After scoring the game winner on Sunday evening, Philadelphia Union II's Luciano Sanchez has been named the MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Matchday.
The Union academy forward entered in the 77th minute minute against rivals New York Red Bulls II and saw the visitors equalize from the penalty spot three minutes later. The equalizer didn’t hold up for long, though. The Boys in Blue answered fast, scoring their second goal in the 84th minute. Midfielder CJ Olney drew two defenders to the right of the box, allowing forward Luciano Sanchez to sprint toward the goal without an obstacle. Olney sent a beautiful ball toward his teammate, who tapped it past Marcucci for his fourth goal this season.
The accolades continue to pile up for Sanchez as he was chosen the league's Rising Star of the Month for June after scoring a pair goals. The 18-year-old who is committed the playing at Rutgers University currently sits third on the club in goals scored with Union forward Chris Donovan.
The 18-year-old recently graduated from YSC Academy, where he’s spent time on the Union’s U-17 Academy team since joining in 2022. Sanchez was part of a squad that claimed the 2022 MLS NEXT Cup, etching it's name in the Union history books.
Sanchez and Union II are back in action looking to continue their unbeaten streak when they face off against defending MLS NEXT Pro Champions Columbus Crew 2 on Monday, July 24th. Don't miss the action with coverage starting at 7PM ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
