Philadelphia Union II’s Luciano Sanchez has earned the Matchday 15 MLS NEXT Rising star honor thanks to his game-clinching goal against NYCFC II last Sunday.
Sanchez was subbed in during the second half of the game and wasted no time in leaving his mark on the field. Within just 26 minutes of play, the 18-year-old forward made an instant impact off the bench.
During a counter attack in the 84th minute, Union II midfielder Boubacar Diallo delivered a leading pass to Sanchez. The young forward drove the ball into the box, maneuvered around his defender and struck the ball past the NYCFC II keeper, securing the win for Union II.
Following their victory on Matchday 15, Union II now sits in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings with 23 points.
Since joining the Union II academy in 2022, Sanchez has played nine matches with the Union U17s, scoring four goals.
In the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season, he has appeared in thirteen matches, starting three of them. With over 350 minutes of play, Sanchez has made a significant impact, scoring three goals and providing one assist.
Sanchez and Union II will face off against TFC II at York Lions Stadium on Wednesday, July 12th. You can catch all the MLS NEXT Pro action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
