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Independence Standout Martinez Joins Rapids

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 02/20/18, 9:06AM EST

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25 goals earned consecutive nominations as finalist for USL Most Valuable Player


Photo courtesy Colorado Rapids

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Two-time USL All League First Team selection Enzo Martinez was introduced as the newest signing of Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids on Monday. Martinez joins the Rapids after earning nomination as a finalist the USL’s Most Valuable Player award for the Charlotte Independence – which holds a partnership with the Rapids – in each of the past two seasons.

“Charlotte has made the man and player that I am today,” said Martinez. “I will forever be grateful to that organization. They helped me grow, helped me understand the game at a level, when I was younger, I didn't understand. I feel like I'm ready for this new opportunity.”

Martinez made 83 appearances for the Independence over the past three seasons, and in the past two years recorded 25 goals in the regular season and USL Cup Playoffs for the club. The former University of North Carolina standout led Charlotte to the USL Cup Playoffs each of the past two seasons, teaming with Jorge Herrera to lead one of the most prolific attacking duos in the USL.

“Enzo has really stood out for us this preseason,” said Rapids Executive Vice President & General Manager Pádraig Smith. “He’s been with us from the first day of training camp and has impressed everyone with his quality and work ethic. His résumé at the USL level speaks for itself and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in Major League Soccer.”

In order to acquire Martinez, the Rapids have sent a fourth round selection in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft to Real Salt Lake in return for the player’s rights.

“I want to say thank you to all the staff and fans in Charlotte who helped make this move possible,” said Martinez. “But looking forward, I could not be happier to join the Colorado Rapids. The project underway here is really special and I can’t wait to get started – it’s exciting.”

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