Panama international Cristian Martinez (pictured) was loaned from Chorrillo FC to Columbus Crew SC on May 16, 2016. (Photo courtesy of Columbus Crew SC)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Columbus Crew SC announced Tuesday the acquisition of Panama international Cristian Martinez on a loan for the remainder of the 2016 Major League Soccer season.

The 19-year-old midfielder joins from Panamanian first-division side Chorrillo FC.

“Cristian is a young, talented player with a bright future, and we're pleased that we were able to complete this deal after having him in training with us over the course of the last few weeks,” said sporting director and head coach Gregg Berhalter. “We're excited to work with him and do our best to help him realize his potential as a professional.”

After starting with Chorrillo's under-9 squad, Martinez moved up the ladder, making his first-team debut four years ago. He played 45 minutes for Crew SC in a 1-0 friendly win over Mexico’s Veracruz on May 11.

Martinez earned the first of his two caps for Panama as a substitute in a 1-0 victory on February 18, 2016, against El Salvador.