The arrival of Alonso Martínez in August of 2023 was a transfer that flew under the radar of most New York City FC fans, and for good reason. After recording eight goals and nine assists in 36 matches for Belgian second-division side Lommel SK, the Costa Rican international was brought in on a free transfer to provide some depth amid a rebuilding year for NYCFC. But after three less-than-impactful appearances for the Boys in Blue, questions remained about what role, if any, Martínez would have in 2024.
Fast forward to one year in the future, and it's safe to say that Martínez's role in the squad evolved far beyond what even the most optimistic fans might have expected, single-handled carrying the offense at times as he led the Boys in Blue to an MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal.
Despite spending the majority of the season before the All-Star Break as a key bench asset for former Head Coach Nick Cushing and his staff, Martínez soon exploded, forcing his way into the Starting XI and putting on the most prolific goalscorer campaign fans of New York City have witnessed since Taty Castellanos notched 19 goals to earn the Golden Boot en route to an MLS Cup triumph in 2021.
Operating predominantly through the middle for New York City, Martínez managed 18 goals and four assists across 35 matches in all competitions. Leading New York City FC in scoring, Martínez's combined 22 goals and assists were the best in the squad and only equaled by Santi Rodríguez, who chipped in with an impressive 16 goals and six assists.
But it's in the MLS where Martínez's stats jump off the page. In just under 1,500 minutes in the league this season, Martínez managed 16 goals and three assists, good enough for the 5th most goals in the MLS, while sitting 59th among forwards in minutes played (1,499). This was also far beyond what the stats predicted for the Costa Rican, with Martínez eclipsing his MLS expected goals (xG) tally of 12.72 xG before the end of September.
Keep in mind, now, that many of these goals came during cameo appearances off the bench. Remember that 10-minute hat trick in the 5-1 win over San Jose?
⚽️ 85'
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 1, 2024
⚽️ 90'+2'
⚽️ 90'+5'
A laaaate hat trick from Alonso Martínez sealed the win for @newyorkcityfc! pic.twitter.com/soOqmLiDiK
And what about the stoppage-time winner vs Charlotte FC in April?
PURA VIDA IN THE BRONX 🇨🇷 pic.twitter.com/ACHgzS1rUB
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) April 28, 2024
Given Martínez's slow start to the season, the Costa Rican managed a goals per 90 ratio of 0.83, the third-best ratio in the MLS. The only two players ahead of him? Inter Miami's Luis Suarez (0.86) and Lionel Messi (1.08). Nothing special about those guys whatsoever.
It's also worth noting that, in addition to breaking the record for the fastest hat trick in New York City FC history vs San Jose, Martínez also broke the record for the fastest goal scored in club history vs Columbus in August, scoring after just 12 seconds.
THE FASTEST GOAL IN CLUB HISTORY.
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) August 17, 2024
WHO ELSE BUT ALONSO MARTINEZ 🇨🇷 pic.twitter.com/9kfGCwq9hx
In a season where so little was expected of him, it was remarkable to the production Martínez put forth, after joining the club as a little-known right winger a year ago. New York City fans waited anxiously for the club to fill the void left by the Castellanos departure in 2022. Whether it was Santi, Richy Ledezma, Talles Magno, or Mounsef Bakrar, Cushing & Co were never able to find the piece to complete the puzzle.
That search may be over.
Though the attack surrounding Martínez still leaves a bit to be desired in terms of creativity, whatever coaching regime takes charge in 2025 should feel comfortable knowing that the Boys in Blue have a ready-made talisman on the roster, set to lead this attack core through more positive developments in 2025 and beyond.
