Ricardo Sanchez Signs with Vancouver Whitecaps
The Vancouver Whitecaps have announced the signing of former Minnesota Thunder star Ricardo Sanchez, who has been a crowd favorite at Minnesota for the last 2 seasons. It also signals the first of the Thunder players to leave the team for greener pastures. The Thunder released all players from their contracts several weeks ago after not being able to make the team’s payroll.
Sanchez was also known to Thunder supporters as El Perro Loco, a name he acquired after a goal celebration when he was with the California Victory and beat the Thunder in a tense US Open Cup win. Sanchez ran over to the supporters group, dropped to all fours and lifted a leg like simulating a dog marking his spot. He received a second yellow card with an ejection for the incident and it took the team’s staff and 2 police officers to remove him from the field.
That incident stuck with the Thunder supporters and also perplexed them the following spring when the team acquired the dead-ball specialist. But Sanchez quickly stole the hearts of Minnesota soccer fans with his play on the field and his personality off the field. Sanchez was an extremely kind and friendly personality in the Twin Cities and always had a big smile for everyone. Shortly after acquiring the Guadalajara, Mexico native, former Thunder coach Amos Magee once was heard saying, “You’re not going to believe this, but he’s about the nicest guy you will ever want to meet.”
Sanchez may be one of the best free-kick takers in North America, including MLS and the Mexican Primera. He took most of the corner kicks for the team but it was his fierce and deadly set pieces that where often lethal for opponents and always feared. It was those dead-ball situations that often would excite the Thunder supporters and drive them to their feet to chant “El Perro Loco”.
In 2008, Sanchez was named to the USL-1 All-League Second Team after scoring 10 goals and recording four assists with 22 points in 28 regular season appearances for 2,161 minutes of action. In 2009 he made the USL-1 All-League First Team. The midfielder ends his 2 seasons with the Thunder with 17 goals. In 2009 he had 24 points with 7 goals and 8 assists.
In his three seasons in USL-1, Sanchez started all but one of his 80 total appearances for 6,368 minutes of action. He scored 17 goals and recorded 15 assists for 49 points during that time.
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I am going to miss Sanchez. I think he is a good player–but sometimes seemed to lack motivation. I hope that he can continue to improve his game. (I always appreciated that he would sign autographs for my kids and take pictures with the kids. Good guy.)
Nice eulogy, Brian. Sad to see the guy go, but I think it’s a good move for him.
Glad we got to see that dog pissing celebration once and cheer it, but–mark my words, Rico–if I ever see it again I’m throwing my beer at you.
We were glad to see Ricardo make a difference for Minnesota during his stay there. As the coach at the California Victory who brought him to the USL, I’m very happy to see him take the next step to allow him the opportunity to play at the MLS level someday. If that were to come to pass, both franchises and fans at CalVics and Minnesota will take pride in being a part of his success. Go #13, RichiRich, El Perro Loco!! Stay focused!
Thanks Glenn,
I very much appreciate you leaving your comments here.
Do you hear of any word of any teams in CA wanting to join the TOA. I know there was talk for a while last year concerning a USL-2 league for the west cost. That could be down the drain at this point or perhaps more relevant than ever before?