skip navigation

Hartford brings aboard goalkeeper Richard Sanchez

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 01/03/23, 11:50AM EST

Share

Former Chicago Fire FC goalkeeper joins club after season on loan with LA Galaxy II


Hartford Athletic has signed goalkeeper Richard Sanchez, who made 13 appearances in the Championship a season ago on loan with the LA Galaxy II. | Photo courtesy Isaiah J. Downing / Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford Athletic announced on Tuesday the club had signed goalkeeper Richard Sánchez ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season, becoming the first goalkeeper on Hartford’s 2023 roster. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

“Joining Hartford Athletic is a very exciting opportunity for me,” said Sánchez. “I am so excited to get to work with Coach Ramos, Coach Gaspar, and the entire technical staff. They have shown great belief in me throughout this process, and I know I can continue to grow under their instruction. I cannot wait to be in Hartford soon to meet all the staff and fans and get our season started.”

Sanchez comes to Hartford after spending the 2022 season with Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy, during which time he made 13 appearances for the Galaxy II in the USL Championship. Over a nine-year career, the 28-year-old has made 29 appearances and 2,491 minutes in the top tier of American soccer. His best season came in 2018 with the Chicago Fire, where he started 24 games, made 81 saves, and recorded three clean sheets.

Prior to competing on loan with Los Dos this past campaign, Sánchez also saw action in the Championship for Sporting Kansas City II in 2020 and North Texas SC of USL League One in 2021.

“We are excited to add Richard to our team,” said Hartford Head Coach Tab Ramos. “He is a proven winner at the international stage representing Mexico and has been the type of person and leader for the backline that we have needed. We believe that he will be one of the top goalkeepers in the league”

At the international level, Sanchez was the starting goalkeeper for Mexico when they won the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup title in Mexico. Additionally, Sanchez was Mexico’s starting keeper at the 2013 U-20 World Cup in Turkey, helping his side reach the Round of 16.

“Richard is a veteran, who will challenge to be our first team keeper,” said Hartford Technical Director Ray Reid. “On top of Richard’s experience, he brings great skill and quality. He will be a great voice for our younger players to learn from and will set the standard for goalkeeping at Hartford Athletic.”

The Mission Hills, California native has had a well-traveled career around North America. Sánchez signed with FC Dallas after emerging from the club’s academy system in 2011. He was sent on loan to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers during the 2013 season, where he made 14 starts and recorded three clean sheets. After four seasons with Dallas (2011-14), the Mexican keeper moved to Tigres UANL in LigaMX, where he stayed for three seasons (2014-17), before signing with the Fire.

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos