“What he did on the field…we weren’t surprised,” Briggs went on. “We’re really happy with what Aldair has shown since he signed his contract. He continues to push and I’m just surprised he was a free agent and we were able to get him signed up.”
Briggs has made it clear that just like last year, the club has a plan to manage the demands of USL and Open Cup play. And while the squad’s arguably deeper this season than last, the fact remains that there should be plenty of opportunities for young Sanchez to get minutes because he’s proven he’s up to the task.
That could well mean another opportunity for him on Tuesday May 9th (LIVE on the Bleacher Report App or B/R Football’s YouTube Channel) – when the Republic try to get the better of the Rapids at home at Heart Health Park. If they do so, it would be the fourth top-flight team they knock out of the Open Cup in the last two editions of the tournament.
More Minutes Likely
“[Sanchez] has put himself in a position where he can get minutes not only in the Cup, but also in USL league play,” said the English-born Briggs. “My staff and I completely trust him and so we’re comfortable putting him in whatever game. We want to put a team on the field for the Open Cup that we feel can get us into the next round.”
Sanchez stands ready and is confident in his ability to contribute. And he understands what it takes.
“[For me] it’s about working hard and believing I can do it, but also it’s showing an end result,” said Sanchez. “Ultimately, I need to produce. How do I keep producing for us whether that’s in training, or as a sub…it’s finding a way to always get an end product every time I go in.”
Keep going, keep trying, and prove to people why you deserve to be on the field. Wise words from a father.
Whether Sanchez will play again in the next round remains to be seen, but some facts are undeniable. He’s in the rotation. He’s seizing his opportunity and he’s already made a big impact on Sacramento’s 2023 Cup Run.
Hodges is a contributor @opencup, @usopencup and @calstormsoccer. Formerly, he was the editor of Indomitable City Soccer. You can follow him on Twitter @william_hodges
