Thanks to another game-clinching goal this past Sunday, Philadelphia Union II's Luciano Sanchez has earned the MLS NEXT Rising Star honor for Matchday 17.
The young forward has gained a reputation as a late-game goal specialist, and he wasted no time proving himself once again last Sunday.
In the 77th minute of the match between Union II and New York Red Bulls II, Sanchez stepped onto the field, replacing his teammate Chris Donovan.
With the score tied at one goal apiece, Sanchez made his mark in the 84th minute when a well-executed long ball was played to Chris Olney Jr., who brought down the ball and eluded two New York Red Bulls II defenders. This action allowed Sanchez to make a darting run to the box, receive a pass from Olney Jr. and score the game-winning goal.
Sanchez's strike propelled Union II to their seventh victory of the season and extended their unbeaten streak to four games. Notably, three of Sanchez's four goals this campaign have come when he was brought on as a substitute.
This is not the first time Luciano Sanchez has earned the MLS NEXT Rising Star honor. He previously received the accolade on Matchday 15 after scoring another decisive goal against NYCFC II.
Philadelphia Union II will look to extend their unbeaten run when they face off against Columbus Crew 2 during Matchday 18 action. The game will take place on July 24th at 7pm ET at Historic Crew Stadium.
You can catch all the MLS NEXT Pro action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
