LANCASTER, Calif. - AV ALTA FC today announced the signing of veteran USL Championship defender Elijah Martin, pending league and federation approval. Joining Miguel Ibarra and Jimmie Villalobos, Martin is the third California native to join the expansion side.

The Fresno, Calif. native began his youth career with Cal Odyssey and the LA Galaxy before turning professional with the LA Galaxy II in the USL Championship in 2014. After a pair of seasons and 14 appearances in Carson, Martin returned to the pre-professional ranks, playing for the Tampa Bay Rowdies' NPSL affiliate in 2016 and Fresno FC's USL League Two affiliate in the 2017 and 2018 campaigns.

Starting in 2019, Martin returned to the USL Championship full-time. The defender spent the 2019 season with Fresno FC before joining San Diego Loyal SC for all four years of its existence between 2020 and 2023. In 2024, Martin joined fellow USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC but did not make an appearance. Across eight seasons in the USL Championship, Martin totaled 143 appearances and nine goal contributions.

Martin made a number of appearances for the United States U-17 Men's Youth National Team. The defender appeared in the 2013 Concacaf U-17 Championship for the United States.

"I'm honored to join AV ALTA FC and contribute to building something special in the Antelope Valley," said Martin. "This is a unique opportunity to represent a community and a team with a vision for success."

"Elijah Martin embodies the values and ambition of AV ALTA FC," said Nehemias Blanco, General Manager the club. "His experience at the highest levels of U.S. football and his deep connection to the region makes him the perfect addition to our growing roster. We are excited to add a tremendous amount of USL experience to the club."