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.
