Isidro Martinez Bio
Isidro “Chelo” Martinez is an American professional soccer player who competes as a midfielder for USL League One club Union Omaha. Born on March 15, 1997, in Brownsville, Texas, Martinez has built a reputation as a versatile midfielder with strong collegiate credentials and a steadily developing professional career that began in 2018. His journey through American soccer includes stops at multiple USL Championship and USL League One clubs, showcasing his adaptability and consistency at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Martinez grew up in Brownsville, Texas, where he attended Simon Rivera High School. During his senior year at Simon Rivera High School, Martinez emerged as one of the most dominant high school soccer players in the state. He led the Raiders to a remarkable undefeated 28-0-0 record on their way to capturing the UIL 6A Texas state championship. In the championship match, Martinez scored the opening goal, helping the Rivera Raiders secure a 2-1 victory. His exceptional performance throughout the season earned him recognition as the 2015 USA Today Gatorade Texas Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
Path to Professional Soccer
Following his outstanding high school career, Martinez continued his development at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He played four years of college soccer with the UTRGV Vaqueros from 2015 to 2018, making 70 appearances while contributing 9 goals and 13 assists. His consistent collegiate performances provided a strong foundation for his transition to professional soccer.
While still attending college, Martinez gained valuable professional experience by appearing for USL Premier Development League side South Georgia Tormenta in 2018. This opportunity allowed him to test his skills against more experienced players and acclimate to the demands of professional competition before completing his collegiate career.
Isidro Martinez Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Martinez officially began his professional soccer career in 2018 with South Georgia Tormenta while completing his final year of college eligibility. His performances attracted attention from higher-tier clubs, and on March 8, 2019, he signed for USL Championship side Rio Grande Valley. The move represented a significant step up in competition level, as the USL Championship sits just below Major League Soccer in the American soccer hierarchy.
During his initial stint with Rio Grande Valley from 2019 to 2020, Martinez continued developing his craft in the competitive USL Championship environment, gaining valuable minutes and experience against some of the top non-MLS talent in North America.
Rio Grande Valley Return and Forward Madison (2022-2023)
After his spell with New Mexico United, Martinez returned to Rio Grande Valley FC on February 4, 2022. This second stint with the club demonstrated the organization’s confidence in his abilities and provided him with an opportunity to build on his previous experience with the team.
Prior to the 2023 season, Martinez signed with Forward Madison FC of USL League One. The move to USL League One offered Martinez a chance to play consistent starting minutes while continuing to develop his skills in a competitive professional environment.
Northern Colorado Hailstorm (2024)
On February 22, 2024, Martinez signed with USL League One side Northern Colorado Hailstorm ahead of their 2024 season. This move represented another step in his journey through American professional soccer, as he sought to establish himself as a reliable midfielder at the league level.
Union Omaha Era (2025-Present)
Martinez joined USL League One side Union Omaha on March 6, 2025. The signing marked a new chapter in his professional career as he joined a club with ambitions of competing for playoff positioning in USL League One. Martinez brought his accumulated experience from multiple professional seasons to strengthen Union Omaha’s midfield options.
Playing Style and Strengths
Martinez operates primarily as a central midfielder, utilizing his technical ability and tactical awareness to control the tempo of matches. His collegiate career statistics of 70 appearances with 9 goals and 13 assists demonstrate his all-around contribution to team performance, balancing defensive responsibilities with attacking output. His experience across multiple clubs and leagues has helped him develop into a versatile midfielder capable of adapting to different tactical systems and team environments.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Martinez’s most significant individual achievement remains his selection as the 2015 USA Today Gatorade Texas Boys Soccer Player of the Year, recognizing his outstanding high school career. His role in leading Simon Rivera High School to an undefeated season and a state championship further highlighted his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. At the collegiate level, his 70 appearances over four seasons at UTRGV demonstrated consistent availability and performance across multiple years.
Isidro Martinez Career Statistics
Martinez has accumulated professional experience across multiple seasons in USL Championship and USL League One competitions. His career spans clubs in both tiers of American soccer below MLS, providing him with extensive exposure to professional match play.
College Career Highlights
At the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Martinez made 70 appearances across four seasons from 2015 to 2018. He contributed 9 goals and 13 assists during his collegiate career, demonstrating consistent productivity and durability. His performance level earned him recognition as one of the top college soccer players in Texas before turning professional.
Professional Career Summary
Martinez has played for six professional clubs since beginning his career in 2018. His journey includes South Georgia Tormenta, two separate stints with Rio Grande Valley FC, New Mexico United, Forward Madison FC, Northern Colorado Hailstorm, and most recently Union Omaha. This trajectory reflects his ability to remain competitive and attract opportunities across different organizations and leagues within the American soccer system.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTRGV Vaqueros (2015-2018) | 70 | 9 | 13 |
Isidro Martinez Education
Martinez completed his high school education at Simon Rivera High School in Brownsville, Texas, where he established himself as an elite soccer talent. He then pursued higher education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he balanced academic studies with his collegiate soccer career from 2015 to 2018.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season with Union Omaha, Martinez brought a wealth of experience from his seven professional seasons across multiple clubs. His March 2025 signing added depth and experience to Union Omaha’s midfield as the club targeted a competitive season in USL League One. His familiarity with the league from previous stints at Forward Madison FC and Northern Colorado Hailstorm positioned him as an immediate contributor for his new club.