EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that it has signed defender Elijah Martin to a two-year contract ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval.
“Elijah has a winning mentality which we want to surround ourselves with and we’ll look to utilize his pace and speed – traits we look for in outside backs – to get us out of pressure,” Head Coach and Technical Director Brian Clarhaut said. “He is an experienced USL Championship player who will be a great offensive threat and I look forward to welcoming Elijah to our Locomotive family.”
Martin, a USL Championship veteran with 147 combined appearances between the regular season and playoffs, joins Locomotive after four seasons with the now-defunct San Diego Loyal SC, where he was one of five players to make 100+ appearances.
Versatile along the backline, the 27-year-old was amongst the top defenders in Loyal’s history. He was the team’s interception leader (169/1.88 interceptions per 90) and was second in clearances (181), blocks (38) and tackles won (91). He also recorded two goals and five assists during his stint with Loyal.
“I’m looking forward to starting this new chapter in my career and I’m excited to join a club with such culture,” Martin said. “The style and the quality that the club brings I feel fits perfectly with mine. When I spoke with Brian, he made me feel that I’d be very welcome in the city of El Paso, so I’m eager to meet the staff, players and fans. Coming in and helping the club bring a trophy to the city is my goal.”
Prior to San Diego, the defender spent the 2019 season with his hometown side, Fresno FC. He started 28 times in 31 matches, helping The Foxes (alongside current Locomotive midfielder Arun Basuljevic) secure a third-place Western Conference finish to clinch what would be the club’s only postseason appearance.
Between 2016 and 2018, Martin spent time between the Fresno FC U-23s and Fresno Fuego in USL League Two as well as the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) with Tampa Bay Rowdies 2.
Martin made his professional debut in the USL Championship at 17 as an inaugural member of LA Galaxy II. He was a contributor for both the 2015 finalist and 2014 semifinalist squads.
Martin has also represented the United States as a youth player, having played for the U-17 U.S. Boys National Team during the 2013 CONCACAF U-17 Championships in Panama.