Hartford Athletic have signed goalkeeper Richard Sánchez ahead of the 2023 season, pending league and federation approval. Sanchez is the first goalkeeper on Hartford’s 2023 roster.
“I am excited to join Hartford Athletic and I look forward to working with Coach Ramos, Coach Gaspar and the entire technical staff,” said Sánchez. “Their interest and strong belief in me has motivated me to give my very best effort. I’m eager to meet the fans and do great things with Hartford Athletic this season!”
Sanchez, 28, comes to Hartford after spending the 2022 season with MLS side LA Galaxy. Over a nine-year career, he’s totaled 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. Sánchez also had two stints in the USL playing with Sporting Kansas City II of the Championship and North Texas SC of USL League One.
“We are excited to add Richard to our team,” said 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 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 NASL 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 Liga MX, where he stayed for three seasons (2014-17), before signing with the Chicago Fire.
Hartford Athletic has signed the following players for the 2023 season:
Forwards: Antoine Hoppenot, Jeciel Cedeño, Kyle Edwards, Prince Saydee
Midfielders: Andre Lewis, Conor McGlynn, Danny Barrera, Kembo Kibato
Defenders: Ash Apollon, Niall Logue, Robin Lapert, Triston Hodge, Tulu,
Goalkeepers: Richard Sanchez
More player announcements, as well as the 2023 schedule, will be announced in the coming weeks.
