At 37, Vicente Sanchez has dual purpose with Dynamo

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Despite all the miles and slide tackles his legs have suffered during nearly a two-decade career, Vicente Sanchez still finds the energy to spring out of bed every day and head to training.

This season, Sanchez will come to Dynamo practice, but after only a few minutes chatting with the 37-year old former Uruguay international it is crystal clear that he would be on a pitch somewhere - anywhere – in the world.

"I just love playing," Sanchez said through a translator. "After my family, soccer is the next big thing for me."

When the Dynamo signed Sanchez it caused some followers to wonder what the Dynamo were doing bringing in a forward who likely will not be starting any league matches. Coach Wilmer Cabrera, however, has a specific plan for Sanchez.

It is why when presented with the opportunity he told Dynamo front office staff, "I have to have him."

"He can give us something we don't have with our young forwards," said Cabrera, who worked with Sanchez with the Colorado Rapids. "He can guide our young forwards to do the right things. When he has the possibility to be on the field he has totally different skills that we need, that we don't have. He can make things happen for us."

Sanchez has played all over the world, including a two-year stint with Schalke in the German Bundesliga. He really made a name for himself in Mexico with Toluca from 2001-2007, during which he scored 85 goals in 242 appearances, and with America from 2010-2012.

Houston Dynamo's Vicente Sanchez on the first day of practice Jan. 25, 2017, at Houston Sports Park. Houston Dynamo's Vicente Sanchez on the first day of practice Jan. 25, 2017, at Houston Sports Park. Photo: Wilf Thorne/Wilf Thorne/Houston Dynamo Photo: Wilf Thorne/Wilf Thorne/Houston Dynamo Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close At 37, Vicente Sanchez has dual purpose with Dynamo 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

Though Cabrera does not expect Sanchez to be a regular in the Dynamo starting XI, he believes Sanchez still has plenty of the skill from his prime with which to make a difference as a second half substitute.

Sanchez used some of those skills in three seasons with the Rapids, scoring 11 goals in 55 appearances. His last two goals came against the Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium.

"He was able to change the game in Colorado," Cabrera said. "Even when he finished playing in 2015 he was the MVP of the team. That says it all. He was 35 years old and he was the MVP. That tells you what kind of possibilities he has."

With his long track record of success, Sanchez likely will have non-playing possibilities when he retires. He said he will work in soccer in some capacity, but on Tuesday, he said he has not considered that yet.

For now, he is one of four 37-year-old field players in MLS, joining Javier Morales, Andrea Pirlo and Patrice Bernier.

"The love has to be there," Sanchez said. "I have to want to get up every day for training and want to be out there with the guys every day. When that desire is gone is when I know I have to hang it up. You are aware that your body has its limits, but I haven't actually sat down and thought about when I might retire."