With only tow matches left at the U16 level to decide who will be heading to Generation adidas Cup, pressure is at an all time high. Sockers Fc have already beaten the likes of Barca Residency and they beat Wake Fc in penalties. Meanwhile TFA has been battling it out since their round of 32 penalty shootout victory. On the other side of the bracket to teams from New Jersey will battle it out for the other spot in the final. Cedar Stars Bergen has already taken down TSF Academy 3-0 this season, so we will see if revenge is on the table.

In a youth soccer landscape overflowing with potential, few defenders in the 2011 class display the complete profile that Antonio Martinez brings to the field. Powerful, poised, and remarkably intelligent in his defensive approach, Martinez has quietly built one of the strongest résumés in his age group—yet he remains one of the most overlooked center backs in the country.

At 6'3" and physically commanding, Martinez dominates aerial duels and covers ground with the ease of a seasoned professional. His timing in tackles, composure in distribution, and ability to read attacking patterns separate him from nearly every peer in his class. Coaches often highlight his leadership, noting how he "organizes the back line with confidence uncommon for a player his age."

Before earning international recognition, Martinez was a highly regarded academy defender, showing early promise in one of the most competitive environments in American youth soccer. However, a stretch of injuries during crucial development periods limited his opportunities for consistent minutes. Those setbacks may have slowed his exposure—but they never slowed his growth. If anything, they shaped the maturity, discipline, and grit he now carries onto the pitch every weekend.

His rebound has been exceptional. Martinez was a full-time starter for both the Puerto Rico U14 and U.S. Virgin Islands U15 national teams, competing head-to-head with top talents across international tournaments. He also earned an invitation from the Dream Academy out of England, where he played against Premier League opposition including Wolverhampton and Leicester City—another testament to his ability to rise to any level of competition.

Now, as he prepares to compete at MLS Fest, Martinez enters the event as a player scouts and coaches should keep a close eye on. His blend of size, skill, and international experience makes him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the 2011 class.