COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has acquired midfielder Cristian Martinez on loan for the duration of the 2016 Major League Soccer season. Martinez, 19, joins Crew SC on loan from Chorrillo FC of the first-division Liga Panamena de Futbol. The midfielder will occupy an international roster slot on the Black & Gold roster.
Panamanaian Midfielder Cristian Martinez Loaned to Columbus Crew SC
“Cristian is a young, talented player with a bright future, and we’re pleased that we were able to complete this deal after having him in training with us over the course of the last few weeks,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “We’re excited to work with him and do our best to help him realize his potential as a professional.”
Martinez joins Crew SC from his hometown Chorrillo FC in Panama. He started his soccer career playing for Chorrillo’s Under-9 squad and progressed through the club’s youth system to make his debut appearance for its first team four years ago, at the age of 15. He joined Crew SC as a guest player for the Black & Gold’s international friendly against Liga MX side Veracruz on May 11, where he played 45 minutes and registered one shot.
He has earned two caps for the Panama National Team, both in 2016 during friendly matches. His first appearance for the side came in a substitute appearance against El Salvador (February 18), where he helped Panama close-out a 1-0 victory. His second cap also represented his first start for Los Canaleros, against Nicaragua (March 16).
The Black and Gold travel north of the border this Saturday for a match with Trillium Cup rivals Toronto FC (5 PM, MLS Live, SN360, TWCSC-OH, CW Columbus). It’s the first of three meetings between the two clubs this season.
Name: Cristian Martinez
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 174
Born: February 6, 1997 in El Chorrillo, Panama City, Panama
Hometown: El Chorrillo, Panama City, Panama
Citizenship: Panama
Acquired: Acquired by Crew SC on loan from Chorrillo FC for the duration of the 2016 Major League Soccer season on May 17, 2016. He will occupy an international roster slot on the Black & Gold roster.
Previous Experience: Chorrillo FC (2012-present)
