FC Westchester alum Richard Martinez, who played for the FCW ’88 Boys, has signed a contract with the Puerto Rico Islanders of the USSF Division II Professional League. He will play in league's USL Division that in addition to the Islanders includes the Austin Aztecx, the Minnesota Thunder, the Portland Timbers, the Rochester Rhinos and the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Martinez was a star defender at Hofstra University and was selected this past season’s Colonial Athletic Conference’s Defender of the Year. He has also been a member of the Puerto Rican National Team.

"I have followed closely his career in college; we knew he was graduating and he was always someone interesting to us,” said Colin Clarke, the head coach of the Islanders. “ I think he has tremendous attributes, that will be further developed. Has the right attitude to learn and I think he’ll do just fine, "Clarke said early yesterday.

Clarke, a former coach of the Northern Ireland national team, said he saw Martinez play when the Puerto Rican National Team participated in the CONCACAF qualifiers for the World Cup.

"We have said that the Puerto Rican players are going to start developing and it is important that when a good one good we do everything necessary to sign him and bring him here and we have done that here," said Clarke.