Charlotte, Madison, Texoma Add to Rosters Ahead of Week 19 Action
Nata Martinez joins Charlotte, Temi Ereku loaned to Madison, Brayan Padilla re-joins Texoma
Both Charlotte Independence and Texoma FC announced mid-season roster additions late this week, as teams head into the second half.
Nata Martinez joins Charlotte on a 25-day contract, the club announced yesterday. The 23 year old midfielder was a trialist with the club, and signs his first professional deal. Previously, he was a member of North Carolina FC’s academy, and earned a first team call-up in 2021, but did not make any appearances.
Per the club, Martinez competed in this Summer’s TST with Newtown Pride FC, helping the club reach the quarterfinals.
He’s expected to provide a much-needed depth option, with Charlotte scheduled for six matches over the next three weeks. The club also announced the signing of USL veteran Tumi Moshobane earlier this week for the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, Forward Madison announced the loan signing of midfielder Temi Ereku from Birmingham Legion for the remainder of the season. The 21 year old defensive midfielder joined the USL Championship side ahead of the 2025 season, but has seen limited minutes.
Ereku is expected to boost both the midfield and back line, according to Madison Head Coach Matt Glaaser. He is the second player to be loaned from Birmingham to Madison this season, joining forward Lucca Dourado who joined in May.
Finally, Texoma FC signed forward Brayan Padilla for the remainder of the season. The 25 year old returns to the club after signing a 25 day contract earlier in the season. During that time, Padilla contributed a goal and an assist in four appearances.
He caught the attention of the club while playing for amateur side Foro FC, where he scored a brace in an upset of Texoma FC in March. He went on to score another in a 3-2 loss to South Georgia Tormenta before joining Texoma on April 11th.
Padilla will provide much needed support with the expected absence of forward Maciej Bortniczuk for the remainder of the season. Bortniczuk announced yesterday that he suffered what is likely a season ending injury in the 28th minute of Texoma’s 2-0 win over Forward Madison last weekend. The 23 year old had been a massive part of Texoma’s recent success, contributing a goal and two assists in the last seven matches.
Charlotte will host Union Omaha tomorrow at 7:00 PM ET at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews, while Madison hosts Greenville Triumph at 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT). Texoma hosts Portland Hearts of Pine at Sherman Bearcat Stadium at 8:30 PM ET (7:30 PM CT).
Heartbreaking about Bortniczuk --was it an ACL tear?
OTOH, that is a great story about Padilla signing with the pro side that he abused as an amateur. That is why we need grassroots soccer to rise in as many places as possible in this country.....