Colorado Rapids sign Enzo Martinez from USL affiliate Charlotte

TRANSFER TRACKER: Signed

The Colorado Rapids rebuild continues with the signing of midfielder Enzo Martinez from the club’s USL affiliate Charlotte Independence.

The 27-year-old, a first-round selection (No. 17 overall) by Real Salt Lake in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, is part of the massive Rapids reboot after the club finished one point above the MLS basement a year ago.

The club sent a fourth-round selection in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft to Real Salt Lake in return for the player’s rights.

Martinez scored 29 goals in 79 appearances with the Independence over the course of three seasons after two years with the Carolina RailHawks in the NASL. Last season, he tied for second in the USL Golden Boot race with a career-high 16 goals. The Uruguayan was twice named to the USL Best XI.

“Enzo has really stood out for us this preseason,” said Rapids general manager Padraig Smith, in a statement. “He’s been with us from the first day of training camp and has impressed everyone with his quality and work ethic. His resume at the USL level speaks for itself and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in Major League Soccer.”