Philadelphia Union II forward Luciano Sanchez was named MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Month, the league announced on Friday. Sanchez earns the honor following a string of impressive performances in the team’s latest slate, scoring three goals over Union II’s past six games.
In 13 matches with three starts so far in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season, Sanchez is quickly finding his footing, making an impact on Philly's squad.
His past month's performance was highlighted by a game-sealing goal against rival New York City FC II on Sunday July 2nd. Sanchez entered the team’s match off the bench in the second half -- within his short 26 minutes of play, he received a pass from Boubacar Diallo and darted down the field, putting the game away with a 84th minute goal.
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 is committed to playing Division I college soccer close by at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Sanchez and Union II are set to take on Toronto FC 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.
