Elijah Martin Bio
Elijah Kain Martin (born July 4, 1996) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender. Standing 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) tall, he has built a career across multiple U.S. lower-division and development clubs since turning professional in 2013. Martin began his soccer journey in Fresno, California, playing for Cal Odyssey before joining the IMG Academy and later the LA Galaxy organization.
Over the course of his career, Martin has played for several clubs, including LA Galaxy II, Tampa Bay Rowdies 2, Fresno FC U-23, Fresno FC, San Diego Loyal, El Paso Locomotive, and AV Alta. He has also represented the United States at the U17 level during the 2013 CONCACAF U-17 Championship.
Early Life and Background
Elijah Kain Martin was born on July 4, 1996, in Fresno, California, in the United States. Growing up in Fresno, he was introduced to soccer at a young age and joined Cal Odyssey, a club that competed in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. He spent three formative years with Cal Odyssey from 2009 to 2012, developing the technical foundation that would carry him into the professional ranks.
During his youth years, Martin trained in a competitive environment that emphasized both skill and tactical awareness. His time at Cal Odyssey gave him valuable experience in academy-level play, where he regularly faced some of the top young talent in the country. These early experiences shaped his understanding of the game and prepared him for the next step in his development pathway.
Path to Soccer
Martin’s pathway into professional soccer accelerated in 2013, when he joined the IMG Academy Bradenton, a USL Premier Development League side known for nurturing promising young players. His time at IMG Academy provided him with elite training resources and exposure to higher-level competition. He also linked up with the LA Galaxy’s youth setup during the 2013 to 2014 U.S. Soccer Development Academy season, joining the LA Galaxy U-17/18 squad.
In 2013, Martin was called up to the United States U17 national team, representing his country at the 2013 CONCACAF U-17 Championship. That international experience marked a significant milestone in his development as a young defender. His performances in the youth ranks and on the international stage helped him earn a professional contract with the LA Galaxy’s reserve side.
Elijah Martin Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
Martin signed with LA Galaxy II ahead of the 2014 USL Pro season, joining the reserve squad of Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy. He made his professional debut on June 8, 2014, against the Dayton Dutch Lions, entering the match as a halftime substitute for Dragan Stojkov. LA Galaxy II won the game 5–1, giving Martin a memorable start to his professional career. He remained with the club through the 2015 season before departing.
After his time with LA Galaxy II, Martin joined the Tampa Bay Rowdies 2 on April 14, 2016, becoming part of the initial roster of the Rowdies’ NPSL reserve side. The move allowed him to continue his development in a competitive environment while maintaining his connection to the broader U.S. soccer pyramid.
LA Galaxy II Breakthrough (2014–2015)
Martin’s stint with LA Galaxy II served as his primary entry point into the professional ranks. Operating as a defender, he contributed to a Galaxy II side that was part of one of the most high-profile development pipelines in American soccer. His debut performance and consistent minutes in USL Pro helped establish his reputation as a reliable young defender.
The experience of training within the LA Galaxy organization exposed Martin to a professional environment and top-level coaching. Although he did not break into the senior LA Galaxy first team, the reserve years gave him a platform to develop his defensive skills and prepare for opportunities at other clubs.
Fresno FC and San Diego Loyal Era (2017–2023)
Martin returned to his hometown region when he joined Fresno FC U-23 for the 2017 and 2018 seasons, where he continued to gain competitive minutes. In 2019, he was part of the senior Fresno FC roster, a significant step in his progression as a professional defender at the USL Championship level.
In 2020, Martin signed with San Diego Loyal, where he would spend the next four seasons. San Diego Loyal became one of the more talked-about clubs in American lower-division soccer during that period, and Martin was a consistent presence in the squad through 2023. The club’s eventual disbandment brought an end to his tenure there.
El Paso Locomotive and AV Alta Era (2024–Present)
Following the San Diego Loyal disbandment, Martin signed with El Paso Locomotive ahead of their 2024 USL Championship campaign. However, on June 17, 2024, Martin and El Paso Locomotive mutually agreed to part ways, bringing his time with the club to an early end.
Looking to continue his career, Martin signed with USL League One expansion club AV Alta on December 27, 2024. The move gave him a fresh start with a growing organization and positioned him to play a role in the club’s early seasons. He is currently listed as part of the AV Alta roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Martin is listed as a defender and midfielder, demonstrating versatility across the back line and in central areas of the pitch. His background in U.S. Soccer Development Academy programs and his experience across multiple professional environments have shaped him into a player capable of reading the game and contributing in different tactical setups. His familiarity with high-competition environments, including international duty with the U.S. U17 side, has given him a steady foundation.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the signature moments of Martin’s career came on June 8, 2014, when he made his professional debut for LA Galaxy II in a 5–1 win over the Dayton Dutch Lions. Another major milestone was his inclusion in the United States U17 squad for the 2013 CONCACAF U-17 Championship, marking his arrival on the national stage. His signing with AV Alta in December 2024 represented yet another fresh chapter, joining a brand-new USL League One club.
Elijah Martin Career Wins
Elijah Martin’s career has been defined more by steady development and longevity than by a long list of headline victories. Across his stops with LA Galaxy II, Tampa Bay Rowdies 2, Fresno FC, San Diego Loyal, El Paso Locomotive, and AV Alta, he has been a consistent presence in club rosters, contributing as a defender in both USL Pro and USL Championship competition.
USL Pro and USL Championship Highlights
During his time with LA Galaxy II, Martin was part of a successful USL Pro side, with his debut in 2014 ending in a 5–1 win over the Dayton Dutch Lions. He also spent four seasons with San Diego Loyal from 2020 to 2023, a period during which the club built a strong reputation in the USL Championship.
Martin’s run with Fresno FC in 2019 placed him in a senior professional environment, and his move to El Paso Locomotive in 2024 came ahead of the club’s USL Championship campaign. Most recently, he joined AV Alta as part of the expansion club’s early roster build for USL League One.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his senior professional career, Martin represented the United States at the U17 level during the 2013 CONCACAF U-17 Championship, a notable achievement in his youth career. He also competed in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy with Cal Odyssey and LA Galaxy, where he faced some of the best young talent in the country.
Elijah Martin Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available information about Elijah Kain Martin’s family background is limited. He was raised in Fresno, California, where he first began playing organized soccer with Cal Odyssey. Further details about his parents or any family members involved in soccer are not widely documented in verified sources.
Personal Life
Elijah Kain Martin was born and raised in Fresno, California, and has continued to be associated with the Central Valley region of California throughout much of his career, including time with Fresno FC and Fresno FC U-23. He is American by nationality, and details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not publicly confirmed in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
Elijah Kain Martin entered 2025 as a member of AV Alta FC, the USL League One expansion club he joined on December 27, 2024. As one of the club’s early signings, he is positioned to play a role in AV Alta’s inaugural seasons, contributing defensive experience from his time in the USL Championship with San Diego Loyal and Fresno FC.
Martin’s 2025 campaign is part of a wider effort to establish AV Alta as a competitive presence in USL League One. His journey through multiple clubs, including LA Galaxy II, Tampa Bay Rowdies 2, Fresno FC, San Diego Loyal, and El Paso Locomotive, has given him a broad base of experience that should help him adapt to the demands of a new club environment.
Looking ahead, Martin’s consistency and defensive versatility will be valuable assets for AV Alta as the club continues to build its identity. His background with U.S. Soccer Development Academy programs and professional experience at multiple levels make him a steady presence in the squad for the 2025 season.