One of Major League Soccer’s premier franchises now has a former Wolfpack star on its roster.
During the 57th overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 21, former N.C. State midfielder Alex Martinez was drafted by Sporting Kansas City, the MLS’ reigning champions. Martinez is the first Wolfpack soccer player to be drafted since former defender Tyler Lassiter was selected 30th overall by the New York Red Bulls in the 2011 SuperDraft.
Martinez, a first-team All-ACC selection in 2012 and State’s assist leader during the last two seasons, will go to preseason training with the club in Arizona to try and earn his first professional contract.
“I was very thankful to be drafted,” Martinez said. “It’s an exciting time for me and my family. I’m very excited to get an opportunity to start preseason with the best teams in the MLS. Hopefully I can earn a contract to start off my professional career.”
The Rock Hill, S.C. native began his collegiate career at High Point but transferred to State following his sophomore season. From that point forward, the midfielder became one of the Wolfpack’s most dynamic attacking players, leading the Pack in goals scored in 2012 and garnering a spot on the 2013 All-ACC third team.
Martinez said none of his successes would have been possible without the trust shown to him by the Wolfpack’s coaching staff, including head coach Kelly Findley.
“Coach Findley gave me the opportunity to come to State, and that’s the biggest reason why I’m where I am right now,” Martinez said. “If I was at High Point, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to play in the best conference in college soccer. I’m just very thankful for Coach Findley and the opportunity he gave me… Coming to State is the best thing that could have happened for me and my career.”
Findley said that Martinez’ MLS opportunity is a sign of growth for Wolfpack soccer.
“I think it’s another step forward for Alex and for the program,” Findley said. “When you have guys who get opportunities at the next level, it means you’re doing a good job of developing players, and also getting better players in the program from the start. It’s a good growth step for the program.”
Martinez played primarily on the wings during his career with the Wolfpack, after having only played in a central attacking role with previous teams. The position switch required immense trust in the coaching staff on Martinez’ part, but Findley said Martinez’ vast potential on the wings was plainly evident.
“Alex is very good in one-on-one situations and really good when he gets isolated in the final third,” Findley said. “You have an easier time getting in those situations when you play wide than when you do centrally.”
Martinez said the new position suits him well.
“Thank god they moved me out wide because I love the position now,” Martinez said.
Martinez is not State soccer’s lone representative in the professional ranks. Two other former Wolfpackers, who played with Martinez on State’s 2013 team, midfielder Nazmi Albadawi and goalkeeper Fabian Otte, were invited to train with Werder Bremen’s U-23 squad in Germany. Werder Bremen currently sits 11th in the standings in the 18-team German Bundesliga, one of Europe’s top professional leagues.
Last Wednesday, Findley said he had received a message from Albadawi saying the Wolfpackers are making an impact in Germany.
“I got a text from Nazmi saying things are going well,” Findley said. “He played 30 minutes in a friendly match [on Jan. 22] and felt like he did well, and Fabi’s training is going well too. It’s a great experience to be able to train and play with a Bundesliga team, and it’s a great opportunity for both of them, regardless of how it goes.”
Findley said that helping State’s players earn opportunities at the professional level is one of two main goals he has for the program.
“Every young player wants a chance to sign a professional contract,” Findley said. “And we want to be a program that wins championships and prepares players for the next level.”
