Soquel alum Martínez rejoins El Salvador National Team
Monterey Bay F.C. wingback Walmer Martínez has been selected to join the El Salvador National Team for its two upcoming matches in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League group stage.
El Salvador faces Martinique at Pierre-Aliker Municipal Stadium in Fort-deFrance, Martinque, on Friday at 4 p.m. and Tuesday at Jorge “Mágico” González Stadium in San Salvador, El Salvador, at 6 p.m.
The Soquel High alum, who played for Cabrillo College and CSU Monterey Bay, answered his first international call-up since 2021 and joined El Salvador immediately following the Union's 2-0 loss to Birmingham Legion FC on Sunday.
“It's been two years now and honestly, for me, the one thing that I want to do is go give 100% for the country,” Martínez said. “I know what I can give, I know what potential I have. It's been a long two years, I've been working hard towards getting here again. It's a great opportunity, a real blessing to be there. I am thankful to the coaching staff that selected me to go, it's an honor. I take great pride in going there and being there, and I'm going to give everything I have for El Salvador.”
Martínez has earned 21 starts in 31 appearances across all competitions in his second season with the Crisp-and-Kelp. Martínez made the majority of his appearances this season as a wingback on the left side of Union Coach Frank Yallop's preferred formation, fully embracing a previously unfamiliar position for the 25-year-old. In 1,636 regular season minutes this season, Martínez recorded 38 tackles, 31 clearances, 30 interceptions, and two assists among 20 chances created.
Martínez will be unavailable for MBFC's regular season home finale against Orange County SC, but is expected to be available for selection ahead of any potential playoff fixture the following weekend.
Women's soccer
AT UC SANTA CRUZ 4, PACIFIC UNION 0 >> Sydney Boyd had two goals and an assist in the Banana Slugs' win on their Lower East Field on Monday.
Amaya Espardinez had a goal and an assist, and Caitlin Walters also scored. Camille Anneet had two assists, and Alex Torres also had assists.
Goalie Amelia Brown made one save for UCSC, and her counterpart Kaytlin Blair made 12 saves.
The Banana Slugs (62-2) face Lincoln University at Lower East Field on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Men's golf
NCPGA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS >> Seascape Golf Club's Isaac Weintraub took second place at the NCPGA Tournament of Champions at Schaffer's Mill Golf Club in Truckee on Monday.
Weintraub, a former standout at Santa Cruz High and San Jose State University who competed professionally, finished with a 141 total. Brad Marek of Corica Park won with 139 total, and Scott de Borba of Valley Hi Country Club and Steve Watanabe of The Bridges Golf Club tied for third at 142.
“I was really excited to get this result and also was bummed I didn't win, but really enjoyed feeling the pressure of having a chance to win,” Weintraub said.
Girls flag football
SCOTTS VALLEY 14, AT SOQUEL 13 >> Eliza Stevens and Trinity Wilson scored for the Knights in their loss Monday.
Johannah Swiser made an extra point.
Knights coach Lauren Junker credited Natalie Salerno and Camryn Jensen for their defensive play. SUPER SATURDAY >> Watsonville went 1-1 at Super Saturday at Alvarez High.
The Wildcatz opened with a 40-0 win over Alvarez and trailed King City 26-0 when the game was called early.
Watsonville senior quarterback Itzel Martinez rushed and passed for touchdowns, and senior quarterback Evanny Rosillo had three TD passes.
Senior receiver Joselyn Gutierrez had two touchdown receptions for the Wildcatz. Sophomore receiver Stephanie Martinez and senior receiver Juleanna Ramirez also had TD receptions.
Senior linebacker Mia Sarabia with an interception.
Rosillo was one of two Wildcatz injured in the second game, which ended prematurely.