Tampa, FL - Senior defender Richard Martinez (Highland, NY) was named to the Premier Development League All-Eastern Conference team, it was announced today by the league office.

Martinez was the only Rough Rider to play every minute of every game this season. He led a Rough Riders defense that allowed just 10 goals on the season, second best in the entire 67-team PDL, and helped his team to a second place finish in the Northeast Division.

"Rich was solid every game for us," said Rough Riders head coach Dan Fisher. "His speed, quick-thinking ability and vision on the field was key to our defense this season. We're proud that he's been given this honor, one that's very deserving."

Martinez is entering his fourth season on the Hofstra roster this fall, after earning All-Colonial Athletic Association accolades in each of his first three campaigns. He was an All-Rookie performer as a freshman, when he helped Hofstra to a CAA championship, then earned second-team honors in 2007 and first-team honors in 2008. He also played for the Puerto Rico National Team in World Cup qualifiers last year.

Martinez and Hofstra open the 2009 season at Stony Brook on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

For a full list of the PDL All-Conference selections, go to the following link:

http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/351767.html