Wilmer Cabrera will be counting on a familiar face to help lead his young Houston Dynamo attacking corps in 2017.
The Dynamo announced on Tuesday that they have signed veteran forward Vicente Sanchez, who reunites with Cabrera after the two spent the 2013 campaign together as members of the Colorado Rapids squad and coaching staff, respectively. Sanchez, 37, was most recently with Defensor Sporting in his native Uruguay, but previously spent three years with the Rapids from 2013-15.
“By signing Vicente, we bring a player that offers a lot of experience to a very young group of attacking players both on-and-off the field," said Cabrera in a statement released by the club. "He has played in South America, Mexico, Europe and offers our younger players many life lessons from his time abroad. He has been very successful and will expect the best from everyone at training, he knows how to win.
"The players have received him with open arms – they respect him, look up to him and when he plays he is capable of impacting any game with his vision and passing.”
The striker, who will not occupy an international roster slot because he is a naturalized US citizen, has enjoyed a 17-year career that has seen him play in the US, Uruguay, Mexico and Germany. Sanchez's previous stint in MLS saw him score 11 goals and deliver nine assists in 55 regular-season appearances.
He will be expected to help lead a young attacking group of players that has six players under the age of 26, including Alberth Elis (20), Romell Quioto (25) and Mauro Manotas (21).
“Vicente is a true professional both on and off the field,” said Dynamo vice president and general manager Matt Jordan in the same statement. “His veteran leadership, experience and quality as a player will be a very positive addition to our club as we prepare for the 2017 season.”
