CHARLOTTE, N.C. – 2016 USL Most Valuable Player finalist Enzo Martinez and brother Alex Martinez will both return to the Charlotte Independence for the 2017 season, the club announced on Wednesday.

Enzo Martinez was named to the USL All-League First Team as well this past season as he finished tied for the team-high in both goals (9) and assists (5) alongside forward Brian Brown. The 26-year-old has made 53 appearances for the Independence over the past two seasons, and this year led the club to its first appearance in the USL Cup Playoffs.

“Enzo is the engine of this team. He’s so competitive,” said Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He was dynamic in every game and was a factor in every game. Not only was he our MVP, but he was nominated for League-MVP, which I think is a tremendous credit to him.”