Sanchez brings experience, spark to battle for playoffs
Chaos erupted all around him, but Vicente Sanchez remained calm.
There is not much Sanchez has not seen since beginning his professional soccer career nearly two decades ago.
So, on Saturday afternoon, when the 37-year-old Dynamo midfielder saw a team- mate fouled near the top of the penalty area, he knew he did not have to wait for the defense to organize before going for the goal.
Sanchez looked up and made eye contact with forward Mauro Manotas. He reached down to touch the ball and then played Manotas into the box.
Manotas followed with a shot past the goalkeeper for a tying goal that helped the Dynamo earn a share of the points against New York City FC.
“You have to be alert,” Sanchez said. “If a teammate gives you a look, you have to know how to react. In this case, I looked at him and he looked at me. We
both understood each other perfectly.”
Igniting the offense
That a heads-up play helped the Dynamo (1010-9) break out of a scoring drought and may give them the boost they need for a strong run in their final five games is not a surprise to coach Wilmer Cabrera.
He said the final part of the regular season is why the Dynamo lured the former Toluca star away from his Uruguayan home. Cabrera wants Sanchez’s experience to shine now that the Dynamo are in a tough spot.
Their stretch run continues Wednesday night when they play host to the LA Galaxy (7-17-6) at BBVA Compass Stadium.
“This is the moment that when we planned the idea was to have Vicente for the toughest part,” Cabrera said. “Before the playoffs is where he can help us with his talent, his ideas and his quality because he has dealt with this already and he can make the difference for us.”
Providing flexibility
Sanchez has played as a winger in most of his appearances this year. On Saturday, he played central attacking midfield. That is especially noteworthy because Alex and Tomas Martinez — the two players who have played that position all season — were deployed out of position as wingers.
Always one to hide tactical information in the days leading up to a game, Cabrera said Monday night he feels comfortable with Sanchez in that attacking midfield role or at any of the three forward spots.
Saturday’s start was the second for Sanchez in 29 league games, but he appears set to become a regular starter down the stretch. The Dynamo could use his experience as they are on the outside of playoff position looking in for a second consecutive week.
“He is in very good shape,” Cabrera said. “His momentum is very good, and now this is Vicente’s time. … Right now is when we need him the most. ”