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Walmer Martinez Becomes First Player In MBFC History

Otter Academic All–American® to continue his professional career at home

December 23, 2021

SEASIDE, Calif. — Monterey Bay F.C. announced former Cal State Monterey Bay star Walmer Martinez (@walmermartinez_) as its first official player signing. Martinez was acquired via transfer by Monterey Bay F.C. from fellow USL Championship club Hartford Athletic after playing his first season in the league in 2021.

In addition to playing for Monterey Bay F.C., Martinez is also a proud member of the El Salvador Men's National Team. He returns to the CSUMB campus where he finished his successful collegiate career for the Otters in 2019. Martinez has the opportunity to take advantage of his familiarity with the region as he steps to onto the pitch of the newly renovated, Cardinale Stadium. 

"We are incredibly excited to bring Walmer back home to Monterey Bay for our inaugural season. His experience with both the El Salvador National Team and within the USL Championship will play an integral part of laying the foundation of our club," said Monterey Bay F.C. President, Mike DiGiulio. "Walmer's homecoming signifies the beginning of the Union as we continue to bring athletes here to make Monterey Bay their home." 

Sporting Director and Head Coach, Frank Yallop added "I'm thrilled to announce Walmer as Monterey Bay F.C.'s first player signing. It's very important to have young, local athletes playing for our club. Hopefully this is the first of many local players joining Monterey Bay F.C. "Walmer is a very talented young athlete and I'm very excited to begin working with him." 

A first-generation El Salvadorian born in Santa Cruz, California, and graduate of Soquel High School, After a stop at Cabrillo College, Martinez transferred to CSUMB where he finished second in career assists (16) and fifth in goals (17), despite playing just two seasons in an Otter uniform. In his senior year alone, Martinez claimed the second-best attacking season in CSUMB Men's Soccer history, recording 13 goals and 33 points.

He went on to earn All–CCAA and All–West Region honors, capping his collegiate career by becoming the fifth athlete in CSUMB history to earn prestigious Academic All–America® honors.

"We really are delighted for Walmer. He was an outstanding student–athlete and we are very grateful that he was part of our program," said CSUMB Head Coach Graeme Jaap. "We have no doubt that he is going to keep progressing because of his willingness to work hard and his drive to be a very good player. I, for one, will be excited to watch him when he takes to the field for MBFC. He was a great signing by (former CSUMB coach) Shane Carew and hopefully this is just the first of many players that will be taking the jump from CSUMB to the professional stage."

After he graduated from CSUMB in 2019, Martinez was invited to Hartford's Invitation Combine in early 2021 where he performed well enough to earn his first professional contract with the club during preseason training. While at Hartford, Martinez was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week in the final week of the regular season for his performance against the Charleston Battery where he scored both goals in a 2-0 victory and completed 22 of 26 passes during the match.

Following his signing with Hartford, Martinez was selected by the El Salvador Men's National Team for FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifying during the summer. On June 5, 2021, Martinez made his debut for the country in a 7-0 win against the U.S. Virgin Islands. He scored his first goal for El Salvador three days later in a 3-0 victory against Antigua and Barbuda and has gone on to make 16 appearances for the side while recording two goals in the past year. 

Martinez was selected for the El Salvador squad to play at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup and has also seen action in the final stage of FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifying, competing against the United States, Mexico and Canada. 

"I'm so thrilled that Walmer has this opportunity to come home and continue his professional soccer journey. And I'm thankful that Monterey Bay F.C. continues to demonstrate such a strong commitment to our local area," said CSUMB Director of Athletics Kirby Garry (@kirbygarry). "Walmer's story is a shining example of CSUMB acting on our vision and mission of serving the success of local students." 

"There is nothing better than playing for a community who has seen me grow and develop; I'm glad to be coming home," said Martinez. "I grew up playing soccer all throughout these local communities, they've seen my journey and followed my stages from playing as a young boy to playing in stadiums filled with thousands of fans. It's the most amazing feeling to know that everyone who has followed and supported me will now be able to watch me play on my home turf for Monterey Bay F.C."


 
GO OTTERS!


 
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