“He's an energy giver, and energy givers? The more the merrier.”
Head Coach Bradley Carnell has been vocal about his ‘people-first’ coaching philosophy since he was hired in the 2025 offseason, and over the past year, the Union have crafted a team that reflects that.
Geiner Martinez is the latest addition to that mix -- on Wednesday, the 23-year-old Colombian defender met his new teammates for the first time during their travel to Clearwater, Florida for the second phase of training camp, and later that day, he participated in his first Union training session on the fields at Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex.
“My first impression of the group was wonderful, by the way they welcomed me, how they train, and the discipline and order they maintain to achieve each goal day by day,” Martinez said.
While there’s a language barrier, with help from Jesus Bueno, Ale Bedoya, and even young homegrown Sal Olivas, the six-foot-three centerback is quickly integrating into the group, which isn’t a surprise for Carnell.
This time last year, the head coach had a zoom call with Serbian midfielder Jovan Lukic during transfer talks, and it became an infamous one that team leader would go on to recall throughout the season as one of the best in his coaching career.
Flash forward to the the team huddle on Wednesday evening before training, Carnell told the group that his call with Martinez had joined those ranks, citing humilIy, passion, and a hunger for growth as the themes that stood out most in their conversation, despite the challenge of using third-party translator to communicate.
“I get goose bumps speaking about it, because he's a real humble kid. He knows where he wants his career to go. He's very driven and focused in achieving those steps and getting through those steps. He understands that this club stands for development and helping him and his career move forwards in the right way,” Carnell said of their conversation.
“He has a good sort of skill set and foundation, but everybody at the club will now have to make sure that we take steps and necessary provided for for his development, because he's a gem of a human being. He's just committed. He's already integrated really well. He's talking to the boys. He's communicating as best as he can, and he just shows a good body language of confidence and positivity."
