In an effort to develop one of its talented Homegrown players, FC Dallas on Tuesday loaned Mexican Under-20 national team goalkeeper Richard Sanchez to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL.
The 19-year-old Sanchez began training with the NASL side Tuesday in preparation for the fall season, which opens up Aug. 3.
“I believe that Richard needed to play,” said FC Dallas technical director Fernando Clavijo said in a statement. “After playing in the Under-20 World Cup with Mexico, he is at the stage where coming here and sitting on the bench is not going to help his development.”
According to Clavijo, there were "a couple teams" interested in acquiring Sanchez, but the Strikers made a commitment to give the young 'keeper playing time.
"Between the additional playing time and the guidance of goalkeeper coach Ricardo Lopes, this loan is going to help Richard continue to develop,” he said.
Sanchez recently returned from FIFA U-20 World Cup duty with Mexico, where he helped his country advance from the group stage before being eliminated by Spain in the Round of 16.
Signed as a Homegrown player on Feb. 18, 2011, Sanchez helped Mexico win the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, defeating Uruguay, 2-0, in front of 105,000 people in Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. He logged 360 minutes with the FC Dallas Reserves in 2012. He finished the season with a 2-1-1 record and a 1.50 goals-against average.
