Manolo Sanchez

Emanuel "Manolo" Sánchez (born November 10, 1991) is a Puerto Rican retired professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Early career

Sanchez spent two years at the University of Louisville between 2010 and 2012, including a red-shirted year in 2010. He transferred to Clemson Tigers in January 2012. While at college, Sanchez appeared for USL PDL club Reading United AC during their 2013 and 2014 seasons.

New York Red Bulls

Sanchez was selected with the 79th overall pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by New York Red Bulls. On February 21, 2015 Sanchez scored his first goal for New York in a 1-0 pre-season victory over Oklahoma City Energy FC. He officially joined the club on March 3, 2015.

Sanchez made his professional debut on March 28, 2015, featuring for New York Red Bulls II during a 0-0 draw against Rochester Rhinos. On May 3, 2015 Sanchez scored his first goal as a professional for New York Red Bulls II in a 3-2 victory over Pittsburgh Riverhounds.His performance against Pittsburgh earned Sanchez USL Team of the Week honors. On August 29, 2015 Sanchez opened the scoring for NYRBII in a 2-0 victory over Wilmington Hammerheads FC. On September 5, 2015 Sanchez scored the opening goal of the match for New York in a 3-2 victory over Louisville City FC. On September 26, 2015 Sanchez opened the scoring for New York Red Bulls II in a 4-2 extra time victory over Pittsburgh Riverhounds which advanced New York in the 2015 USL Playoffs.

San Antonio FC

Sanchez signed with United Soccer League side San Antonio FC on February 25, 2016. On May 7, Sanchez scored his first goal with the club in a 2-3 defeat to Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.

Harrisburg City Islanders

On March 21, 2017, Sánchez was announced as the new player for USL side Harrisburg City Islanders. He scored his first goal with Harrisburg on April 5, 2017 against his former team New York Red Bulls II.

South Georgia Tormenta FC

Sanchez was announced as a signing for then-PDL side South Georgia Tormenta on May 8, 2018. After appearances in the U.S. Open Cup and three regular season matches, Sanchez suffered a lower leg injury that kept him out for the remainder of the year.

On January 25, 2019, Sanchez announced his retirement from professional football.

Manolo Sánchez began training with the Puerto Rico national football team in December 2015, and played an exhibition match against New York City FC on December 11, 2015. On May 22, 2016, Sánchez made his first official appearance for Puerto Rico, starting in a friendly match against the United States. Following that match, Sánchez was called up for the 2017 Caribbean Cup Qualification where he started both matches of the second round where Puerto Rico faced Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda. On September 3, 2016, Sánchez scored his first goal for Puerto Rico with a penalty kick in a friendly match against India in a 4–1 defeat.

As of 7 May 2016