Northwestern University Athletics
J.D. Martin Inks Deal With Major League Soccer
4/29/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
April 29, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - It's official: J.D. Martin (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) has become the first Northwestern men's soccer player to join Major League Soccer, signing a one-year player development contract with an option to renew in December. He is one of two players to sign such a contract, allowing him to train with the Chicago Fire as he awaits a roster spot in the MLS.
"I wasn't planning on a pro soccer career, but I am honored to be selected as one of the two goalkeepers to join," said Martin, who is finishing his master's degree in communication studies. "It'll be a comfortable environment for me because I know some of the guys on the team, and I know I'll learn a lot because they're professionals."
Martin will begin training with the Chicago Fire on Wednesday.
"Some people felt it was a risk for J.D. to come to this program," said NU head coach Tim Lenahan. "But he walked away with the school record for shutouts in a single season, a master's degree and an MLS contract. It really validates his decision to come to NU. He's the first NU player to sign with the MLS, but he won't be the last."
MLS functions by signing players to the league, rather than to individual teams. As a reserve player, Martin will not be on a roster, but can be allocated to any team in the league if a spot opens up.
Martin racked up seven shutouts in his only season at NU, the best individual single-season total in school history. A senior transfer from Rutgers, Martin led the Wildcats to seven more wins than the previous year, as the team finished with an 8-12 record. He also posted a 1.27 goals-against average, a .786 save percentage and 88 saves.
"It was the best year I had in my career," Martin said. "As far as I'm concerned, I played with 20 MLS prospects. We had a great group of guys and a great coaching staff that taught me a lot."
After his one year at NU, Martin is fifth on the career shutout list. He started all 20 games in 2002, playing all but 103:25.
