MARTINEZ SIGNS WITH PUERTO RICO ISLANDERS

2/3/2010 4:29:00 PM

Former Hofstra defender Richard Martinez (Highland, NY) signed a pro contract to play with the Puerto Rico Islanders, it was announced this week.

Martinez will make his debut this spring for the Islanders, who play in the USL Division of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Division 2. in addition to the Islanders, the USL includes the Austin Aztex, Portland Timbers, Rochester Rhinos, Tampa Bay Rowdies and NSC Minnesota.

Martinez, who is also an alum of the Eastern New York ODP program, was named the Colonial Athletic Association's Defensive Player of the Year this past season for the Pride. He has also been a member of the Puerto Rican National Team and earned six caps in World Cup qualifying back in 2008.

As a freshman, Martinez stepped into the starting line-up and was a key part of a Hofstra team that won the CAA championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He converted the winning penalty kick against George Mason after the teams played to a 1-1 tie in regulation.

"I have followed closely his career in college; we knew he was graduating and he was always someone interesting to us," said Islanders coach Colin Clarke. "I think he has tremendous attributes, that will be further developed. Has the right attitude to learn and I think he'll do just fine."

Clarke, a former coach of the Northern Ireland National Team, said he saw Martinez play when the Puerto Rican National Team participated in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers.

"We have said that the Puerto Rican players are going to start developing and it is important that when there's a good one, we do everything necessary to sign him and bring him here and we have done that," Clarke said.

Martinez joins recent Hofstra alumni Gary Flood (New England Revolution) and Michael Todd (Charleston Battery) in signing professional contracts in the United States.

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