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Martinez Brothers Return to Independence

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 12/04/17, 4:59PM EST

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Johnson, Ross also set for 2018 season with Charlotte


Photo courtesy Brian L. Zimmerman / Richmond Kickers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence announced on Monday the club had exercised the contract options for Enzo Martinez, Alex Martinez, Joel Johnson, and Callum Ross for the 2018 USL season, beginning the Independence’s offseason roster moves.

In addition, the club also said it was in discussions with additional players from the side that reached the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs.

Enzo Martinez earned his second consecutive nomination as a finalist for the USL Most Valuable Player award in 2017 after recording a single-season high 16 goals in the regular season. Martinez also notched five assists as he earned his second consecutive selection to the USL All-League First Team, and had five multi-goal games including the Independence’s second hat trick in club history during a regular-season victory against eventual USL Cup champion Louisville City FC.

Alex Martinez, the younger brother of Enzo, also contributed to the Independence’s success in 2017 as he recorded three goals and four assists for the side. Alex finished in the top six on the team in numerous categories, including minutes played, starts, goals, assists, tackles, passes, crosses, duels won, and fouls won, and will be entering his fourth season with the club in 2018.

Johnson had a strong two-way performance in his second season for the Independence as he logged 99 crossed – more than double the second-highest total on the club – and also notched four assists and 35 key passes in the 2017 season. Ross, meanwhile, had a strong rookie season with the club as he made 29 appearances and logged 2,112 minutes of action. Selected the club’s Rookie of the Year by the Independence’s fans, Ross notched one goal and one assist in his first professional season. 

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