Chester, Pa. (December 7, 2011) – Philadelphia Union today announced that the club has acquired Costa Rican international Josué Martinez from Club Deportivo Saprissa. The forward will be available upon receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate. Per MLS and Club policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

Raised within Saprissa’s youth system, Martinez made an immediate impact by scoring his first goal during his professional debut against Puntaneras F.C. on November 15, 2009. The 21-year-old striker has since notched 18 tallies in 43 appearances with the Monstruo Morado. In 2010, Martinez and Deportivo Saprissa conquered the Costa Rican First Division Clausura title after the young forward opened the scoring against Asociación Deportiva San Carlos. Later that season, an 87th minute-goal by Martinez against the Seattle Sounders fueled Saprissa to the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals.



Considered one of Costa Rica’s rising stars, Martinez made his national team debut in a 1-0 victory over Venezuela on June 27, 2009. The striker has scored two goals in 11 caps with La Sele, notching his first tally as an international against El Salvador on October 12, 2010. Martinez’s second international goal came in a 2-0 victory over Bolivia at the 2011 Copa America on July 7. In 2009, Martinez’s two goals with Costa Rica's U-20 squad helped place the national team fourth in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Josué Martinez highlights

WATCH: Martinez with a sliding finish to the far post

WATCH: Martinez nets low one-timer

WATCH: Martinez beats his man at U-20 World Cup (1:20 mark in video)

WATCH: Martinez scores for Costa Rica vs. Bolivia

WATCH: Martinez tallies vs. Mexico in U-20 World Cup

WATCH: Martinez makes no mistake from 12 yards out

WATCH: Martinez heads home from close range

WATCH: Martinez finishes far post

WATCH: Martinez knocks home cross



Name: Josué Martinez

Position: Forward

Height: 5-10

Weight: 159

Born: March 25, 1990

Birthplace: San Jose, Costa Rica

Citizenship: Costa Rican

Last club: Deportivo Saprissa

Pronunciation: HO-sway mar-TEE-ness