COMMERCE CITY — Ever since he got here last year, Rapids coach Oscar Pareja has preached about his desire for a team that not only wins but wins in an entertaining manner. Newcomer Vicente Sanchez gave Rapids fans a vivid demonstration last week, dazzling with flair and creativity in a crucial 2-1 victory over rival FC Dallas.

Sanchez scored an equalizing goal with a sharp volley to the far post from a couple of paces outside the 6-yard box after the Rapids fell behind 1-0.

Later he created a game-winner that officially went down as an own goal for Dallas. Sanchez’s cross deflected off the foot of defender Matt Hedges and into the goal, but if Hedges hadn’t gotten in the way, onrushing Rapids forward Gabriel Torres almost certainly would have put it in the back of the net. Either way, the play was all Sanchez, who embarrassed Dallas defender George John with his footwork before feeding the ball into the 6-yard box.

Sanchez not only is willing to take on a defender, he will take on two, mesmerizing them with his technique.

“It’s my way of playing,” said Sanchez, a veteran of Mexico’s first division (Toluca and Club America) whom the Rapids acquired Aug. 6. “I always try to be entertaining but always professionally. For as serious as these games are, one can’t forget that we’re in entertainment. This is an entertaining sport. You have to take this seriously and wait for your spots when you can do these kind of things.”

His play Saturday was exactly what the Rapids hoped to get from him. He was the difference in the game, and he was fun to watch.

“He had a wonderful night, especially because he sparked the team in a moment we needed it,” Pareja said. “Every time he got the ball, the people got excited because he is bringing that difference in the game. The players as well, they appreciate it because they get confidence to do it. It is for sure a big part of the project we have here, to have an entertaining soccer.”

Captain Drew Moor likes the way Sanchez commands the ball, even in tight spaces, and the sneaky way he has of taking the ball away from opponents. Sanchez has brought a jolt of energy to the team’s stretch run.

“He’s always making himself available, always getting into dangerous spots, always has the confidence to take people on, 1-v-1 or sometimes 1-v-2,” Moor said. “At this point in the season, that injection of energy and enthusiasm to will the team forward is huge.”

John Meyer: 303-954-1616, jmeyer@denverpost.com or twitter.com/jmeyer26