PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Rhode Island FC announced on Friday it had signed defender Aldair Sanchez ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Sanchez joins RIFC having spent the past two seasons with Sacramento Republic FC, where he made 68 appearances across all competitions. The 22-year-old wingback recorded three goals and one assist in 3,467 minutes of action while notching 35 chances created.

“Aldair will provide us with much added quality in the wide areas of the field” said Rhode Island FC Head Coach and General Manager Khano Smith. “Over the past two years he has gained valuable USL Championship experience, which is rare for a player at his age.”

A native of Vancouver, Wash., Sanchez turned pro with Republic FC after competing for two seasons at the University of North Carolina, recording 769 minutes in 30 appearances for the Tar Heels. He helped North Carolina reach the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament in 2021, before signing for Sacramento and playing his first full professional season in 2023.

Prior to his college career, the 22-year-old was part of the Portland Timbers Academy, and made a pair of appearances for Portland Timbers 2 in the USL Championship as a USL Academy signing.