enzo Martinez of the Charlotte Independence

United Soccer League Championship Stories from December 23, 2015

• AZ United to Participate in Desert Diamond Cup - Phoenix Rising FC
• Two New Players Signed by Independence for 2016 - Charlotte Independence
• Frank Yallop Joins United as Head Coach and President of Soccer Ops - Phoenix Rising FC
• Martinez Brothers Re-Sign with Independence for 2016 - Charlotte Independence

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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