EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC announced on Thursday that the club had signed defender Elijah Martin to a two-year contract ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

“Elijah has a winning mentality which we want to surround ourselves with and we’ll look to utilize his pace and speed – traits we look for in outside backs – to get us out of pressure,” said Locomotive FC Head Coach and Technical Director Brian Clarhaut. “He is an experienced USL Championship player who will be a great offensive threat and I look forward to welcoming Elijah to our Locomotive family.”

Martin, a USL Championship veteran with 147 combined appearances between the regular season and playoffs, joins Locomotive FC after four seasons with San Diego Loyal SC, where he was one of five players to make 100+ appearances over that span. 

Versatile along the backline, the 27-year-old was amongst the top defenders in Loyal’s history. He was the team’s interception leader (169/1.88 interceptions per 90) and was second in clearances (181), blocks (38) and tackles won (91). He also recorded two goals and five assists during his stint with Loyal. 

“I’m looking forward to starting this new chapter in my career and I’m excited to join a club with such culture,” Martin said. “The style and the quality that the club brings I feel fits perfectly with mine. When I spoke with Brian, he made me feel that I’d be very welcome in the city of El Paso, so I’m eager to meet the staff, players and fans. Coming in and helping the club bring a trophy to the city is my goal.” 

Additionally, the club announced it had declined contract options on defender Jose Carillo, midfielders Denys Kostyshyn and Joel Maldonado, and forward Petur Knudsen. Defenders Marc Navarro and Erik McCue and forward Emmanuel Sonupe will also depart the club as free agents.