From 2018-19, Eugene "Pele" Martinez was one of the most important pieces to the Cerritos College men's soccer team's defensive success. After two years with the Falcons and two more at Cal Poly Pomona, Martinez was signed by Vancouver FC of the Canadian Premier League.

In his two seasons, the Falcons compiled a combined 39-4-6 record, won the 2018 CCCAA State Championship and allowed a minuscule 44 goals. Martinez was also a two-time All-South Coast Conference selection before signing with Cal Poly Pomona. While with the Broncos, Martinez earned both a D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award and CCAA All-Academic award.

Martinez (left, with the Falcons in 2019), 25, is a right footed center-back from Dangriga, Belize who made 36 appearances for the Broncos over two seasons, scoring three goals and logging 2209 minutes. While with the Falcons, he accounted for two goals and eight assists in 44 games.

He represented the Belize men's national team four times in Concacaf Nations League B play in 2022, his first appearances for his country.

"It is a dream come true to join Vancouver and continue my playing career as a professional," Martinez said in a story from the Vancouver FC website. "I believe in my ability and look forward to proving myself within my new team and within the Canadian Premier League."

Martinez is also the owner and founder of Pele Soccer Foundation in Belize, which provides youth with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of soccer, collects new clothes and equipment to ensure they can play and instills the importance of education.

"Pele impressed me immediately with his athleticism and personality," said Vancouver FC head coach Afshin Ghotbi. "A great character in the locker room, Pele makes everyone better around him. He is a born leader who will soon be a fan favorite in the CPL."

The Whitecaps begin their season on February 25.